My Journey with Color Theory and Sustainability
Graphic by Lauren Cohn
In the kaleidoscopic world of social media, I couldn’t help but find myself captivated by the vibrant and harmonious blend of colors that appeared next to celebrities' faces on my Instagram and TikTok. It was through the visually stunning universe of K-pop that I first stumbled upon the enchanting realm of color theory. As I watched Jisoo Kim, known mononymously as Jisoo of the global K-pop group Blackpink, get her color analysis done on her YouTube channel, I was utterly confused. Were there colors that would really match my own skin tone better than others, or was it all subjective?
I was mesmerized by this ability to perfectly match colors to one’s skin tone. The allure of having an ideal set of colors for my skin caused me to delve deeper into the intersection of color theory and sustainability, a journey that has not only expanded my aesthetic appreciation but has also opened my eyes to the ecological implications of how we buy clothing.
During Jisoo’s YouTube video, a personal color analyst helped her select the ideal colors for her skin tone. Personal color analysis is a process where clients explore hundreds of fabric swatches draped against them to discover which colors make their skin light up and which highlight imperfections like dark circles. The process aims to help individuals find colors that emphasize their best features, informing their choice for any kind of shopping. While a session in the U.S. might cost around $545 at the House of Color in New York, this process can range from $80 to $160 in South Korea as featured in Jisoo’s YouTube video. While personal color analysis has been quite popular in South Korea for the past couple of years, it has gained traction in the U.S. through platforms such as TikTok, where clients document the process step-by-step for viewers.
Intrigued, I researched and found the Instagram page @curateyourstyle, where I could get my own color analysis. After sending in my photos with my bare face and waiting a few days, I received the results. There are two ways of understanding your analysis: through season and intensity. I received my season – autumn – and the intensity – soft. I couldn’t help but panic when I was told that white and black – my staple colors – did not suit my green eyes and neutral skin. However, I learned that I could switch out whites for creams and black for dark brown. As I tested out wearing my personal colors and dying my hair a tone recommended for me, I was immediately flooded with compliments such as “Your skin is glowing.”
Before and after the color analysis. Photos courtesy of Isa Grau
When I go shopping now, I consciously look for the colors within my palette and refer to my Pinterest board. While I might look at something on the rack and find it beautiful, I don’t necessarily take it with me because it might not best highlight my features. Rather than attempting to make the clothes match me, I now try to match myself to the clothes. I feel extremely intentional as I shop, looking for ways to make my beauty shine and knowing that what works on my skin might not work on another’s. I find this particularly apparent when contemplating buying a trendy piece of clothing I see on an influencer’s page. While she looks stunning in a little black dress, I know that the dress highlights her high-contrast features and would only drown me out.
In a world saturated with fashion influencers and fleeting trends, my journey into the captivating world of personal color analysis has been nothing short of enlightening. As I navigate through the maze of personal color analysis, I've come to realize that the true essence of style lies in embracing our unique identities rather than succumbing to the pressure of following the latest fads. I no longer view fashion as a one-size-fits-all approach. I've learned to consciously shop for the colors that complement my individuality. It's not about mirroring the styles of celebrities or influencers but rather about understanding what works for me. While black may not match my skin tone perfectly as I try to highlight my best features, it can work for me as a statement piece.
Our choices should reflect our personal palette, emphasizing our features and celebrating the distinctive beauty that sets us apart from others. In a world that often encourages conformity, I strive to shop less and consciously curate my style based on my authentic self. Timeless fashion is one that resonates with our unique identities and encourages us to celebrate our distinctiveness. Rather than conforming to trends of color or buying certain clothing articles, we must try to increase our items' longevity by curating pieces that make a unique wardrobe.