Five colour analysis myths you need to stop believing…

Have you ever looked at a gorgeous jumper in a shop, tried it on, and immediately felt like it completely washed you out?

I’ve been there myself. I am a Warm Autumn, and last year I bought a pastel pink jumper. I absolutely knew it didn't quite suit my natural warm tones, but I absolutely loved the design and wanted to make it work. Now, every time I wear that jumper, I have to adapt by wearing makeup and surrounding colours that aren't my best. But guess what? That is completely okay! I enjoy wearing it, and I am not going to stop just because it doesn't sit neatly inside my Autumn palette. There are no fashion laws here—you should always wear what makes you feel good.

There is a lot of information around about Colour Analysis right now, and unfortunately a lot of it makes people feel restricted.

As a colour analyst, I don't see my job as policing your wardrobe. My goal is to bust these myths so you can use your seasonal palette as an empowering tool, rather than a rigid set of rules.

Myth 1: "Colour analysis is just about telling you what you CAN’T wear."

The Reality: This is the biggest misconception of all! Colour analysis isn't about taking away your favourite clothes or telling you to throw out a beloved outfit. It is a tool that shows you how to wear any colour. Every single person can wear red, green, blue, or pink—it’s simply a matter of understanding the right shade, undertone, and intensity that complements your natural features, and knowing how to style the pieces that sit outside your palette.

Myth 2: "If you have blonde hair, you must be a Spring or a Summer."

The Reality: Your seasonal palette is determined by how light reflects off your skin, eyes, and natural hair root pigment combined—not just the hair on your head. You can absolutely be a blonde Autumn or a blonde Winter! Relying solely on hair colour to guess your season is why so many DIY online filters get it wrong.

Myth 3: "Your season changes when you get a tan or grow grey hair."

The Reality: Your underlying genetic skin chemistry and undertone (whether you are fundamentally cool or warm) never change. If you are a Winter, you are a Winter for life. While a deep summer tan might mean you lean into the brighter, higher-contrast side of your specific palette, it will never transform a warm Autumn into a cool Summer.

Myth 4: "Black is universally flattering on everyone."

The Reality: This is a hard pill to swallow, but black is actually one of the most overpowering colours in existence. It looks stunning on the high-contrast Winter palette, but on Springs, Summers, and Autumns, a solid black top can cast dark shadows under the eyes and wash out the jawline. If black isn't in your season, don't panic—replacing it with your palette's version of charcoal, deep navy, or rich chocolate brown  (bonus for us Autumns as brown is everywhere this season) will instantly make you look younger and more vibrant.

Myth 5: "You can easily figure out your season using a free online camera filter."

The Reality: Phone cameras use automatic white-balancing tech. This means your phone constantly manipulates the lighting and adjusts the screen colours to compensate for your surroundings, completely distorting your true skin undertones. The only way to get an accurate analysis is in a studio under neutral lighting conditions, using professional, calibrated fabric drapes.