How to find the most flattering colour for you

The search for that perfect shade can be confusing. Here our experts test two key philosophies – colour theory and eye science – against each other

G ‘etting your colours done” has long been heralded as the secret to looking great. Indeed, countless women swear that the process has unlocked their confidence and given them a guide to shop and dress by, for ever. But a recent study suggested that a simpler process might work, too. Scientists at the University of St Andrews led experiments which concluded that clothes matching the shade of our eyes would always be the most flattering.

Clearly, it’s a somewhat limiting tactic, but could it be a fast track to choosing complexion-enhancing outfits?

“Over the past 20 years, I have analysed numerous people from all over the world, and many different skin tones and ethnicities,” says Jules Standish, consultant, author and head of colour at the London College of Style. “While I agree that eye colour can have an instant impact when wearing certain colours, I do believe that the overall appearance must be taken into consideration to create the most flattering and harmonious effect for every individual.” The colour analysis methods offered by experts such as Standish take into account a nuanced variety of factors (such as skin tone, hair and personality), deploying swatchbooks with endless shade variations to come up with a “summer”, “autumn”, “winter” or “spring” palette prescription.

Working with Standish, we enlisted six women with varying complexions to try both the simple eye shade and colour analysis approaches, luring devotees of black clothes away from their favourite shade and convincing others to try daring but surprisingly uplifting tones of magenta, pumpkin and lime.

These were the results…