The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Saturday
AUTUMN PALETTE
Alexandra Zagalsky Fashion and luxury editor and consultant
Black and dark grey take up almost three quarters of my wardrobe, as I’ve always considered them chic and understated. Never did I imagine these tones might be sapping warmth and glow from my complexion until Jules encouraged me to try chocolatey brown and khaki instead. The black fabric she held up to my skin definitely accentuated my dark circles and marionette lines, while the brown and green tones had an instant illuminating effect.
It’s not exactly like finding fashion’s answer to a fountain of youth, but I was swayed enough to shop from Jules’s colour chart: last week I bought a khaki suedette dress and two mocha knits from Zara. I changed my lip colour from bright berry to deep terracotta, and I think it’s made a difference. A friend even asked me if I’d been on holiday without my kids, which is basically the gold standard of parent-to-parent praises, meaning I looked relaxed, put together, youthful and stylish. I hadn’t even brushed my hair!
Jules also recommended pumpkin and burnt orange, so I’m wearing a gorgeous cashmere knit from Joseph in a deep Cointreau shade. Although I love the tone and fit of the sweater, I’m wary of investing in this fiery autumnal hue as it’s so “statement”. Having said that, I wouldn’t say no to an Hermès stole in this classic house colour.
STANDISH SAYS
Alexandra’s eye and colour theory are a match. She has hazel brown eyes, with flecks of orange that marry with the genetics of her warm undertone. Her complexion tans to a deep golden colour and has a “metallic” sheen to it, and her hair colour is a rich brunette with copper highlights. The overall harmony in her appearance is enhanced by the rich, earthy and muted autumn palette, and in line with the eye science, all the warm shades of brown look particularly attractive on her, along with brick red and burnt orange. Alexandra’s other flattering colourful shades are khaki green, terracotta, pumpkin, mustard yellow and teal blue, along with cream and marine navy.