How to Dress Fashionably Better for Woman, Know Your Colors Part Three

KNOW YOUR COLORS
Another surefire way to play up your assets is to choose colors that complement your hair, eyes and skin tone. Again, we are fully aware that we earlier advised you to ignore the clichs, but it's our job to present you with as much info as possible. We're just being thorough.

I am a bit rebellious, so I've chosen to sack the traditional "seasonal" categories in favor of those put forth by style maven Doris Pooser in her book Secrets of Style. They are: Deep, Light, Bright, Muted, Warm and Cool.

Deep (Vivid coloring)
Hair: Dark-Black, dark brown, chestnut, auburn.
Eyes: Deep-Brown, brown-black, hazel, rich green, olive.
Skin: Beige, olive, bronze.
Recommended colors: Those that are medium to deep in range, like navy, deep brown, blue, purple, charcoal gray, emerald green, mahogany.

Light (Soft, delicate, fair coloring)
Hair: Light to dark blond, ash blond, golden blond.
Eyes: Blue, blue-green, green, aqua.
Skin: Light-Ivory to soft beige, pink, peach.
Recommended colors: Those that are medium to light and are neither too warm nor too cool, such as grayed-navy, blue-green, turquoise, cocoa, light to medium blue, coral pink, light to medium pink-orange.

Bright (Contrast in color of hair and skin tone)
Hair: Medium to dark-Ash brown to golden brown, black.
Eyes: Bright and clear-Blue, blue-green, turquoise, steel gray, light hazel.
Skin: Light-Ivory, porcelain, beige, translucent quality.
Recommended colors: Clear, primary colors like true red, true green, true blue. Also try aqua, violet, bright pink, periwinkle.

Muted (Neutral look)
Hair: Medium range-Medium ash brown to dark ash blond.
Eyes: Gray-green, hazel, brown-green, brown, dark green.
Skin: Ivory, beige, bronze, golden. Freckles and ruddiness common.
Recommended colors: Soft, blended shades that are neither too warm nor too cool, including rose-brown, blue-green, salmon, rust, watermelon, medium green, warm pink.

Warm (Total golden glow)
Hair: Medium range-Blond or brown with gold, red or strawberry highlights.
Eyes: Warm-Green, hazel, brown, topaz, blue-green, teal.
Skin: Golden-Beige, ivory, bronze. May have freckles.
Recommended colors: Those that reflect a golden tone, such as beige, peach, yellow, warm red, golden brown, camel, moss green.

Cool (Softer look)
Hair: Ash brown.
Eyes: Cool-Rose-brown, gray-brown, gray-blue.
Skin: Cool-Beige, rose-beige, pink.
Recommended colors: Those that reflect a gray or blue tone, such as plum, lavender, burgundy, pink, blue-green, slate.
Remember that certain colors-like black, white, gray, navy, true red and true green-are considered "universal," meaning they can be worn with flair by anybody. Also remember that playing around with color is fun, so don't feel tied down to a limited palette of hues. Similarly, if you find that you were not represented by any of the above categories, don't despair. Wear colors that you feel comfortable in, or ask friends what shades suit you best.

Acquire the classics

No matter what style you decide to embrace, it's a good idea to stock up on basic garments that can serve as a foundation to a variety of looks. You've heard of the ubiquitous Little Black Dress, right? Get one. When paired with the right pieces, that baby can get you through a wedding, a funeral, a job interview, a dinner party and a disastrous blind date - all in one day! Timeless separates like a nice pair of black pants, a white button-down shirt or an all-purpose gray cardigan will come in handy as well.

Mix it up

Not everyone can afford to shop at Barneys, which is why it's important to be resourceful in putting together your wardrobe. Pair a Kmart tank top with a slightly more upscale Eastern-inspired skirt. Scour thrift shops for retro work pants, kitschy T-shirts and vintage wool coats.

Highlight your interests with accessories

Although the last thing you want to do is pigeonhole yourself by adopting a single signature style (Hello, Sporty Spice), your look should say something about you and what you're into. If you play bass in a band, for instance, let your wild side shine through in your offstage life with sleek leather wrist cuffs or a cool, jewel-studded belt. If you're a bookish type, try a pair of funky, horn-rimmed glasses. Remember that fashion is a form of expression, so feel free to expose your personality.

Even the simplest outfit can turn chic with the help of accessories. Add a snakeskin bag, a cozy knit scarf or an interesting choker to an otherwise straightforward look. Be bold without going overboard, because reckless abandon is never a good idea.

The best accessory, however, (segue alert!) is self-confidence. If you think you look good, other people will too. In fact, we recommend practicing self-affirmations in a mirror so that you can get away with more adventurous fashion choices. Repeat after us: "I'm sexy, sassy and wise." Now blow that paycheck.