Color Me Beautiful

This book categorizes skin tones by seasons. I usually don't believe in this sort of thing but I think this book nails it. I am a spring and have always loved many of the colors that are included in my season. The book includes printed color palettes for each season. I have kept the spring palette in my purse for over 25 years and still refer to it when shopping for clothes. If I give in and buy something outside of my season, it usually hangs in my closet unworn. ( )

This book explained why I hate gray and why I've always felt uncomfortable wearing it. I've found it to be a reliable wardrobe guide, and while shopping you can just ignore all the stuff on the racks that's just not going to suit you. The non-color guidance is fairly standard, and the illustrations are out of date. It really needs to be updated. ( )

If you already understand how colors work, you don't need this. In fact, you'll probably find the color palettes confining. I'm not sure it works all that well for people of color, either, although there are non-white models. It seems like people of color are pretty much limited to one or two of the four palettes. However, if you're light-skinned and clueless about color, this is a kind of "colors for dummies" book. Very useful, and has helped me immensely. ( )

This is a great book, if you can look past the seriously dated photographs. The original "color" system, and something I use in my everyday life. I definitely believe in using color to its best advantage. ( )