
Shopping for clothes online comes with its fair share of challenges, from unpredictable sizing to the uncertainty of whether a particular color will suit you. While you might have a couple of trusted colors—those shades people have complimented you on—it’s worth noting that relying solely on others’ opinions isn’t always reliable, as tastes vary widely. Fortunately, there’s a solution: a free app and website designed to identify your perfect color palette. Here’s how it works.
A quick look at the evolution of color palette selection
Considering your skin tone, hair color, and eye color when choosing clothing and makeup isn’t a modern concept. It originated with color theory in the 1920s, gained popularity among Old Hollywood stylists, and became even more prominent in the 1960s and 1970s. (For a deeper dive, check out this Jezebel article.)
The concept of dressing according to a personalized color palette gained widespread popularity in 1980 with the release of Carole Jackson’s book Color Me Beautiful. Her method became a cultural phenomenon, expanding to include quizzes, videos, and even a multi-level marketing (MLM) business.
You might recall attending a Color Me Beautiful party at a friend’s house, where a consultant draped various fabrics over your shoulders to determine if you were a Summer, Winter, Spring, or Fall. This idea is the foundation of the Colorwise.me app and website, but without the complications of an MLM structure.
Using Colorwise.me: A Step-by-Step Guide
We discovered Colorwise.me through Recomendo’s newsletter, a treasure trove of useful tips. The service is accessible via their website or by downloading their app. Simply take a close-up selfie, upload it, and explore the suggested color palettes to avoid shades that make you appear dull or unwell.
Additionally, the app offers advanced features, such as scanning a favorite clothing item to identify its exact color, making it easier to find similar shades while shopping online.
