How to Wear Colours Outside Your Palette and Still Look Great

If you’ve ever looked into Personal Colour Analysis, you probably know how powerful it can be to discover which colours naturally suit your skin tone. But let me tell you something from experience — while the theory behind colour palettes is helpful, the real magic happens in front of the mirror, not on paper.

That’s why I don’t offer colour analysis as a separate service. I believe the best way to understand your ideal shades is during a personal shopping session, where you can see and feel the difference the right colours make. Trying on clothes in real time — under natural light, in fabrics and shapes that reflect your style — gives you a much clearer, more personal understanding of what works for you.

And here’s something else I believe: there are no forbidden colours.

If you love a bold shade that’s “technically” outside your palette — wear it! The key is knowing how to make that colour work for you, in a way that flatters your skin tone and makes you feel amazing.

In this post, I’ll share my favourite tips to help you wear any colour you love — even the ones that don’t belong to your supposed season — and still look radiant, stylish, and totally yourself.

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR COLOUR PALETTE

Before we dive into the magic of bending the colour rules, let’s take a quick refresher on what a Personal Colour Analysis actually does.

Your colour analysis is like a style compass — it helps you navigate the vast world of colour by identifying which tones harmonise with your natural colouring (think skin tone, hair colour, eye colour). Based on that, you’re assigned a Seasonal Colour Palette — Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter — and within that, you’ll find colours that make you look naturally radiant, rested and polished.

But here’s the thing — your palette isn’t a prison. It’s a guide. And just like with any guide, there’s room for interpretation, creativity, and personal expression.

WHY IT'S OK TO COLOUR OUTSIDE YOUR PALETTE

Let’s face it: fashion is personal. It’s about how you feel, not just how you look. If your heart skips a beat every time you see a royal purple dress, or you feel like your best self in navy (even though your palette says beige), don’t ignore that instinct.

Wearing colours outside your palette won’t ruin your look — not if you know how to balance them. With a few styling tricks, you can bring harmony back to your outfit while still wearing colours that aren’t technically “yours.”

1. KEEP THE COLOUR AWAY FROM YOUR FACE

One of the easiest ways to wear a not-so-flattering colour? Keep it off your face.

When a colour clashes with your natural undertones, it’s usually because it’s sitting right next to your skin — think tops, scarves, coats, or earrings. So if you’re craving a cool mint but you’re a warm-toned Autumn, try wearing that colour as trousers, skirts, or shoes instead. You still get the mood and feel of the colour without it washing you out.

Pro tip: Pair it with a top in one of your best colours, and suddenly, the whole outfit feels intentional and balanced.

2. USE ACCESSORIES TO ADD A BUFFER

Accessories are your secret weapon. Think statement earrings, necklaces, bold lipstick, or a flattering scarf — anything that sits between your face and a not-so-great colour.

If you’re dying to wear that black turtleneck, but it makes you look a bit tired (hello, Soft Summer ladies), layer it with a warm-toned necklace or a colourful scarf in your palette. That little pop of the right colour near your face makes all the difference.

This tip is gold when you’re dressing for work or special occasions — it brings harmony back to your outfit without compromising your personal style.

3. PLAY WITH MAKEUP

Makeup can completely shift how a colour looks on you.

Let’s say you’re a Warm Spring, and you’ve fallen in love with a deep berry dress — which technically belongs to the Winter palette. That might look harsh with your natural colouring, but a bit of bronzer, a warm blush, and the right lipstick can bring your look back to life.

Makeup allows you to tweak your undertones temporarily so you can experiment more freely with colour. Just be mindful to choose makeup shades that balance out the “off” tones in the clothes you’re wearing.

4. COMBINE IT WITH YOUR BEST COLOURS

This is one of my favourite tricks: take the colour you love and blend it into a mix of colours that flatter you.

For example, if you’re a Light Summer and you’ve got your eye on a warm orange skirt (definitely not in your palette), pair it with a top in your best light blue or soft pink, and maybe a cool-toned jacket. The stronger your “in-palette” colours are, the more forgiving your outfit will be.

It’s all about balance — when your best colours dominate the outfit, the out-of-palette colour becomes a supporting player instead of the star.

5. CHOOSE THE RIGHT FABRICS AND TEXTURES

Believe it or not, texture can change how a colour looks. A shiny satin in a wrong colour will reflect light right onto your face, making clashing undertones even more noticeable. But that same colour in a matte cotton or brushed wool? Much softer and more wearable.

When you’re working with colours outside your palette, opt for muted or matte fabrics — they’re way more forgiving and easier to style.

6. GO LIGHTER OR DARKER

Sometimes, the key to making a “bad” colour work is changing the intensity. Maybe fire-engine red overwhelms you, but a dusty rose or a deep burgundy feels just right. Colours come in endless variations — you don’t always have to wear a colour exactly as you see it.

Get creative with different shades, tints, and tones of the colour you love, and you might find a version that fits you beautifully.

7. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS

Here’s the final — and possibly most important — tip: trust yourself. Yes, colour analysis is a brilliant tool. But fashion is more than just rules — it’s self-expression, confidence, and joy. If you feel amazing in a colour, even if it’s “wrong,” that energy will show. There’s nothing more stylish than someone who owns their look.

Understanding your Seasonal Colour Palette is like having a styling superpower — it gives you clarity, saves you time shopping, and helps you look your best with ease. But it doesn’t mean you have to give up on the colours you love.

Instead, use what you’ve learned through Personal Colour Analysis to get creative. Learn how to make colour work for you by playing with positioning, pairing, accessories, and makeup. Let your palette guide you — but let your heart lead the way.

Because at the end of the day, the best colours for your skin tone are the ones that make you feel confident, radiant, and completely yourself.