After your first color analysis consultation, you’ll have your own premier color swatch book. This helpful tool, also called a color swatch palette or color wheel, fits easily in a purse or pocket and helps you find your favorite colors in clothes, fabric, paint, and other things. At first, it might feel strange to use your swatch book, but after a bit of practice, you’ll be able to find your signature colors in everything from T-shirts to wallpaper to hair color.
Read on to learn how to use your swatch book to build a colorful, well-coordinated wardrobe.
Understand the Swatch Book
Your color swatch book is divided into sections. Each group of colors is put together; the lightest shades are usually closest to the pin, and the darkest colors are at the top of each page. This is important if you want to make a contrast that works with the tone of the season.
Match Colors to Your Book
“Match” should mean “the same” and not “close.” When held next to each other, the colors on fabric swatch books and the items should blend. You shouldn’t be able to see where one starts and the other ends.
When there is harmony, the fabric might look like it goes with more than one color in the book. The colors and material work together to make something that feels right and complete.
Even a tiny difference can stop the “magic” from matching colors. Most stores don’t have enough light, so it’s best to look at the match again in direct sunlight. Don’t be afraid to return the item if the color doesn’t match.