The theory of colour analysis stems from a colour arrangement scheme developed by the American artist Albert H Munsell in 1913. Munsell’s color system defines colour by three measured components: hue, value and chroma – all of which determine colours that are most flattering based on overall appearance , taking into account the colouring of eyes, hair and skin tone. In the 1980s, several colour analysis companies, including Colour Me Beautiful and House of Colour, launched in response to the research and development going into the colour analysis scene. Both of these companies believe that in-person consultations deliver the best experience, a tried-and-tested formula that has allowed them to remain in business over four decades later. Colour analysis may have once been a staple in women’s magazines in the 80s, but thanks to social media trends and filters, Gen Z and millennial women are bringing back its heyday through an updated digital approach.

“Building a cohesive wardrobe that functions well can be a common struggle. That’s where a colour analysis comes in – it helps you refine your options and discover what truly suits you. This empowering experience provides you with knowledge that can be applied throughout your lifetime,” say Hannah and Sophia Rashad, company director and head stylist at Curate Your Style.

Dr Dion Terrelonge, practitioner and fashion psychologist, feels that trends such as colour analysis are a way for people to combat choice overload. “Having too much choice can be cognitively overwhelming, and it is in these situations that we can experience decision paralysis. Colour analysis provides a framework to work within and therefore reduces the range of options and potential feelings of overwhelm and anxiety while providing reassuring guidance,” she says.

But there can be downsides to taking a rules-based approach, however overwhelming navigating the fashion landscape can be. “We learn by experimenting and making mistakes and by sticking too rigidly to rules, we minimise our opportunities for exploration and learning,” says Dr Dion Terrelonge. “Fashion at its heart is about creativity, art, expression and culture, and formulaic approaches such as colour analysis do not tend to take these into account.”

After attempting to dress according to my personalised colour analysis recommendation for a few days, I was torn when it came to processing and implementing this new-found information. Do I stick to my prescribeoffd ‘Dark Winter’ colour palette, which, while helpful and a great template to start with, can at times feel restrictive? Or do I do what I’ve always done, and dress according to my mood and wear what I love? While the recommended colours suited me, it’s more joyful to dress by instinct, I decide. Is that not the fun of fashion, anyway?

Colour analysis is making a comeback – but is it really the secret to getting dressed?