How colour analysis can transform the way you dress

Discover how identifying your seasonal palette can help you shop smarter, feel more confident and redefine your personal styleWhen I heard about colour analysis, I thought finding my colours would be the easiest part. After learning I belonged to the Spring palette, I assumed discovering the shades that suited me would be simple, just adding a few new colours to my wardrobe. What I did not expect was how challenging it would be to apply that knowledge. Finding clothes that feel right has never been as simple as choosing something because it looks good on a hanger. Like many women, I have often found myself searching for pieces that match not only my style, but also my body, personality and confidence. Although Cyprus is vibrant and full of life, finding clothes that cater to different body types and personal styles is not always easy. Sometimes the challenge is not knowing what you like but simply finding it. That was what made my colour analysis session with Thekla Ioakim so interesting. It changed the way I looked at clothing. I discovered that the colours I had always relied on, classic black and white, were not the shades that enhanced my natural features. Style became less about following trends and more about understanding what works for me. In a world dominated by fast trends and social media aesthetics, Thekla is taking a far more personal approach to style. Her work focuses not only on fashion, but also on confidence, self-image and helping women understand themselves through colour, body shape and personal style. Having studied Fashion Media and Promotion in the UK before completing her Personal Styling Diploma at the London College of Style, Thekla spent years developing her approach to styling and image consultancy. Thekla Ioakim At the centre of her philosophy lies colour analysis. “People often buy clothes because they like them on someone else or because they are trending,” she explains. “But not every colour works for every person. The right colours can brighten your face, make your skin glow, and even make you appear more refreshed and youthful. The wrong colours can do the opposite.” Colour analysis determines which seasonal colour palette best suits a person. They are generally divided into Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, each connected to different undertones, contrasts and colour intensities. During a session, clients are draped with different shades to identify which colours harmonise best with their skin tone, eye and hair colour. For those with Spring colouring, warm and vibrant shades usually work best. Peach, coral, warm pinks, soft turquoise, golden tones and creamy neutrals can complement the complexion, while harsher contrasts such as black and white may overpower the natural features. One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding colour analysis, according to Thekla, is the belief that seasonal palettes are linked to the actual seasons of the year. “A lot of people think they need to wear dark colours in winter because that is what fashion trends suggest,” she says. “But your personal palette works all year round. If you are a Spring, your shades are still your shades in winter.” This means someone with Spring colouring does not suddenly need to fill their wardrobe with black, grey, or dark tones during colder months. Instead, they can experiment with richer fabrics and deeper variations of colours that still complement their natural features. Thekla believes the impact of colour can sometimes be so powerful that it creates a similar effect to wearing make-up. “When you wear the correct colours near your face and combine them with the right jewellery, it can look like you are wearing make up even when you are not,” she explains. “Your skin looks brighter, your eyes stand out more, and your overall appearance becomes more radiant naturally.” Beyond appearance, she believes colour can also influence emotional wellbeing. Wearing shades that complement a person can create a stronger sense of confidence and balance. Different palettes will change your appearance Two months later, more changed than just the colours hanging in my wardrobe. Previously, my wardrobe was filled with black pieces because they felt safe and easy. After discovering I belonged to the Spring palette, I began replacing those darker colours with brighter, warmer shades. I gradually introduced colours I would not have normally considered, from softer neutrals such as beige and off-white instead of stark white, to warmer tones that brought more life into my everyday outfits. The change was not simply about buying new clothes; it was about learning to see myself differently and understanding why certain colours made me feel more confident and comfortable. Personal style is not simply about owning fashionable clothes. It is about wearing pieces that allow you to feel comfortable, authentic and confident in your own skin. In an era where social media often promotes unrealistic beauty standards and constant trend chasing, Thekla’s approach offers a refreshing perspective. Her work is a reminder that fashion is not about becoming someone else. It is about discovering what already works for you.