Who hasn't doubted themselves when trying on a new color? From now on, thanks to colorimetry, you will never choose your shades by chance again. With the help of Fanny from The Greenimalist, you will discover that it is even a key to embracing sustainable fashion. Because choosing the right colors is also about dressing intentionally. So, are you ready to discover your true palette?
No time to read? Here are the essentials
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The "right" color is not the same for everyone.
Every person has their own unique undertone temperature (warm/cool), value (light/dark), and saturation (bright/muted), as well as an emotional attachment to certain shades.
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You can still wear a color that doesn't match your undertone.
You simply need to pair it with a piece whose color matches your palette. This will instantly elevate your look.
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There is an ultimate test to find your color.
If the color highlights your eyes, your lips, and the contours of your face, it's made for you!
The Greenimalist’s gentle approach to elevating your style
Fanny is the creator behind the Instagram account The Greenimalist. Scrolling through her feed, you can clearly see her two main obsessions, which are also her passions: advocating for sustainable fashion and sharing the power of colors.
On one hand, Fanny decodes the ecological and human impacts of the fashion industry for us, while giving us key tips on how to dress every day. This even inspired her to co-author the book "Mode écoresponsable : guide pratique" (Eco-responsible Fashion: A Practical Guide) alongside Morgane Leprince, founder of the Réseau Éthique association. On the other hand, she reveals the secrets of colorimetry: the art of "determining the range of colors that highlights the face and gives a natural glow", as Fanny explains to us in this video.
Without imposing a single way of thinking or doing things, Fanny helps us rethink our relationship with clothing and color, and understand what differentiates a "winter" profile from a "summer" profile.
With her help, we can finally debunk a few clichés. First on the list: no, black and white do not suit everyone. Why? Because these are considered "cool" shades and, above all, they are pure and hyper-saturated tones, which do not suit all complexions.
We’ll explain why.
The 3 secrets to finding your ideal color palette
Let's try to keep things simple. The colorimetry method relies on three essential criteria to determine your complexion's "season."
Temperature
A warm color like yellow, or a cool color like black and white.
Value
Light tones (heathered or grayish colors), dark or "deep" tones (like red and green), neutral colors (light blue), or all three at once (yes, it's possible).
Saturation
Very pure shades (pigmented and bright), softer shades (often muted by a gray undertone), or somewhere in between.
By cross-referencing this data, you can determine your "season," meaning the exact palette that beautifully complements your skin tone.
However, Fanny emphasizes a factor that is often forgotten: the emotional dimension. The emotional connection we have to certain colors matters just as much as the theory, and that is where the nuance and subtlety lie when mastering the art of colorimetry.
The art of rebalancing: wear what you love
Before you banish your favorite colors just because they don't "suit" your skin tone, listen to Fanny instead: "Colorimetry is also used to rebalance an outfit. You can completely wear a shade you love but that doesn't perfectly match your undertone, by pairing it with another color that highlights your eyes or your lips."
👌 Fanny’s top tip: add the Liv scarf or the Maya collar in a color from your ideal palette.
The effect is immediate: your complexion gets an instant boost!
Fanny’s ultimate test is simple: is a color right for you? It must highlight your eyes, your lips, and the contour of your face. In short, people should see you before they notice the color. And rest assured, according to Fanny, every woman can find her perfect match among the colors at Linnea Lund.
Frequently asked questions on colorimetry
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How do I know if a color is right for me?
It should highlight your eyes, your lips, and the contour of your face. In short, you are the star, not your top. You should be able to see yourself before seeing the color.
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How can I tell if I am a "warm" or "cool" season without being an expert?
If a true red or a golden yellow makes you glow, you likely have a "warm" profile (such as Autumn or Spring). If black, white, electric blue, or fuchsia pink give you a radiant complexion, you are most likely a "cool" profile (such as Winter or Summer).
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Is colorimetry compatible with sustainable fashion?
Yes, it's actually a valuable ally. By knowing your palette, you can shop in a more informed and intentional way. This helps you avoid impulse purchases of pieces that will just end up sitting at the back of your wardrobe because they don't flatter you.