A/W Style Update with Katy Dyer

I've mentioned before that, having followed London MakeUp Girl's colour analysis experience, I've become intrigued by professional colour advice myself. Although London is accessible for me, I wanted to see what was available closer to home and this is how I first discovered Katy Dyer in Thame. Katy provides colour analysis using the Colour Me Beautiful system but she also offers services beyond colour, including style advice, full image makeovers and wardrobe overhauls. As well as these one to one sessions, Katy runs workshops like the one I attended last night, which offer advice on updating your wardrobe with key trends and colour for the season. These group session are accessible to everyone, irrespective of whether or not you already know your personal colour palette.

I don't consider myself very fashion conscious these days, my magazine reading is pretty much none existent, so I found the digest of key trends and colours very useful. As always, I homed in on the 'universal colours' for the season as these are handy if you're unable to self-identify with a particular colour group. Many of this seasons universal colours involved pairings that are traditionally considered to be colour faux pas; such as wearing blue and green together or pink and red. During the presentation, Katy offered some specific tips on how to wear the key trends according to your body shape. Her advice made sense of why I'd had previous shopping fails with large prints and other similar dressing room nightmares!

We all had opportunity for Katy to show us which of the A/W trend colours would be best suited to our colouring, this included makeup shades as well as fabric. I was draped with a beautiful hot pink and grey from the Cool palette. I might have fallen slightly in love with the grey for the instant surgery it performed on my chin area! I also got to see for myself how hideous a mustard from the Warm palette looked against my complexion. It wasn't a pretty sight.

I came away from the session keen to see if I can pick up on some of this seasons trends in my own little way. The trends that particularly appealed to me were the landscape prints, coloured camouflage, tweed fabrics and I now have sudden desire to invest in a sequin top. As you do. Although I loved the shapes of the fuller skirts and voluminous coats, I know these are unlikely to suit my shape, so I'm happy to admire on others. 

Mary Katrantzou dress from matchesfashion.com

Floria Sweater from Wrap London

Ola t-shirt also from Wrap London

I must share this gem with you that Katy included in the session. Accessories are an easy way to update your existing wardrobe and whilst I love wearing scarves, I'm not very imaginative when it comes to tying them. Katy showed us Liberty's Chiffon Knot tutorial which I'll definitely be trying, I think the scarf in the video is rather lovely too.

The style update has certainly whetted my appetite for more and I will be dropping unsubtle hints about a one to one session for Christmas. Speaking with some of the ladies last night who have already had colour consultations and wardrobe overhauls, it's clearly well worth it. You can find out more about Katy and the services she provides on her website, www.katydyer.com.

Disclosure: I attended the style update as a guest.