Most people come into colour analysis because they’re tired of wasting money on clothes they don’t wear. They’re over the impulse buys. Over closets packed with “meh.” Over that quiet guilt that comes from bags of fast fashion that fall apart after a season.
What they really want is to feel grounded in their wardrobe — not constantly restarting it.
This is where 16 season color analysis becomes a game changer. It’s not about telling you what you “can” or “can’t” wear. It’s about slowing down the cycle of overconsumption by giving you a filter. A framework. A way to shop with intention instead of panic or boredom.
Whether you work with me in person or through a virtual color analysis, the goal is the same: to help you buy fewer things, but better ones — things that actually light you up.
Let’s break down how colour analysis helps you shop slow, plus practical tips you can use right now.
Why Fast Fashion Keeps You Stuck in the Cycle
Fast fashion isn’t just about cheap clothing. It’s about churn. It’s designed to keep you in a loop:
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See something cute →
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Quick dopamine spike →
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Wear it twice →
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Something feels “off” →
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Back to browsing →
Before you know it, you’ve spent hundreds of dollars on clothes that never feel quite right. Here’s the uncomfortable truth - by doing this, you’re chasing a feeling - not a particular style. The feeling we’re all looking for with our style is one of confidence and clarity. To feel fully tuned into ourselves and how we show up in the world. Yeah, that’s a big and heavy one but it’s real.
The problem isn’t you though. The fast fashion system (not to mention social media and influencers) have been designed to throw us into this cycle.
Colour analysis gives you a more helpful system — the first piece of the puzzle in building a slow, intentional wardrobe.
How Colour Analysis Slows Down Your Shopping Habits
Here’s what shifts once you actually know your palette:
1. You instantly eliminate 70% of the store
Not in a restrictive way — in a clarifying way.
When you understand your undertone, value, and chroma (why colours look good, not just which ones do), you walk into any store and know what’s worth your attention. Everything else becomes visual noise.
Instant overwhelm reducer.
2. You shop with purpose, not impulse
Your palette becomes your filter. You’re no longer chasing trends or reacting to whatever Instagram says is “in.” You’re choosing pieces that fit:
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your colouring
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your life
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your style vibe
This naturally reduces fast-fashion buys because you don’t feel that frantic urge to fill the void.
3. You build a wardrobe that actually mixes and matches
When your colours work together, dressing becomes easier — and you need less.
That’s the foundation of slow fashion: Buy fewer items, wear them more.
4. You stop experimenting with “almost right” colours
You don’t need five versions of the same shirt hoping one will feel right.
When you know your seasonal palette — especially with the nuance of a 16 season color analysis — you don’t waste money guessing.
How to Shift Into a Slow-Shopping Mindset
This part is key. You can know your colours and still fall into fast fashion habits if your mindset doesn’t shift too.
Here are a few practical reminders:
1. “If it’s not an eff yes, it’s a no.”
Simple rule. Zero guilt. Your wardrobe deserves pieces you’re excited to wear, not “good enough.”
2. Notice your shopping triggers
Ask yourself:
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Am I bored?
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Am I avoiding something else?
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Am I trying to “fix” my wardrobe with one quick purchase?
Slowing down starts with awareness - it’s SO uncomfortable, but so necessary.
3. Give yourself a 48-hour buffer
If you find something online, add it to your wish list — not your cart.
If you still love it in two days, revisit.
Fast fashion thrives on impulsivity. Slow fashion thrives on clarity.
4. Create your “approved palette” screen on your phone
Screenshot your seasonal palette — especially after a virtual or in-person session — and use it every time you shop.
If the colour isn’t on the screen (or at least in the right dimension), it’s a pass.
5. Get honest about what you actually wear
Most of us repeatedly buy items we wish we’d wear… but don’t.
Slow shopping means paying attention to:
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your lifestyle
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your comfort levels
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your actual day-to-day needs
If you live in denim and cozy knits, stop buying blazers you wear twice a year.
Practical Tips for Shopping Slow (Online + In-Person)
I already know what you’re thinking. Shopping slow sounds great, but it’s expensive. Many sustainable or well-made brands are nice, but way out of budget. Here’s my little secret: it doesn’t have to be! When you get clarity on your colours and style, you can invest in higher priced pieces that will last and have more of a filter when shopping from typical fast fashion brands. Remember this is a process and not an overnight change.
When Shopping Online
My first tip when shopping online is to avoid shopping online. Yikes, I know. Online shopping has made our lives so much more convenient but it’s made it too convenient when it comes to falling into the fast fashion trap. It’s really hard to check the fit, quality and actual color of an item when shopping online. But - if you absolutely must shop online for clothes, here are some tips:
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Filter by colour first. If a site offers colour filters, use them before doing anything else.
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Zoom in on the fabric. Fast fashion hides a lot in the photos — look for texture, weight, and finish. Also look for sites that list the fabric composition. This isn’t always the case, but generally more polyester content means lower quality.
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Check the return policy. Slow shopping doesn’t mean keeping mistakes.
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Save items to a “Maybe” list and check back once a week instead of checking out immediately.
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Compare the colour to your palette. Screens can distort shades — look for undertone and chroma, not just name (“sage,” “mauve,” etc.).
When Shopping In Person
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Hold the item up to your face, not your body. Colour analysis is about what it does to your face — not what it looks like on a hanger. If you’ve got a virtual palette, hold your swatch up to the item. It doesn’t have to match exactly, but should be close.
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Step into natural light (if you can!). Store lighting is notoriously deceptive.
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Do the 3-outfit test:
If you can’t think of at least three outfits with items you already own, it’s not coming home.
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Feel the fabric. Slow fashion is about longevity — avoid flimsy textures or overly synthetic blends. Check the tag - ideally you want to see some natural content (cotton, silk, linen, etc.) The lower the polyester percentage the better!
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Ask: “Will this work for next season too?” Sustainability is also about versatility.
The Big Shift: Less Noise, More Intention
When you understand your palette — especially through a nuanced 16 season color analysis — you’re not just learning colours. You’re learning how to slow down.
You’re learning:
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why certain pieces drain you
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why shopping has felt chaotic
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why your wardrobe never felt cohesive
And once those pieces click, fast fashion loses its grip.
You stop buying for a quick dopamine hit.
You start buying for your future self.
If You’re Ready to Start Shopping Slow…
A colour analysis is truly the first step — whether you come in person or choose a virtual color analysis.
It gives you clarity. Structure.
A way to shop intentionally and build a wardrobe you’re actually excited to wear.
If that’s the direction you want to go, I’d love to help you get there!
