How Colour Analysis has shaped my Holiday Wardrobe
Welcome
If you have a holiday coming up then this is for you.
What I wore on a Summer Holiday as a Warm Autumn
At 1am last night, we (my husband, two girls and I) arrived home from our summer holiday. This trip was a long time coming — we haven’t been abroad as a family for a few years while things settled down after my surprise career change to start this business. It also fell on my 40th birthday, which made it even more special.
Growing up, I watched my grandma plan her holiday wardrobe weeks in advance, and I’ve absolutely inherited that energy. For me, the clothes are as enjoyable as the trip itself. I love that sunny holidays give you a bit of a free pass to wear things you wouldn’t necessarily reach for back home. Even before discovering colour analysis, I loved planning a holiday capsule wardrobe.
A few things to know about me: I’m a dressy holiday girl. I know most people love to be chilled and casual, but I can’t help dressing up every night.
Since starting this business, I’ve helped over 500 women discover their best colours. One question that comes up all the time is: “What do I wear in the summer if I’m a Winter or Autumn?” The richer shades of these seasons can feel out of place at first glance, but I’m here to show you that as a Warm Autumn, I absolutely wore my best colours in hot weather — and felt totally at home in them.
I’m lucky that I love my Autumn colours. Embracing them over the past few years has massively boosted my confidence. I know some Autumns feel hesitant, especially if those spicy tones feel “too orangey” — but for me, orange has become a friend. Unsurprisingly, it features all year round in my wardrobe.
The Lobster Dress
Light and easy, this dress became my go-to for breakfast and lunch at the hotel. The pattern feels fun and totally holiday-coded (I mean, it has crabs and lobsters on it!). I’d throw this on when I wanted to feel nice but stay comfortable.
If Warm Autumn was a dress
If Warm Autumn was a dress, this would be it. I wore it with a brown leather waist belt, and I’m already planning to style it with a dark brown suede jacket and boots this autumn. Just need to do something about my milk bottle legs!
The Birthday one
This was by far the biggest gamble! Something about turning 40 made me feel like I should stop telling myself certain things aren’t “for me”. This cut-out dress is so my style, and even though I’ve never been slim, I felt amazing in it. I’ve worked out a bit this year and feel a little more toned, but mostly I just wanted to wear something I love — and this was my birthday dress. I felt gorgeous.
The classic one
Coral and linen — perfect together. This one fits like a midaxi on me (though probably a midi on others). The shape and colour feel timeless, so I’ll be reaching for this for years. I might need to get it taken in slightly, as the linen gave a little with wear.
Tile Print Co-ord
Okay, it’s getting repetitive now, but this one is worth its weight in gold. I wore it together for dinners and also styled the skirt with a vest top for market trips. I’ll be pairing it with knitwear once the weather cools off.y.
A Zara Surprise
This is the only item from Zara I’ve ever owned. As a midsized girl, I usually find Zara a miserable place to shop. But the colours on this dress were so Autumn that I had to try it. To my surprise, the largest size fit — and better yet, it actually looked nice! Being labelled an XL does bug me, but I’m working on not letting numbers mess with my confidence.
Tropical Leaf set
This was a big style win for me. I would’ve told myself I couldn’t carry off a strapless top, but the style felt so me that I ordered it — and I was delighted with how flattering it was. Sometimes we just have to get out of our own way.
Sezane on a budget
This was such an exciting find. I’m a girl with Sézane taste and supermarket money, so this co-ord felt ideal. It would be great for a city break too, and I’m looking forward to wearing the pieces separately. The top especially will get a lot of wear into early autumn.
Perfect Pink for Autumns
This was my go-to for breakfast. I felt feminine but practical, and the colour and fabric felt perfect for me. It’s a firm favourite and one I’ll wear loads.
LBD (Little brown dress)
A year ago, I wouldn’t have even considered this dress. The back is open and I would’ve told myself I was too old, too fat or just not pretty enough for it. But I felt lovely wearing it. It definitely took a bit of confidence, but wearing it to the beach bar during the day meant it didn’t feel overly skimpy next to everyone else in swimwear. Not something I’ll be wearing round Macclesfield, but a firm holiday favourite now.
Chic but comfortable
This draped top and wide-leg trouser combo felt chic and comfortable — the elasticated waistband made it perfect for travel. I tried to save it for the holiday, but I wore it a few times for consultations before we went. It’ll be in regular rotation for years to come.
The best Co-ord EVER
This green top and trousers set has been on repeat for about five months. I always feel good in it, and it was ideal to travel home in. The fabric is a bit heavier than I’d wear in hotter weather, but for the flight back to Manchester it was perfect.
A Few Gentle Reminders
I’m not an influencer or fashion blogger — just a colour analyst hoping to show how Warm Autumns can feel confident and summery without sacrificing their palette.
I’m not super edgy or cool, and I’m more than okay with that. My style is always a little overdressed and a bit smarter than necessary — I can’t help it!
This post isn’t meant to make you feel pressured to spend or change. It’s inspiration for the future, not a stick to beat yourself with. I’m 5ft 5, a size 12–14 (recently down from a large 16), and like so many women, my confidence is a work in progress — but right now, I’m feeling good.
