ON COLOURS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 14, 2 April 1892, Page 334

ON COLOURS.

WHAT ALL COMPLEXIONS CAN SAFELY WEAR. BWjHIS is an interesting subject for men and S? women alike How frequently one sees a Hl man with decidedly pronounced inclination ||i in the colour of his hair ami in the tint of E his whiskers and moustache to let us say ||| a poet’s idea of auburn—wearing a bright ssJ red tie. Women, too, with similar shades of hair, and complexions to match, are sometimes equally guilty in this respect. rp H E man or woman who would understand this subject L should, in the first place, study hair, eyes, and complexion, ami decide whether he or she would be called a colourless, yellow, warm or demi blonde, or a pale, sallow, warm or derni-brunette ; then, what colours are the most becoming to the type. A colourless being with flaxen hair—rare, it is true, amongst men, but still existing—that is, one who lacks colour in every respect, absolutely requires the warm shades of pink and rich, deep reds. While they can wear nearly any shade becoming to blondes, these warm shades increase the colour, bring out the blueness in the eyes and glints ot gohl in the hair, and are really most becoming shades. They should carefully avoid all dull colours or very light shades, which, while worn by manj’ blondes with more colour, must not be included in this list ; they will rob them of every vestige of colour, giving a faded, ‘washed-out’ look.

i \ LLLOW blonde—chiefly of the softer sex—has golden 21 brown hair, blue eye* and a pure white skih, with tints of pink underneath in cheeks and chin. The possessor of these is a true blonde, and will find navy and bluet-blue, Lincoln green, mode, heliotrope, tans, old-rose.

wood-browns, white, the deeper shades of gray, Kenbrandtred and a clear scarlet her most becoming colours. Mind, I leave out pale blue, which, though dedicated to blondes, is now considered one of her most unbecoming shades ; lavender is preferable, and can, with clear yellow and the delicate shades of Nile or sea foani green, be safely worn by many blondes. Neither of these two types of blondes have any too much colour, and, of the two, they require something that will increase and bring out what little they have rather tnan take that little from them. They will even find gray more becoming with a dash of pink or old rose near the face ; while a vest of red cloth on a green, navy-blue or black gown will make it particularly becoming to them, or any woman with a colourless or sallow complexion.

AI7ARM blondes are those with red or auburn hair, light It or medium-light eyes and rosy-red complexion. They can safely wear any colour given for blondes, but the light blues, and pinks and reds. Cold colours should be given the preference, for, as a rule, the colour needs toning down.

Black, especially for men, relieved by an amber or redbrown tie, is most becoming. Ladies also look well in black, or in dresses of either of the above colours. I have in mind a woman of this type, who safely wears olive green, but it is a venture that must not be gone into too boldly, for if there is a tint of sallow in the complexion it will be fatal. So with the anrbers ; they must be carefully selected, trying each shade against the face in all lights—daylight, twilight and gaslight.

DARK people come next, those paler ones with dark hair and eyes and clear white complexion, being the

most favoured type of alll These happy ones can be as audacious as they like, wearing all sorts of colours. Those with warmer complexions of a reddish tint, and dark hair can wear nearly the same, though if their colour is very deep, they had better avoid the warm reds, deep pinks and purplish reds. These colours have a tendency to heighten colour, which needs toning down, and the cold colours, like drab, gray, tan, heliotrope, brown, blue, etc., will most effectually do this. Dark sallow persons with dark hair and eyes, and sallow skin, will find the dark, rich reds, deep pinks, navy-blue, Lincoln-green, rich, warm brows and heliotropes very becoming ; but must look out for old-gold, orange, tan, dullred or blue, pale pink, blue or green, and olive-greens.

“ITUDDY complexions are not uncommon, but must be 111 considerably treated. Never mind the eyes and hair, make your choice front the dark, rich reds, wood or warm browns, clear scarlet, ecru, mode, navy-blue and deeper shades of gray. Black, though generally thought to be univerally becoming, should not be worn by those with either complexion, only when necessary. Neither is white very becoming to them, though it is preferable to black or any colour that shows even a hint of yellow.

TTTHEN white hair eomes on when the hair is plentifully I) sprinkled with gray, quiet sombre colours look best.

A sedate gray or dark brown suit, with a not-very-decided tie or a black coat and dark trousers for a man, while for a woman, the same hues for her dress, with an appropriate mantle, and dark bonnet relieved with a touch of the colour most becoming to ber complexion, are suitable and appropriate. It is a well known fact that colours change hue according to changes of light, and due regard must be given to these changes if one would have costumes always becoming. There is a great deal to know about this subject of colour, but this is enough for one lesson.