Real Personal Colour Analysis Example: Alexandra

Below, you’ll find an example of our Bloom service. If you’d like to discover your own colour type, don’t forget to submit your photos on our submission page!

Hello! Today at Zazu Feu, we’re excited to share one of our colour analysis cases that’s sure to brighten your day — especially during this cold, rainy winter. Meet Alexandra, a person with an incredible smile and an equally amazing, passionate character.

Alexandra, PR Specialist

Alexandra intuitively knows she looks stunning in warm colours — and it’s no wonder, as she’s not just warmer than mid-tone, but actually darker than mid-tone too. Her darkness tends to dominate, while her warmth, though secondary, becomes especially noticeable against very cool colours. As a dark and warm colour type, Alexandra is truly nothing else but a radiant Rudbeckia!

In addition, Alexandra’s higher-than-medium brightness and contrast help create her most striking looks. This means her best Rudbeckia shades are bright enough to shine, and she can easily carry quite a significant amount of contrast in her outfits.

Let’s take a look at some charts showcasing Rudbeckia’s shades and discover which ones suit Alexandra best:

dark shades

In the chart featuring the darker shades of the Rudbeckia palette, some colours appear a bit too deep for Alexandra, casting subtle shadows on her face. Still, these shades work for her — she doesn’t look washed out or overwhelmed. They are perfect for Alexandra’s more theatrical or dramatic looks, or can be used sparingly in everyday outfits, such as in accessories.

light shades

What reads as mid-tone on lighter colour types will always appear lighter on darker ones — and Alexandra is no exception. These warm shades are bright enough on her to be perfect for spring and summer outfits, or for creating delicate, feminine, and ingenue-inspired looks.

mid-tone shades

Alexandra looks absolutely stunning in the mid-tone Rudbeckia shades — colours that are neither too muted nor too bright, with just the right amount of complexity and depth. These shades are versatile enough to form the foundation of her wardrobe, allowing her to create a wide variety of stylish looks.

Alexandra's style and how it can work with her colours

In her life, Alexandra dedicates her time to working at a busy PR agency and traveling. Her wardrobe reflects this lifestyle, as she values versatility and the comfort of casual looks after long weeks at the office.

We’ve recreated one of Alexandra’s signature looks using the beautiful shades of the Rudbeckia palette:

Beyond her casual looks, Alexandra loves to explore classic, dramatic, and romantic styles. We’ve helped her create several outfits using her recommended Rudbeckia shades to highlight her unique beauty and preferences.

Rudbeckia's looks for Alexandra

1. Classic + Casual: Perfect for the office, this look pairs a soft burnt orange top with neutral indigo denim. The combination feels effortlessly classy while remaining comfortable and versatile.

2. Vintage Romantic: Evoking the elegance of a theatre premiere, this outfit features a dark, warm cherry-red piece that’s bold yet refined. It’s beautifully balanced by a dark ecru trench coat and dark golden jewellery accents, creating a look that’s both sophisticated and enchanting.

3. Modern Romantic: Ideal for a weekend outing or a romantic getaway, this ensemble is perfect for a dinner at a nice restaurant. With its thoughtful mix of shades and textures, it ensures that no date can go wrong!

It’s important to remember that no matter which colour type you belong to, you can wear any style you love. Some styles naturally align more easily with certain colour ranges — for example, vintage styles are often easier to build with warm colour types, while ethereal styles tend to shine on lighter ones. However, with a thoughtful and intentional approach, it’s always possible to adapt any style by highlighting your natural strengths.

Why contrast is important in colour analysis

As you now know, Alexandra has quite high contrast in her appearance. What does that mean? It means her natural colouring is made up of opposing values — lighter tones combined with darker ones. Alexandra’s eyes are brown and appear especially dark in contrast with her fair skin. Because of this, she can easily dye her hair in much darker shades while still looking natural.

People with high contrast tend to look their best in outfits that reflect a similar level of contrast. For Alexandra, this means she can confidently mix shades from her light palette with deeper, darker tones when she wants to add more drama to her look. This drama never feels artificial on her, as strong contrast is already present in her natural colouring.

For the same reason, brighter lipsticks are also recommended for this type. In the case of Rudbeckia, this includes brown-based reds and warm plum shades.

When we talk about contrast, it’s important to note that we don’t mean a stark black-and-white contrast. That kind of combination is too harsh for Rudbeckia, whose appearance can be described more like an oil painting — rich, layered, and full of nuanced shades. This complexity is exactly why overly plain or flat colours should be avoided.

You’ll find more details on which colours to avoid in our Rudbeckia colour book.

What is brightness in personal colour analysis?

Contrast is often mistaken for brightness, but the two are not the same. Brightness refers to the intensity and clarity in a person’s appearance, rather than a combination of two opposing colours. Alexandra’s brightness level is relatively high, but not high enough to support very bright colours worn close to her face. Moreover, these shades are usually quite basic and lack the complexity that is recommended for Rudbeckia, which is another reason they are not advised.

Can dark colour types wear light colours?

Absolutely. Every colour type — whether light or dark — has both light and dark shades within their palette. Naturally, the light colours suited to light colour types will differ from the light shades that work for dark types. Dark colour types cannot go too watercolour-light, as such shades tend to disappear next to the depth and complexity of their natural colouring.

light colour outfit for Rudbeckia

It’s also a misconception that dark colour types find it easier to dress in dark colours. There are always lighter shades within their palette that can be used to create fresh, summery looks without overwhelming or dulling their natural contrast.

Can warm colour types wear cool colours?

Absolutely! Warm colour types can wear shades that may appear cool on them. The key difference is that these shades will look harmonious on warm types, even though they wouldn’t suit cool types in the same way.

If you are a Rudbeckia and want to learn more about your personal colours, how to wear them, and how to handle shades that aren’t naturally yours, check out Zazu Feu’s Rudbeckia Colour Book.

Not sure if you’re a Rudbeckia? We also offer personalised services to help you discover your true shine.

We would like to sincerely thank Alexandra for kindly allowing us to use her photos in this post.

FAQs

How do I know my personal colour type?

You can start by noticing which shades make your skin, eyes, and hair pop versus which ones wash you out. For a precise answer, try our professional colour analysis or our 1-minute quiz.

What role do brightness and contrast play in personal colour analysis?

Your natural brightness (light to dark) and contrast (difference between features) determine which shades enhance your look. Matching these helps you feel more vibrant and polished.

Can I mix my “non-ideal” colours into my wardrobe?

Yes! You can wear shades outside your palette if you balance them with colours that suit you. Accessories, layering, or pairing with your key shades can make almost any colour work.

Does hair colour or eye colour change my type?

Hair dye can temporarily affect which shades look best, but your natural colouring (skin tone + eye colour) is the main factor.

What if I feel like I’m “between” two colour types?

Some people have traits of more than one type. In those cases, focus on the colours that bring out your strongest natural features and experiment to find your personal sweet spot.

How can I use personal colour analysis to shop smarter?

Once you know your palette, you can select clothing, accessories, and makeup more confidently. This reduces shopping mistakes and ensures your outfits are flattering and harmonious.