by Alane Rode (Wisconsin)
I can always see the look in a client’s eyes settling in just before they leave the appointment. It’s the “How the *bleep* am I going to do this by myself?” look.
I get it. I’ve been there.
The thing about finding your season is that it doesn’t actually work that well if you can’t apply what you learned in real life. Hopefully, this list will help you in the weeks and months following your draping.
DON’T panic
Nobody learns how to do this overnight. PCA is about making better choices, not being perfect all the time.
You will make some “wrong” (read: not squarely in your season) purchases in the weeks and months following your appointment, but it’s important to remember that many small changes add up to create big change.
Worry less about being a perfectly harmonious billboard for your season than about considering your season when you shop and get dressed.
We live in the real world. Sometimes we just need T-shirts and Target only has three choices, none of which are in your season. Take a deep breath and choose the one that’s closest, knowing you’ve made a better decision than you would have pre-PCA.
DON’T get rid of anything… yet
The first thing everyone does when they get home from their appointment is go through their closet with the swatchbook.
That’s great!
What’s not great is immediately getting rid of too much too soon.
PCA is great for streamlining your wardrobe and makeup bag, but don’t get rid of anything you love to wear.
If it’s been a while since you’ve worn an item AND it’s not in your season, then it’s probably time to let it go.
DO swatch and divvy up your closet
Go through your things with your swatchbook, and put items into categories of “In Season” “Maybe in Season” and “Not in Season.”
Then, wait a few weeks or months.
Try to wear mostly things from the “In Season” and “Maybe in Season” groups, as well as new, seasonally appropriate items you accumulate over time.
Once you feel more comfortable with your season, you may realize that some things you thought were “wrong” can work well with your palette.
DO take your fan everywhere
And I mean everywhere.
Keep it in your purse or car, and hold it up against anything you consider buying.
Sometimes colors can look very promising on the hanger, but then completely off next to your swatchbook.
Your fan is your best tool for purchasing items as close to your season as possible.
It’s made of strong, water and fade-resistant canvas, and will last for decades without wearing out.
Use it!
DO buy some new makeup
I always tell my clients to start with makeup after a draping.
I supply all of my clients with an up-to-date list of tried and true favorites for their seasons.
This is a great way to dip your toe into your palette without doing anything drastic.
It will help you get used to your season, and also might help you start to see how different clothing items look next to your face.
DON’T get discouraged
Sometimes your season is an adjustment.
If you are used to dressing or applying makeup one way, and then all of a sudden you’re encouraged to do it another way, of course it will feel odd for a while.
Remember why your season fits you, and why others don’t.
I encourage you to “live in” your season for a few months before worrying too much, to allow for the initial adjustment period to pass.
