Winter HOC Style

I thought I was an Autumn — until my House of Colour analysis proved otherwise. As a true Winter, I’ve finally found the shades that make me feel vibrant, confident, and like myself.

Finding My True Colors: My Winter HOC Style Journey

For two years, I thought I had my color palette all figured out. I’d been “diagnosed” as an Autumn—warm tones, earthy hues, golden jewelry, and all the cozy camel coats. It made sense… until it didn’t.

Let’s rewind to that original “diagnosis” day. I was at a women’s event that offered quick House of Colour sessions — a shortened version since so many women had signed up. It took place in a barn (charming, but not ideal for lighting), and as I’ve since learned, natural light makes a huge difference in how colors are read. Below is the photo with my supposed “Autumn” palette.

I’d put on those rich rusts and olive greens and wonder why some of them just didn’t look right. But I told myself to trust the process, and that they had to be right, right?!

So, last year, I decided to get the House of Colour STYLE analysis done—and while I was there, she determined I’m not an Autumn at all… I’m a Winter. (Insert shock here.) But see the images below…the difference!

What It Means to Be a Winter

When I first heard “Winter,” I pictured bold, bright colors and sharp contrasts — definitely not something I thought I could pull off or had ever been drawn to before. But once we started draping, it was undeniable. Cool undertones instantly made my skin come alive, and that contrast I’d always avoided turned out to be exactly what I needed.

Where Autumn thrives on warmth and softness, Winter is all about clarity and contrast. Black and white — which I’d been told to stay away from — actually work beautifully on me. (Black isn’t my absolute “wow” color, though; navy takes that spot!) I was thrilled to learn I can still wear black — even if I did sell all my black sweaters a couple of years ago. Silver jewelry flatters me far more than gold, and instead of warm, earthy hues, I’m now reaching for cool, crisp, and bright tones that make my skin glow.

My Winter Capsule Must-Haves

Now that I know my true palette, I’ve been slowly refreshing my wardrobe and makeup bag with pieces that actually complement me. These have become some of my go-to staples — all House of Colour Winter-approved and so easy to mix and match. That’s one of the best parts about getting your colors done — everything just works together!

Lessons Learned

This experience taught me that sometimes the colors we like aren’t the same ones that love us back. It’s been freeing to understand what truly complements my features — and even more so, to give myself permission to evolve.

If you’ve ever felt like your clothes or makeup didn’t quite work but couldn’t figure out why, I highly recommend investing in a House of Colour session. It’s not just about style—it’s about confidence.

I’m still learning how to fully embrace my Winter palette, but I can already tell this change is for the better. The right colors make me feel alive, polished, and authentically me.

And let’s not forget — lighting is everything! Whether you’re getting your colors done or choosing the perfect paint for your walls, natural light completely changes how things look. It’s the key to truly seeing what works best — on your skin and in your home.