As a personal stylist, understanding the nuances of colour is key to curating wardrobes that not only reflect your clients' personalities but also stay on trend with the latest fashion updates.
This morning, while admiring the stunning heleconia red hanging flowers in my garden, I was reminded of the brilliance that colour brings to our lives—and our wardrobes. The vibrant red hue of these flowers is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a perfect representation of Spring colouring, a palette that bursts with energy and vitality. What’s even more exciting is how closely this natural red mirrors Pantone’s cherry red, a star colour in their Fashion Colour Update for Winter/Autumn 24/25.

In this blog, I’ll explore how these vibrant hues bridge the gap between seasons and how you, as a personal stylist, can help your clients incorporate them into their wardrobes in a way that feels fresh, relevant, and utterly stylish.

The Beauty of Spring Colouring
Spring colouring is all about lightness, brightness, and warmth. Think of the first bloom of flowers after a long winter or the golden rays of the morning sun. The colours in this palette—like soft corals, fresh greens, and warm yellows—are clear, crisp, and full of life. They suit individuals with warm undertones, who naturally radiate with colours that reflect the freshness of the season.

When we talk about the heleconia red found in these beautiful hanging flowers, we’re seeing a perfect example of a Spring colour. It’s bright but not harsh, vibrant but not overwhelming—a shade that energizes without overpowering. This red brings a sense of liveliness and joy, qualities that are at the heart of Spring colouring.

The Magic of Pantone’s Cherry Red for Winter/Autumn 24/25
While Spring colouring is associated with light and warmth, Winter/Autumn palettes are often deeper, richer, and more intense. However, Pantone’s Fashion Colour Update for Winter/Autumn 24/25 introduces a delightful twist with its cherry red—a colour that resonates with the vibrancy of Spring while still holding its own in a cooler, crisper palette.

Cherry red, as defined by Pantone, is a bold and spirited shade. It’s a red that can easily stand alone, making a statement with its confident intensity. However, it also has a softness to it that allows it to transition beautifully into Autumn, pairing well with deeper tones like burgundy, forest green, and even a warm chocolate brown.

This crossover between the seasons is where the magic happens. The cherry red from Pantone is not only a stunning choice for Winter/Autumn wardrobes but also a colour that can bring a touch of Spring into the cooler months, offering versatility and year-round appeal.

Why Colour Updates Matter in Personal Styling
One of the key responsibilities of a personal stylist is to keep clients informed and inspired by the latest fashion trends while ensuring that those trends align with their unique style and colouring. Fashion is ever-evolving, and colour updates like Pantone’s cherry red provide an exciting opportunity to refresh and revitalize a client’s wardrobe.

But here’s the thing: not every colour in the trend report will suit every client. That’s where your expertise comes in. Understanding how to incorporate trending colours into your clients’ wardrobes in a way that complements their natural colouring and personal style is what sets you apart as a professional.

For instance, a client with Spring colouring might naturally gravitate toward the heleconia red in a breezy sundress for a fresh, playful look in the warmer months. When Winter/Autumn rolls around, you could suggest integrating the similar cherry red into their wardrobe through a cozy knit or a chic statement coat. The goal is to make the colour work for them, regardless of the season, ensuring they always feel confident and stylish.

Practical Tips for Styling with Heleconia and Cherry Red
Mix and Match with Neutrals: Both heleconia and cherry red are bold, vibrant colours that can be softened with the right neutrals. For a Spring look, pair heleconia red with soft beige, cream, or light gray. In Autumn, mix cherry red with deeper neutrals like charcoal, taupe, or even a rich navy.

Use as an Accent: If your client is hesitant about wearing a bold colour, start by introducing it as an accent. A heleconia red handbag, cherry red scarf, or even a pair of shoes can add a pop of colour without overwhelming their look.

Incorporate Prints: Florals, stripes, or abstract patterns that include these shades can offer a subtle way to work the colour into an outfit. Prints are also great for mixing different colours together, allowing your client to experiment with combinations they might not have considered before.

Layering for Dimension: Layering is a stylist’s secret weapon for adding depth and interest to an outfit. Suggest a cherry red cardigan over a floral dress that features hints of heleconia red for a cohesive yet dynamic look.

Seasonal Transitions: As you move from Autumn into Winter, use these red hues to help your clients transition their wardrobe. A heleconia red top can easily be paired with a cozy cardigan as the temperatures drop, while a cherry red coat can add vibrancy to a dreary winter day.

The Bigger Picture: Why Colour Matters
At the heart of all this is the belief that colour is transformative. It can uplift, empower, and instill confidence. As personal stylists, our job is to harness the power of colour to help our clients feel their best every day. Whether it’s through embracing the bright vibrancy of Spring with heleconia red or staying on trend with Pantone’s cherry red for Winter/Autumn, the right colours can make all the difference.

If you’re as passionate about colour as I am, I invite you to dive deeper into the world of colour analysis with me. Check out my FREE Online Colour Analysis Training below and take the next step in establishing the business of your dreams where you can work online from any location in the world.