I paid a stylist $300 to determine which colors look best on me — and I've been oozing with confidence in my work wardrobe ever since

• Writer Jill Schildhouse recently did a $300 "color analysis" session to reimagine her work wardrobe.
• Schildhouse found out she's a "burnished winter" and now shops for clothes in her color spectrum.

Ever since I was a little girl, I was drawn to various shades of pinks, purples, reds, and turquoises; those were the only hues I'd use when shading in my Barbie coloring books. When I turned 16, my first car was teal with matching rims.

As I grew older, I sought these same colors out when I went shopping for clothes, accessories, and even home decor, and I was no stranger to wearing bold colors in corporate settings — specifically choosing what I deemed to be my "power colors" for big meetings and presentations.

My work-from-home lifestyle changed my wardrobe — and not for the better

But somewhere along the way, when I transitioned into full-time freelance writing in 2017, I got away from wearing the colors I loved. I began shopping for comfort to match my new work-from-home lifestyle and worried less about how the colors looked on me. If it was cozy and could double as something I could wear while running errands, it got added to my closet.

Then the pandemic hit, and everyone suddenly wanted to do video meetings. After a few Zoom sessions, I realized I was looking quite plain. I was draped in drab colors that washed me out and somehow highlighted the very flaws I was trying to minimize with makeup. My eyes no longer felt bright and even my hair lacked luster. I was starting to feel like a wallflower who didn't command attention or instill confidence — even when I was leading the meeting.

That's when it hit me: My color choices weren't doing me any favors. But before I invested in a more flattering wardrobe, I wanted to make sure I was spending my money wisely.

I decided to book a color analysis session with House of Colour

The UK-based company has been using the principles of color science to help clients discover their season and palette for more than 35 years, and it has 200 color analysts and stylists across the United States.

I was matched with Crystal Thurber, a gregarious and impeccably dressed franchise owner who exudes passion for visually bringing out the best in her clients. A one-person color-analysis session with Thurber — listed as two hours and 30 minutes — costs $295.

While setting up the appointment, Thurber instructed me to arrive without any makeup, because a fresh face without outside influences interfering is needed to identify your best colors.

Once I arrived at my stylist's studio, I sat in a chair in front of a mirror and she got to work

In the natural light of her studio's large window, Thurber's first task was to determine if my natural undertones better harmonized with warm (yellow-based) or cool (blue-based) colors.

Thurber followed a time-tested color analysis process, draping a series of different colored cloths over my neck and torso. Together, we watched my face to see if my skin brightened or dulled, if fine lines or dark circles became more prominent, and if I looked washed out or overwhelmed.

Eventually, she zeroed in on the fact that I'm cool — which automatically eliminated the autumn and spring seasons. It also meant I'm silver (not gold) when it comes to jewelry, which was a relief since 99% of my jewelry collection is silver and white gold.

We then had to determine if I fit better with 'winter' or 'summer' colors

This took several more rounds of fabric swatches draped across my neck. It was truly remarkable to see just how much more I came alive when I was draped in the clear, bright, vivid, icy, and high-contrast value colors of Winter versus the soft, blue, smoky, and rose colors of summer. It was no contest: I'm a winter.

It was finally time to apply a little lipstick, eyeshadow, blush, and mascara from House of Colour's 90 Second Makeup brand. Thurber applied primer, dual mineral foundation, blush, and mascara to my face, and the products felt and looked great.

I pulled a few lipsticks out of my purse and we realized I was wearing all the wrong colors, so after trying on a handful she suggested, I bought several gorgeous shades — and what a difference they made!

Next, she went through my entire 'winter' spectrum of 36 colors to see which were most flattering

These are also known as my "wow" colors.

Thurber draped each of those colors across me once again, and she methodically charted which ones I can wear as a single block of color from head to toe (these included silver, charcoal, royal purple, navy, magenta, raspberry, burgundy, scarlet, lagoon blue, light emerald, and pine green), and which ones are best suited for about 75% coverage (such as dresses or coats), 50% coverage (like tops, sweaters, trousers and skirts), and 25% (accessories, like shoes, bags and scarves).

From here, she determined that I'm a "Burnished Winter," a subset of winter who looks best in the deepest and most saturated part of the palette. And while winters are the only season who can wear black, she decided that navy and charcoal are even better than black for me.

My 'wow' colors were mostly aligned with the colors I'd gravitated toward my whole life

That was funny to me but no surprise to Thurber, who said toddlers are drawn to the colors that best suit them. It's only when their parents and friends begin to influence their wardrobe that they stray from what Mother Nature intended.

Since my color analysis, I've discovered that building a new wardrobe around my color palette and "wow" colors really simplifies shopping and getting dressed. A wardrobe of clothes belonging to your spectrum means that everything in your closet coordinates — and that translates to an effortless and more cost-effective mix-and-match wardrobe.

It also makes packing for my frequent business travels a breeze, because the color combinations all work together.

House of Colour sends each client home with a fan of 36 color swatches for their season

You simply lay the fan on a garment and see how it harmonizes, then you make your purchasing decision based on those results.

Sure, it was hard at first to pass up an otherwise great outfit because the hue wasn't quite right for me, but the extra effort spent finding the perfect garment is definitely worth it. Learning not to settle in your clothing choices somehow spills over into all facets of your life.

I feel more friendly, approachable, and confident when I'm sporting my 'wow' colors

Those hues make my skin look smoother and my best features pop, and it makes a huge difference.

I travel a few times each month, and now strangers are complimenting me with such statements as, "You look so beautiful!" versus saying, "I like your outfit." It's as though the wrong colors separate your looks from the garment, whereas the right colors make you a cohesive pairing and you become the target of the compliment.

Family and friends have asked what I'm doing differently or why I'm glowing, and wearing these "wow" colors in my social media posts has even increased engagement. I'm literally oozing confidence on my Zoom calls and in client meetings now, which has already positively impacted my bottom line.