Meet Fiona Ingham, the colour and style consultant behind House of Colour’s Primrose Hill studio. Based in London, Fiona has spent over 30 years helping people discover the colours and styles that make them feel their best.

6 Questions with Fiona 

For those who don’t know you, how would you describe what you do and what you love most about being a House of Colour Consultant?

I help women and men of all ages discover their most flattering colours through in-person Colour Analysis. They learn whether they look good in warm or cool and bright or muted colours. (Spring, Summer. Autumn, Winter) They leave my studio with a colour fan of fabric swatches and an individualised booklet for effective shopping. It’s a joy to see what pleasure and confidence the knowledge gives clients, delighted that they can put together a great look for any event, however formal or informal. 

You’ve been a Gold Star Consultant for over 30 years, what keeps you passionate about colour and personal style after all this time?

I truly believe in the value of the subject and enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and a variety of nationalities. There is certain information which is always covered, but I tailor it so that it is most helpful for the individual. They might want to do the course for fun, to build a good work wardrobe, to cheer themselves up, to prepare for a wedding, to streamline their shopping. Or for all five and more! Each client is different and that makes each session fascinating.

What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about finding and wearing the colours that suit them?

That Colour Analysis is not limiting – just the opposite. It gives a quarter of the colour wheel to enjoy. Also, that a version of every colour is present in each season. For example, clients often think they can’t wear red. When they see the difference a warm or cool red has on their face, they are amazed. People can use their colours in their own way. Some might enjoy dressing head to toe in fabulous brights. Others might like to use their elegant neutrals and punctuate with splashes of colour. 

How does your own Autumn colouring influence the way you choose and style the colours you wear?

After so many years I know my colours so don’t need to take the colour fan when shopping. I don’t waste time or money. I know whatever I buy will blend effortlessly into my wardrobe. I wear all the colours in my palette. Some days I might want an understated look so might choose my neutrals: browns, coffee, warm navy or the dark olive greens. On others I might want to stand out, so go for my geranium red dress, sunflower yellow leather jacket or grass green twinset. Knowing my colours gives me the confidence to invest in my clothes. My most expensive purchase was a bronze leather trench coat. I hardly dared buy it, but I knew it was a perfect colour, a classic style and would work with everything. 15 years later I still wear it, feeling great for any important meeting.

You’ve been a long-time friend of The Healthy Back Bag Company. What do you love about Healthy Back Bags, and how do they fit into your approach to personal style?

Of course I love the wide choice of colours! Since things are now less formal, I happily use my Small Back Bags for business meetings. These bags are excellent when travelling as it’s great to be able to get to the passport easily and for there to be no strain on my back. My weightless Bagletts are perfect if I am sightseeing and need minimal items. When looking after my little granddaughter I use a Sling which contains all my essentials and my hands certainly need to be free! I rarely use a hand-held bag now, except a clutch for evenings or a handbag for a special event. 

If you could give one simple piece of style advice to someone who wants to feel more confident in what they wear, what would it be?

Only follow the trends in colour and style that are right for you!