About me
From a wardrobe that didn’t add up to colour and style as my profession
This is my story.
Hi, I’m Carmen
After six years in Singapore, I now live in Haarlem, where my studio is in a former church. Before I started working with colour and style, I spent years in marketing. I’m also a personal development coach and trainer. I bring both into my work.
A wardrobe that didn’t work
For a long time my wardrobe felt like a collection of loose pieces. I kept adding something new, hoping that would make it work, and I regularly made bad buys.
Then I had my colours analysed. Some colours made me look tired and washed out, others instantly brightened my face. For the first time I understood why my wardrobe didn’t work. The difference was so big that I couldn’t keep it to myself.
From colour to personal styling and the stage
I work with 21 colour types, all refinements within the four universal seasons. In every colour session I show you how to wear your colours, and if you’d like to go further, my style sessions build on that. I listen to who you are today and who you want to be, and translate that into concrete choices for your wardrobe.
That’s how I help you discover what suits you today, and how to use it yourself.
These days I also speak on stage as a keynote speaker, about the power of colour.
And trust me, seeing yourself truly shine in the mirror does something to you.
In short
- Business Administration, University of Groningen
- Almost ten years in marketing, at KPN and as marketing director at CompaNanny
- Certified coach (ICF) and personal development trainer
- All colour training and advanced courses at Hi-Style Academy, personal stylist training and a make-up course for natural looks
- Professional speaker training (2025/2026) at Fleur Presents and a keynote on the power of colour
- Founder of Carmen’s Colours & Styling, with my own studio first in Singapore and now in Haarlem
Let yourself thrive. By doing so, you’re doing what’s best for yourself, your loved ones, and the world. Appreciate yourself.
Els van Steijn
Globally, the fashion industry is the second most polluting industry after the oil and gas sector.
Let’s work together in buying less but better. I promise, it will make you much more grateful and happy! Loving your garments even more.
Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
George Bernard Shaw
What’s Carmen’s style?
- Buy less, buy better: When you know your colours, style and shape it helps to decide what items to invest in.
- Pretty: I love when people feel beautiful, energised and confident, by wearing items that enhance their beauty.
- Enjoyable: the sessions are super fun!
- Practical: I help you to understand colours, so you can identify colours that work best for you.
- Careful and complete: detailed info
Marga
Beforehand I thought I actually knew what looks good on me, but this workshop showed me what makes me sparkle. Insightful and some surprising conclusions and colours. Carmen takes the time for a thorough, professional profile analysis. The colour fan is very handy. It’s so fun to do, also with a friend!
Selina
That was such a brilliant, brilliant morning, thank you so much Carmen! I had heaps of fun but most of all really enjoyed it. And I’m super excited to go through my wardrobe. The info on jewellery and make-up was very enlightening as well. You are fab at it too, I came away feeling really positive about it and myself. Thank you!
Sarah
With Carmen’s advice I look differently at the clothes I have in my closet and the things I’m thinking of buying. Plus, I feel braver in trying new colours and combinations in clothes, make-up and jewellery.
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For colour fun & tips