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Style Lab-O-ratory :: For Claire - Wearing My Kind of Contrast

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

For Claire and others, of course

I got wet in the today's morning outfit (not posted here) when it started to rain and I was on the bike far away from any shelter, so I had to change quickly before the afternoon round of running around like headless chicken. What to wear, what to wear?

Firstly, I really wanted to have a go at Angie's coral, blue and white formula, because it's lovely, fresh and I get such kick from putting together my existing pieces in new ways.

But because what I wrote on Claire's thread this morning was still fresh - and clear - in my head (Over time I had figured out high contrast in clothing is actually natural extension of my own colouring and type, dark hair and fair skin make a good base to replicate that in the clothing), once I had put them on I simply knew these very shades blue and coral did not work for me. And because I actually have the same cardigan in both coral-ish and black colour, swapping them was the next thought, and the outcome was much better.

Outfit / Style Experiment #1 - low contrast between the tee shirt and the cardigan.
Outfit / Style Experiment #2 - high contrast between the tee shirt and the cardigan.

I hope the visuals are helpful to someone else too.

Happy to hear your thoughts and comments.

p.s.
Hair appointment tomorrow, at last.

27 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

Sona

Veteran

Just taking a visual stab at this: I like the high contrast better on you O. I see that both work of course but I like 2 more. Hmmm.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It's also that cobalt and black/ white are a more harmonious combination, O. And not only that, but it's more cohesive with the footwear and your hair. So coral would work very well in a different outfit.

Anonymous

Hi Ornella! The coral cardigan is also very low contrast against your skin tone. I like the way the black, white and blue combination looks on you better, although I'm sure there could be a way to work in coral in a bag or something if that color is an absolute love of yours. But if it's not, that would be a great way to decide which sweater to cull--just sayin'!

I love high contrast in outfits, I feel like it brings energy to the look. In my case I have to dial up the white to cream, dial down black to charcoal or navy, and sometimes even add a bridge tone that's right in the middle, via a print or mid-tone like medium denim. My own contrast is sort of medium, but I dislike an all-medium contrast outfit. Once I tried medium wash jeans, a mid-grey turtleneck and my medium khaki trench. Boy was that blah on me. Or could it have been the absence of a print?

Mona

Veteran

Now that is a totally new idea to me. May be that is why I am so attracted to high contrast outfits. My hair is high contrast to my skin, not as much as yours Ornella but still.
I actually like both outfits but the one with black cardigan looks better on you.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Fascinating. Orange and blue are opposites and thus high contrast in my book--but clearly black and white is even higher--and there's no question #2 looks better on you! But is it the contrast--or the touch of black? (I apologise if that muddies the waters)

cheryl

Veteran

So interesting. I love seeing the comparisons side by side.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I like the second look too, I think the blue and the orange are too close in colour vs. the high contrast between the blue and the white bottoms as well as your hair colour and the white bottoms.

shiny

Veteran

I like them both equally, and to my eye, the coral IS high contrast. But I'm bad at understanding these definitions. To me the contrast is between white vs coral/blue or white vs blue/black. Not between coral/blue because both those pieces are in same bright range - so no contrast between them, not to my eye, at least.

(I haven't participated in this formula challenge because I have no coral in my closet.)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

With white footwear, I actually prefer #1, Ornella. That's not which you prefer is it?

nancywalters

It seems as though the coral brings out a bit more gold in your complexion. Also the blue top seems to be a more saturated color relative to the coral. I think if the coral was deeper, it would be the same level of saturation as the blue top and would perhaps provide a more cohesive look.

Aida

Veteran

I'm on my phone but wanted to say that #1 with a white top and your white sandals/flats would be a good contrasting option. I hear you on the built in high contrast, it's part of why white out looks are still dramatic on us! I actually love both of these on you, especially if you swap to white footwear in #1 as Angie commented.

Anonymous

I like them both, but can see why you feel more comfortable in the second. I kind of wonder what #1 would look like with a navy top instead of the mid-tone blue, to bring in some sharper contrast.

catgirl

Veteran

I find this fascinating. For me, two strong colors (coral and blue) are a little ALGO even though theoretically low contrast. I prefer outfit 2, but I think I might prefer it on anyone, not just beautiful you!

ETA: wonder if I'd feel different if one were a pattern...

Neel

Veteran

Not fair ... Cobalt/black/white is a fail proof and loved combo for many. You shouldn't put it next to coral/white/blue for comparison

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I prefer #1 too especially with Angie's suggestion for shoes It just goes to show how we all "see" different things.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Interesting, indeed! I was thinking the shoes make the black cardigan more pulled together. To me, your hair isn't that dark looking, so I see a level of contrast in your coloring that is probably closer to coral-and-white than black-and-white. Still, I do prefer the blue-black outfit here.

Deborah

Veteran

Interesting!

#1 is pretty but for me there are two many colours:) Black, white, cobat and coral:) I would need the black shoes swapped out for say white ones for some visual continuity.

#2 is definitely more up my ally:) but I have to say I would prefer either a black or grey top under the cardigan with the white pants. Again, I find my eye has too many colours to go to.

But that's just my immediate response to who I feel about the colour combos.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Um. I like #1 best, although #2 is classic Ornella. Perhaps I'm being influenced by my own desire to lighten up! I'm finding myself craving lighter colors in general -- like white and chambray blue. Of course, I have few of these colors in my wardrobe, and I've got high contrast coloring, as do you.

Hmmm. Off to ponder.

Of course, you look crisp and polished and like the Lady of the German Manor House you're about to be.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the comments ladies.

Alana :: the way I see it is the definition and/or perception of contrast is relative to my colouring. You have lighter hair and perhaps #1 in this case would be enough (i.e. not overwhelming) contrast on you. I'm not good imagining things, I have to see them -- side by side if possible How does that sound as an idea for your experiment maybe?

cheryl :: thanks, I find side by side very helpful for honing in what I like or where I want to go. The tiny tweaks turn to be significant ones for me.

shiny :: #1 are what i understand as low contrast, #2 - high. And #2 would be my kind of contrast, the one I'm drawn to most right now.

Angie, Aida :: Lab-O will continue, I will give white footwear a go.

caro :: I am SO glad you pointed out we all see different things and that is exactly why I posted this. Although I was sure, still am, what I prefer, I love learning from the observations and comments.

Deborah :: I kept the same shoes for the comparison of the toppers, as black ones would sway the whole thing. But, I'm now very keen to try all the variations with the footwear and cook the best possible outfit recipe from these ingredients.

Beth Ann :: You rock! I DO admit the design of the house and the process of accepting its very, very modern design (too much for me to begn with, but thankfully hubby had a vision) has had its influence on me. That is a whole different story

Laura

You did a great job with both outfits. It is a tough vote but I personally would go with the coral cardigan.

Lucy

Veteran

Wow, so interesting! I'm very drawn to #2, though cobalt is my fav colour, and this one showcases the cobalt more, so perhaps this is why. I think I max out at three colours in an outfit, too, so I will be interested to see Angie's interpretation with white shoes!
Thanks so much for trialling this

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Ok, I have to confess that your glowing face and beautiful smile just out contrasts the whole outfit for me and that is really what I noticed. But I love the idea of #1 with white footwear - let the experiments continue!

Anonymous

I sort of agree with Angie. I see what you mean with regards to outfit #2 and it does really suit you, yet all #1 needs is some white shoes to make it work better. I think both looks are strong enough for you to be honest, because to Alana's point, the blue and coral are 'complimentary' colours and therefore a strong contrast too.

bella

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, I'm surprised, I think that shade of coral looks beautiful on you. I am also loving the fringe!

Helena

Veteran

Great thread! I too prefer the black, although that may be a reflection more if personal taste vs. Flattery as the coral is nice on you ... Think if u swapped out cobalt for coral in #2 I would like it equally. Very pretty in any case!!

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Thanks everyone.

Today I've taken the photos with the new footwear, let me know what you think on a new thread.

Lisa

Veteran

Contrasts is an idea I'm starting to mull over after working with a high contrast wardrobe for a few weeks. And many of my clothes are high contrast looks. But I liked the lower contrast looks best during my portion of the YLF Challenge chain.