https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:39:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette/page/2#post-2216886 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 20:12:45 +0000 Chris987 2216886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks<b> Angie!</b> Yep you are so right about color. A perfect garment&nbsp; in the wrong color is a no-go, but one in a perfect color might be acceptable w/o perfection in other areas.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette/page/2#post-2216576 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 23:07:23 +0000 Angie 2216576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*APPLAUSE*</p> <p>I love how these AHA-moments have led to a brilliant plan that simply put - pander to a more authentic <b>CHRIS-style</b> because you are listening to your feelings and following through on them positively and constructively.&nbsp;</p> <p>Well done :)</p> <p>Also, sooooo with you that <i><u>colour</u></i> - whether it's a neutral or non-neutral - is the most important part about an item. If the colour is wrong, it's a non-starter for me. The fabric, fit, and everything else about it do not matter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette/page/2#post-2216224 Sat, 14 Aug 2021 21:39:19 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2216224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting read, as you &amp; I apparently have different basic instincts here. I do recognize how overly easy it can be to buy summer tops. But why do want fewer classic/simple ones? Is that the kind you have too many of? When I’ve had too many, it’s been the result of listening to a SA say that the thing to do with that quirky top I’m looking at is to wear it with jeans (which I don’t wear often). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette/page/2#post-2215885 Fri, 13 Aug 2021 19:12:27 +0000 Chris987 2215885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Unfrumped,</b> yes you are right that Covid has made the "will I really like it IRL" test much harder.&nbsp;I hadn't quite realized that but it makes sense.&nbsp; if you only leave the house once every two weeks to go to the grocery<br />store (just as an example),&nbsp; then you don't get to test drive very many outfits.</p> <p><b>LaP, </b>good&nbsp; point about the fine line between not enough and too much color. I think it's not as much as an issue for those who like to wear a lot of color but maybe they have a similar issue with neutrals.&nbsp; &nbsp;:-) Grass is always greener etc.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette/page/2#post-2215807 Fri, 13 Aug 2021 15:27:47 +0000 LaPed 2215807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find myself nodding along with so many of your observations. So inspiring! I think at some point this fall I'll try laying everything out by colour and see what it reveals. Agree that there is a fine line between too much colour and no colour at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2215786 Fri, 13 Aug 2021 14:28:52 +0000 unfrumped 2215786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thinking and planning!<br /> I really struggle to use enough discipline. I live certain colors but probably am more silhouette- dependent. So that means I may over- buy certain style- silhouettes and then can’t wear them all.<br /> OTOH I love certain hues of berries, deep lavender, mid- blue that I have bought poorly - fitting or not good fabrics in those colors.<br /> I agree that little try- ons are really helpful. But then I need to actually WEAR the outfit somewhere, because there are some that I like in the mirror but apparently not IRL. COVID has made that test much harder. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2215777 Fri, 13 Aug 2021 13:08:55 +0000 Chris987 2215777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks <b>MsMaven!</b> </p> <p><b>Suntiger</b>, actually I DO have cognac booties - see the second find above.. They are super comfortable and&nbsp;I love them, but they are quite worn, and in a western-ish vibe (Lucky Brand)&nbsp; that I am not always interested in wearing so thinking about adding something different. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2215437 Wed, 11 Aug 2021 22:26:12 +0000 Anonymous 2215437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You Don't have cognac booties?! You definitely need some </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2215434 Wed, 11 Aug 2021 22:21:02 +0000 MsMaven 2215434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating and good timing for me. I just had a similar experience but on a much smaller scale as I decided what to take on a vacation trip.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do arrange my closet by item and then color, but "what feels right" is often the most important factor in choosing what to wear.&nbsp;</p> <p>Lots of wisdom on this thread. I need to reread it and take some notes this time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2214730 Sun, 08 Aug 2021 13:22:33 +0000 Chris987 2214730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Bijou,</b> thanks for the kind words! I think you are so right that the warm neutrals are&nbsp;not typically around in summer items, nor are the <br />pale grey colors I also love. If I wore more white I get more use out of the light tan&nbsp;sandals but for some reason I don't want to wear white very often.&nbsp;Thanks for the reminder about Uniqlo for&nbsp;basic tops in neutrals. I didn't want any more basic plain tees t his year but if I did&nbsp;uniqlo ones are great. The suggestion of a caramel or cinnamon bootie for fall is a GREAT one!&nbsp;I have booties in cognac (quite old) and a mid-brown ...&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2214710 Sun, 08 Aug 2021 08:48:30 +0000 Bijou 2214710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris, given you love and look so good in warm neutrals, camel, cinnamon and cream all look beautiful on you and are usually quite abundant in Fall and Winter. Finding these warm earth tones is always trickier in Summer and Spring which may be why you have tan sandals but not any short sleeve tops. I find Uniqlo good for nice basics in neutral colours.</p> <p>For winter, I would recommend getting a boot in a caramel or cinnamon tone - the boot below is a workhorse in my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2214316 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 13:11:40 +0000 Chris987 2214316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>slim cat</b> - I really like the idea of metallic shoes as an overall direction, thanks for the inspo. I'm already thinking about it as something different from my usual black. Interesting that you gave up on some colors after trying them - I can see how that might be what "feels right" sometimes. That fits into the category of what I call "trying too hard to make something work". When I find myself doing that I know it's time to move on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2214197 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 00:12:10 +0000 slim cat 2214197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Chris987 -&nbsp;</b>Lavender ( the color of my new sneakers ) is one of the more rare things to find. However I always liked that color and kept old earrings of the similar shade and old tee shirt that could be the beginning of a new color direction in my wardrobe. <br />It's a bit unusual for me to try that approach too - we'll see what I can accomplish.<br />My previous shoes that worked well with anything in all seasons are all metallics in color ( brushed gold, dark platinum, gunmetal - neutral in a way ). Before that it was mostly black.<br />Considering capsule wardrobing - I kinda failed. I could not make work olive pieces and let go of some dark teal items. I felt too much pressure and just decided to stay in familiar blue, aqua, black and white territory.<br />The only success I've had was with berry/burgundy capsule - the jacket, tee shirt and the belt ( plus some earrings ) works for me. You can call it mini capsule - maybe that would be helpful for you too.&nbsp;<br />Thank you for interesting post - will follow up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2214058 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 15:16:39 +0000 Chris987 2214058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><u></u>Thanks&nbsp;<b>RobinF</b>, waving at another member of team "blue is a color". :-)&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Suz,</b> thanks, and great comments. Yup, nodding along with the hot summer vs cool summer&nbsp;distinction, and the fact that each year has a sligthly different ratio between the two.&nbsp; &nbsp;Last year was "covid summer" which was in a world of it's own. :-(&nbsp; &nbsp;I too use cotton sweater as you describe, not quite warm enough for early spring coming out of winter<br />but perfect for a cool summer day. After further review, the "too many black tops" is really "too many black short sleeved tops" but I had<br />forgotten that many of those have patterns on them, so not solid black ... so not too many after all.&nbsp;Good thought about scarves, they do add color and pattern in the cooler months and no I didn't&nbsp;consider them here because I was just looking at my summer wardrobe, where I don't wear scarves.&nbsp;Sounds like you could do the "group by color" experiment <br />without moving a lot of items - you might find it enlightening! <u></u> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2214040 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 14:45:59 +0000 Suz 2214040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great post, Chris, and as usual, a thoughtful analysis of what you have and what you need. Some interesting discoveries, too! If colour is the most important element to you in outfit creation then starting here and see what you have makes such good sense! </p> <p>My first thought was like <b>kkards</b>&nbsp;-- it can be easy to think you need more "cool summer" clothing (long pants, toppers) in a year that is unseasonably cool and wet. And you were already low on long summer pants going into the season, so I can see that leading to frustration. At the same time, you do get changeable weather in the northeast and probably need clothing for both "hot summer" and "cool summer." I certainly did when I lived there! But I tended to need more for "hot summer" because my fall/ spring items did crossover for "cool summer" for the most part. I did find that a few all-cotton sweaters were good for "cool summer" temps and that was not something I tended to wear in cool spring or fall. </p> <p>My second thought is along the lines of <b>suntiger's</b>&nbsp;-- you may have too many black tops, but before you chuck any, ensure they don't serve different purposes. Different cuts can be key. </p> <p>Another thought -- in winter and fall, do you think you may be getting a lot of. your colour and pattern needs met by <b>scarves</b>? Did you factor scarves in here? A scarf can often tie together the different colours in an outfit and make it feel more interesting. In summer, we tend not to wear them and miss that element. And we end up creating boring outfits (especially if the items have little inherent interest in themselves, and especially if jewellery or toppers are also too hot to add.) </p> <p>If I were to do your experiment, I'd see an ocean of blue! Actually, I see an ocean of blue in my closet even without performing the experiment. Blue is colour <b>and </b>neutral for me. Black is a "faux colour" for me. </p> <p>There's a few spots of red, berry, and pinks of various hues in my closet, some grey, and some white -- and that is basically it. Maybe I need to shake things up a bit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2214031 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 14:28:21 +0000 RobinF 2214031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great way to use the color organization to pinpoint where the holes might be and what your actual preferences are. I am similar to you in preferring neutrals but use color too - and blue is definitely a color for me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2213989 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 12:36:01 +0000 Chris987 2213989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Kate</b>, yes, yes, yes! I am going to keep things organized by color for a while and&nbsp;see where that takes me. </p> <p><b>rachylou</b> what a great story about the pink sweatshirts. I bet a lot of us have done that,&nbsp;I know I have. Duplicates should be done for a reason, and "forgetting that you&nbsp;already have one" is not such a great reason </p> <p><b>slim cat </b>- interesting idea to start with shoes when introducing a new color. I've never tried that but it sounds like it&nbsp;could be a good thing to try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2213927 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 23:08:26 +0000 slim cat 2213927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wish I can get my wardrobe re-evaluated by color - but no space and time for that now. I’ve got more work related clothes ( black or black and white) but need to add more colors in the mix.<br /> Since my feet are so fussy it all starts with new shoes for me. Recently I’ve got lavender/crocus colored sneakers and need to make outfits with that. Color is very important in the outfits- like you’ve said here. Some search/hunting for that soft lavender color is on my mind for this fall.<br /> Post your findings later - follow with interest . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2213906 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 21:41:45 +0000 rachylou 2213906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is, I think those are insights that will have significant impact and enable you to leverage your wardrobe in a big way. Like if you have sandals for hot days but not corresponding tops… that’s kinda a big deal. I had this idea awhile back that I wanted to add a pink sweatshirt with puff sleeves, and I kept seeing them and I ended up with three, which is two too many. I totally forgot that I had already filled the hole, I was so caught up in the quest. That’s happened more than once to me. The heavens open up and sing when I realise what’s going on, I swear </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2213900 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 20:51:13 +0000 Kate 2213900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love grouping by color. It cheers me up no end every time I look in my closet. It's much easier to get dressed too, because when I think of what I want to wear, I think first of color. The only fly in the ointment is my sweater drawer. I wish I could hang my sweaters, but I would worry about stretching them out, especially the heavier ones. Not that I have the room to do that anyway.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2213899 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 20:34:30 +0000 Chris987 2213899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks <b>Helena! </b>It is soo interesting that a color like blue can be a neutral for some, and a color for others (like you and me).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2213896 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 20:17:34 +0000 Helena 2213896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Chris, you are articulating things here that are so relevant to my own style journey! I can't wait to see how you proceed ... in particular, I am resonating with the apparent-but-not-actual contradiction of colour being the most important thing but also your preference for neutrals and low levels of colour mixing ... this is 100% me but I don't think I realized the two things could co-exist; therefore, I would swing back and forth between extremes.</p> <p>Yay to blue being a colour also! Will be back to re-read and reflect further but thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2213880 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 18:13:22 +0000 Chris987 2213880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks <b>nemosmom! </b>I had a rough idea already that neutrals were my thing, but seeing them&nbsp;co-located in my closet confirmed it, and also confirmed that I have not been too good&nbsp;at building a wardrobe that works that way and covers ALL the neutrals I like. That's a really&nbsp;good point about the color that works best not always being the color you want most. Very thought&nbsp;provoking. </p> <p><b>Star</b> - I haven't looked at vivienefiles in ages, good suggestion! I do need a refresher&nbsp;on how to define a capsule. Hair color really does make a difference to overall palette. </p> <p>Thanks <b>Vildy! </b>I can't reliably find ANTHING at thrift shops around me so I'm envious of your (and other fabbers' )&nbsp;success there. Cinnamon seems to be trending these days so it's around in the regular stores, although&nbsp;there is a huge variety in the actual colors.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>kkards</b>, you are right that this year's summer here in NE has been more rainy and cool than usual.&nbsp;The five year average is a great way to think about it, since it can vary widely. I wasn't really thinking&nbsp;of tossing everything and starting over next year, more just being very thoughtful&nbsp;about what new stuff I buy and what older stuff I keep, realizing that it's the shortest of&nbsp;all my seasons.&nbsp;</p> <p>ok <b>Rachy</b>, I have to confess I don't follow what you are trying to say ... </p> <p><b>cat2 </b>I like the idea of keeping lists, I never seem to really follow through on it, but i think it would help me a lot if I did. </p> <p><b>suntiger</b> - yes that's exactly right, if your black tops are all different weights, fabrics etc then&nbsp;they are not too many of the same thing. Mine are more like too many of the same thing That's an interesting idea<br />to think of garments as working for a range of temperatures. I tend to handle it with layering. </p> <p><b>notasf</b> thanks!</p> <p><b>lisa p</b> I've occasionally done the capsule-for-six week thing but I tend to find it too "structured" after&nbsp;a while. Maybe it would work better for me if I did it for 4 weeks at a time. Hmmm ... worth some thought. I do occasionally look at susan and unefemme.net, and do like some of the components of her&nbsp;style. Her coloring is similar to mine too. Good reminder.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks<b> runcarla</b>, it really has opened up my eyes to group things by color! And yes, for a capsule to work it needs all the different types of pieces you wear.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2213873 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 17:38:36 +0000 Carla 2213873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Arranging clothes by colour, rather than form, 8-9 years ago changed things up for me as well. &nbsp;Having different types of garments (tops,<i>&nbsp;</i>bottoms, and accessories) in your colour capsule is a good plan, too. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2213868 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 17:28:51 +0000 Anonymous 2213868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this . Grouping by colour is so much fun and makes figuring out the holes SO much easier for me . I used to LOVE doing colour capsules for 6 ( or so ) week periods of time . No space for it now , sadly . Anyways - are you familiar with Susan a unefemme.net ? You might relate to her style . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2213862 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 17:15:45 +0000 notsaf 2213862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good work, Chris! Sounds like you'll really benefit from a try-on outfit lab, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2213860 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 17:02:24 +0000 Anonymous 2213860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding to a lot of this! My closet is organized by color, and to me it's much easier that way, and just looks nicer. </p> <p>Re black tops- I have a lot, but they're different silouettes and dressiness levels and fabric weights. I decided it's ok to have multiples of the same neutrals if they are different in some ways. </p> <p>I don't distinguish between seasons so much as weather. I kinda think of it as levels: 85-100 red, 70-85 orange, etc in 15 degree increments. How many of those color levels would this piece work for? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2213859 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 17:02:05 +0000 cat2 2213859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been keeping a zillion lists, one is of what I have in my core neutrals, and what I would like to find. I don’t do a massive shop to fill in the gaps, but it does help me focus when I do shop. So, I am adding grey back in after a long absence, and from the list I know I am set for winter Ts, sweaters, bags, shoes, and boots, but that I only have one pair of pants and a couple of really old skirts that I will likely wear out soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2213856 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 16:42:58 +0000 rachylou 2213856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Significant (!) in my estimation (!!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/aha-moment-re-color-palette#post-2213855 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 16:40:30 +0000 kkards 2213855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris think long &amp; hard about your hot summer…are you reacting to much to this year, which in NE has been rainy and cool? What was last summer like? In my day job I deal a lot with weather depends businesses, and the most important thing I’ve learned is to take a long view, we tend to use a rolling 5 year average….I’d build around that. </p>