https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:02:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1681458 Sun, 19 Jun 2016 16:27:35 +0000 Quietgirl 1681458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes absolutely! I look better in navy than in black. When I put on any of those saturated winter colors in the dressing room, staff often comment that it is a "good color" for me. ( Others notice!) life is too short to wear clothing that doesn't flatter! (Once I thought I was an Autumn)</p> <p>And I am so excited at your discovery. I cannot wait to see how this understanding changes your style!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1681275 Sun, 19 Jun 2016 04:05:02 +0000 Sally 1681275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love cobalt and it suits me whether I'm dark haired or blonde. I used to buy anything in the colour. I tend to wear more black now but one thing I must have in my wardrobe is a cobalt pashima. When I lost one, I promptly went and got another. I wear at least once a week.<br /> Hope you feel more uplifted soon. There is so much to get us down. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1681166 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 21:13:49 +0000 approprio 1681166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Huh. Lost a reply when my connection crashed.&nbsp;</p> <p>Viva, I hear you. These are distressing times.&nbsp;Be kind to yourself and hit that yoga class.&nbsp;</p> <p>I discovered last year that the key for me is cool, high contrast colours. I haven't quite ditched the softer tones, but I try to boost them with bold accents. Leaning very much towards black, white and navy blue these days.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1681146 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 19:52:19 +0000 Barbara Diane 1681146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hugs</p> <p>I love Angie's advise, and will start doing one more thing a day. And even getting out in the sun for a few minutes helps me. And the earlier in the day those few minutes are the better the day usually goes.</p> <p>.</p> <p>I'm on team cobalt.</p> <p>It was a huge epiphany when I had my colors done. I had had no sense of how to tell what looked good on me. When I told a friend she said her mom told her to put her hand on the fabric and see how it looked. That would have saved me many a bad outfit over the years. And I agree what colors you put with something makes a big difference.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1681113 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 18:24:36 +0000 Elizabeth P 1681113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, this cobalt thing... very interesting.&nbsp; I love it, and it looks amazing on me.&nbsp; I think the compliments I get wearing it has really influenced the fact that I like to wear it.&nbsp; HOWEVER.&nbsp; I noticed this a while ago, and was quite surprised by it... when I look at my favourite outfits, it's rare that cobalt makes an appearance.&nbsp; And I think you (Una, Lisa, others) have hit the nail on the head.&nbsp; While I like the colour, it's rare to find pieces with some edge.&nbsp; So maybe it's one of my preferred colours, but doesn't quite make it to my preferred style? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1681098 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 17:50:20 +0000 viva 1681098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Una</b> and<b> Lisap</b>: Interesting, and I get it. Cobalt feels too conservative for me, too. Although I am not usually a really edgy dresser, I'm not conservative either. So I think I feel the same thing you do.</p> <p><b>Angie:</b> Yes to yoga! I go to a great studio here and when I can get myself there I find it extremely helpful. I like your idea of the slow reintegration of my routines. I think I've been aiming maybe too high. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1681093 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 17:14:02 +0000 Anonymous 1681093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una - exactly. &nbsp;Same colours for me, and same issues. &nbsp;Including navy footwear. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1681089 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 16:46:44 +0000 catgirl 1681089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cobalt is actually a fantastic color for me and one of the few such colors I find difficult (burgundy and fuschia being in that camp as well). The issue for me is finding cobalt items with some edge. I don't need edge with black as I feel it's inherently there at least in what I choose. Navy footwear is another such issue - very hard though not impossible to find non-classic shoes in navy. </p> <p>The idea of bossy colors deserves its own post and is probably another subjective topic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1681054 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 14:56:47 +0000 Angie 1681054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sweet Viv, it all sounds very natural. Give yourself time to recoup from your hectic work schedule. It really hasn't been that long. Listen to your body. Soak up the TLC from your dogs. Set a lower expectation, but set yourself ONE task for the day and do it. Then set yourself two and do it. Gradually you'll feel more "accomplished" and things will flow like you want them to.&nbsp;</p> <p>I highly recommend doing yoga. It does wonders for the mind, and has definitely helped my psyche over the years. It also helped me deal with the grief of losing Jasmine and Rosie. (Now Sam takes care of that).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1681034 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 14:10:34 +0000 Tanya 1681034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am sorry to hear you haven't been feeling like yourself lately, Viva, and hope that it improves soon, especially we all that sun weshould hopefully be getting in the summer.<br />About colors, I also vote not to get rid of chambray etc. yet.&nbsp; I personally think it is perfectly fun to wear both your best colors and your good through OK colors, as long as the second group gives you some joy through either interest or fun color combo etc. I second some observations about stage make up and lightning for the photos - I do ballroom dance competitions and we were ridiculous amounts of makeup in order to look good on photos&nbsp; and for the audience - it looks silly once you come on closer than 3 feet.<br />Cobalt is an interesting colors for me - it is my good but not best color,&nbsp; since it is a bit too strong and I need softer colors.&nbsp; I do like it though and wear it occasionally (just wore it yesterday), and for me it is all in how it is combined with other colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1681027 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 13:22:52 +0000 Janet 1681027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sally, I'm with you on the pro-cobalt team (despite the KC Royals associations, hehe, sorry Joy!). It's been one of my favorite colors to wear pretty much forever. I don't find it bossy at all, but maybe it's because it works with my coloring and is bright but not TOO bright. Now, red. Red is a bossy color to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1681025 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 13:13:52 +0000 Anonymous 1681025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Viva, I'm on your team when it comes to cobalt and it is actually one of my best colors. Last year when the local baseball team (Royals) were in the World Series and everyone was wearing royal blue, I found I didn't have any in my rather large wardrobe and went thrifting.<br /> I'm agreeing with the holding zone group. Best colors constantly change. I purged brown a couple of years ago, then started to crave it and have added some back. The seasons, light, a tweek in haircolor or new lipstick, foundation...they all affect your best colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1681016 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 12:38:57 +0000 viva 1681016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, forum! Thank you for chiming in. It's one of those times where I can really feel your warmth. </p> <p><b>Angie, </b>thank you for your sweet interest in what's going on with me. I'm not really sure except that, as <b>Lisap</b> says <i>"the general world discord is really upsetting"</i> and, coincidentally, I have been experiencing real difficulty adjusting from an intense work period (Jan-May) to a much less intense one. I had hoped to use late May / June to get back on track on some personal things ... re-establish my exercise routine because I have gotten weak and flabby; re-invigorate my interest in creative outlets, etc. But I have not been able to get myself going in any regular way, and my morning sessions with the paper and Facebook (ugh) just drag me down. (I should probably break that habit for a while.) And, it's summer, which means that I'm often just living in gear or shorts and a tee. I'm trying to address all of these things but mustering the energy has been a challenge. <b>Caro, </b>I am in total agreement that nature is a salve. I've been trying to get out with my dogs more lately, and to turn off my brain while walking (which can be hard to do). </p> <p>Thank you all for listening and for being there for me even though I haven't been there much for all of you.&nbsp;I can't comment on every single post but please know I read and pondered every single one. Thank you all.</p> <p>So many of you advocate holding on to the chambray and similar items, and I think I will do that for now. I can definitely relate to the value of choice and an overall more colorful wardrobe (<b>Ledonna</b>) and also the need to sometimes dress more quietly (<b>Carter</b>).&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you also to those who have acted on the desire to limit your palette (<b>Vix, Elizabeth P</b> et al. It was great to hear that perspective and the benefits of having a more limited but highly flattering set of choices.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also really appreciate the comments about how photography benefits from intense colors (<b>Peri </b>and <b>Lisa</b>), and the potential value of looking at this again in the winter (<b>Diana</b>): these were important doses of rational thinking.</p> <p>And finally, <b>what is going on with cobalt</b>? I think <b>Angie</b> needs to do a post on this color!!! I love that <b>Lyn</b> calls it <i>bossy</i>. Maybe that's the issue? But so many of us -- <b>Lyn,&nbsp;Lisap, Una, Aida, Brooklyn, Caro, Carter</b> -- have issues with it, despite the fact that it might work well on us. I think that's interesting. However, I did just buy two cobalt items. I'm stretching farther into the saturated zone. :)</p> <p>PS <b>Smittie</b>, I wore long white flared jeans to see a show in Boston the other night. Sorry I didn't post a picture for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1681001 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 11:25:29 +0000 carter 1681001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sorry you're having such a frustrating time.</p> <p>I look best in deep saturated colors as well, and I feel great wearing them. But sometimes, I just want my outfit to be a little quieter, calmer. More yin than yang, if you will. To me, chambray is perfect for this, because the fabrication already says casual, laid back. I suppose this is a form of mood dressing, but one I'm happy to accommodate.</p> <p>As for cobalt...I have an *intense* lack of love for cobalt on me, no matter how much it may flatter.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1680902 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 02:51:56 +0000 Anonymous 1680902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I'm in on the pro-cobalt club, Sally!<br /> It looks good on me and great on my daughter with her peaches-and-cream complexion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1680899 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 02:49:31 +0000 Anonymous 1680899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dont know. There are many colours that look good on me that I don't like, like periwinkle and I just avoid them, so I don't think you need to embrace cobalt.</p> <p>I too find chambray blah on me. Maybe it would be better with some good accessories...</p> <p>I am surprised that you look good in optic white because you look so good in warm colours like beige and mustard.</p> <p>You should keep posting pictures to YLF! We need to see you in more bell-bottoms! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1680891 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 02:36:47 +0000 Sal 1680891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I might have to start a pro cobalt club.....anyone else in? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany/page/2#post-1680852 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 01:39:51 +0000 Elizabeth P 1680852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear you're not feeling great Viva.&nbsp; I hope you can bounce back soon.&nbsp; </p> <p>I'm not sure if I had an epiphany so much as one was handed to me.&nbsp; I used to have a wardrobe of black, white, navy, denim/slate blue, grey, brown, beige and red.&nbsp; And the odd piece with colour, but nothing very exciting.&nbsp; When I went through the "Dressing your truth" program, it put me in an energy type that wore pure, saturated colours, and high contrast.&nbsp; Well, with the exception of red, this was very scary.&nbsp; But I figured I'd give it a try.&nbsp; And I think you know where this is going!&nbsp; When I wear those colours, it's like a light goes on in my skin, and I light up.&nbsp; As soon as other colours are present, this gets dulled.&nbsp; It didn't take long for me to purge a ton of&nbsp; stuff. So while I miss a lot of the colours I "shouldn't" wear, and sometimes feel like rebelling, the truth is that I just don't look as good.&nbsp; So why would I want to wear them?&nbsp; Now I enjoy all my non-palette colours on others, and am learning to make this pure palette my own.&nbsp; I do make the odd exception (this is why it was so hard for me to get the freebirds) but really, it's generally not worth it.&nbsp; Learning this has been invaluable.&nbsp; So I say pay attention to what you just experienced.&nbsp; Why wouldn't you want to look your best?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany#post-1680825 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 01:06:43 +0000 Caro in Oz 1680825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not sure if it would help but when I feel at odds with the world I try to get back to nature - more time walking on the beach, or gardening or just sitting by a river - somehow it always re-connects me to the good in the world.&nbsp;<br />As for colours I'm with Vix. I look terrible in black &nbsp;- sure I could make it work but why? There are so many colours &amp; neutrals that look so much better than black so it isn't like I don't have a choice. I'll join the anti-cobalt minority too :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany#post-1680797 Sat, 18 Jun 2016 00:13:10 +0000 Brooklyn 1680797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes, and me too about cobalt. We can become a vocal minority here on the forum </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany#post-1680787 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 23:49:44 +0000 Aida 1680787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear things feel down Vivian, things will turn up! *hugs* Having met you I can vouch that navy is a <i>brilliant</i> shade for you. I can see how those deeply saturated shades would be great, too. I don't think you need to limit yourself to those colors, though; they can easily be paired with neutrals, or muted/pastel versions, while still keeping the "brightness" for you. I agree with others to set aside some of the muted things for now, and return to them when you've got&nbsp; more energy for it. And add me to the group which feels eh about cobalt for herself!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany#post-1680782 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 23:41:17 +0000 Brooklyn 1680782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Vix. I don't want to spend money to look haggard. And certain colours make me look just that. I just can't wear them near my face unless I wear a LOT of make up. And I like to look healthy without the addition of makeup. So I try to avoid them in tops. I don't think it is that limiting because I can still wear them in bottoms or bags or as part of a print. Even a jacket if I am wearing a good top colour. Or a sweater if I am happy to wear a scarf. But I do apply a scale of flattery when it comes to colours. I will wear some colours near my face that I am drawn to but which are not my absolute best (black is an example) but will try to avoid colours that are my absolute worst (eg pale blue). I guess you have to know your spectrum. I suspect what you were seeing in the photos was that some colours were better than others. That does not mean the others were all bad. So that's something to think about. You always look fab Viva. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany#post-1680744 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 22:28:43 +0000 Lyn D. 1680744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you Viva- I have found it very difficult lately to shrug-off what is going on in the world, so sad, so sad!<br />Cobalt is too 'bossy' for me so it has been evicted from my wardrobe.<br />Other not so great colours that I still like are worn with scarfs or toppers.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have to add that I do so love and admire your style, and always enjoy seeing you when you post!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany#post-1680741 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 22:23:00 +0000 Sal 1680741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear things are not quite right for you Viva. It is a period of great uncertainty and mistrust of others. It is hard to fathom. </p> <p>I suggest putting in a holding zone the items you are not feeling right about at the moment. Keep the pieces you are enjoying and keep it simple. In a week or month or two you may be able to look at them with clarity. I a a bit all over the place with colour so I do wear black and charcoal knowing they are not my best, but liking the vibe they create, and I have got better at making them work for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany#post-1680662 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 19:42:35 +0000 Anonymous 1680662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the clarification, alaskagirl. I figured you meant that you don't sweat it too much. I somehow find a way to make the not-quite-perfect but still-in-the-ballpark colors work. For example, if I have a blouse that's best for soft summer but I'm a cool summer, it's okay because it's still a summer color. I don't stray beyond summer, but don't fret if it's not one of the absolute best colors for me. There's usually something in my closet that will work with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany#post-1680648 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 19:31:26 +0000 catgirl 1680648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BC, to clarify - when I said I don't struggle I meant I no longer try to wear those colors that are a little off for me anymore!&nbsp; It's like having a structure for a poem - I try to stay within the color haiku. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany#post-1680638 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 19:18:46 +0000 unfrumped 1680638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get this totally though I'm striving for balance. I target a few light neutrals that are good for a fresh change and more summery vibe but try to do so in pieces that have some other value as to what they bring to outfit creation or completion.<br /> But medium- dark rich colors are my best, not pastels.<br /> So I'm not articulating a detailed color plan very well here, but I have gotten more focused on " best" colors" plus "strategic" other colors to accomplish certain outfit or style goals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany#post-1680607 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 18:31:19 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1680607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The color backdrop, lighting and makeup might affect your perception of colors. Don't people often get advised to wear jewel tones on tv? Not that you don't look good in them, but don't rush to change. Be well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany#post-1680587 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 17:54:22 +0000 rachylou 1680587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had this sort of epiphany in Dress Barn. They tend not to do clear colour. And murkier colour drains ME of colour. I'm distinctly not an Autumn. I purged olives and oranges - I never would wear them anyway. Altho, admittedly I've brought back a bit of olive because it's sorta appropriate for my style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/an-inescapable-color-epiphany#post-1680579 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 17:34:59 +0000 Anonymous 1680579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the same issue as <b>alaskagirl</b>, so I also limit my colors. Like her, I try not to struggle too much over the colors that aren't perfect on me. As long as they're not way off the mark (like colors that wash me out or make my skin look yellow), then it's okay. It's good to have limits to stay within a budget and be able to coordinate outfits, though. </p>