https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:11:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast/page/2#post-1578763 Sat, 31 Oct 2015 16:22:53 +0000 unfrumped 1578763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling, also to me there is a semantics issue that your example brings up because you mentioned contrast between top &amp; bottom.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An&nbsp;ensemble could be high-contrast somewhere within it--like a print skirt with several highly contrasting colors, lights and darks, but&nbsp;a "low-contrast" skin-hair-color person&nbsp;could pair that with a top that picked up a color and depth of color that was low-contrast with her own&nbsp;coloring. In contrast (!), a person with pale skin and very dark hair and eyes &amp; wearing red lip color could wear black on top &amp; bottom and that's high-contrast with coloring but monochromatic as an ensemble.</p> <p>It's really quite interesting sometimes to try to tell what exactly about clothing "color" either "feels right" or is most flattering because it seems to be a mix of cool vs warm, contrast, color "depth" or tone, undertones and all that. And so a lot of that is&nbsp; more relevant to colors worn near the face, and then the rest of the outfit has to make some kind of sense with that, but there is&nbsp; more flexibility (assuming "color flattery" is the goal for that ensemble).</p> <p>I'm no color theory expert and don't even know how best to describe some versions of colors, but I find that "bright" colors don't look as good on me. So though I have cooler-toned palette and am medium-high contrast and look best in a lot of fairly dark colors, if a color has a lot of "glow" it's often too much for me even if it seems it ought to work. OTOH most pale dusty colors are awful. Not sure if that means I am&nbsp; "soft winter", or "deep summer" or what. It does help narrow down things that aren't worth ordering online, but still I will try a variety of colors in my general palette since if often "just depends". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast/page/2#post-1578739 Sat, 31 Oct 2015 13:54:52 +0000 Anonymous 1578739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much wisdom here. Sometimes the guidelines can point out why an outfit isn't working but generally I'd not take them too seriously. Like Suz, I wear midtones best as long as they are clear and not murky. They are also not high contrast with anything. But I also feel enlivened by more contrast. Sometimes it works best to do this with texture or print mixing or a mix of casual with dressy, hard with soft, etc. rather than color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast/page/2#post-1578658 Sat, 31 Oct 2015 03:29:08 +0000 Suz 1578658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And I do a weird combination....I dress in darker outfits for the most part in winter....which is high contrast to my pale, low contrast self. But there is less contrast in the outfits themselves. This is largely for practical reasons, by the way...not necessarily preference.&nbsp;</p> <p>Meanwhile, if given my druthers, I'll put a bright (and high contrast) coat over top of all those darks! &nbsp;;)&nbsp;</p> <p>I go higher contrast and brighter in summer's more constant light.&nbsp;</p> <p>In general, sign me on as someone who, like Angie, does both. I love white out (which is low contrast to me and low contrast in itself). I also love ink-out (high contrast to me, low contrast in itself). And equally l like higher contrast outfits...or mixed mid-tones like grey with berries or a mid-blue or denim with taupe.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am most <b>flattered</b> by mid tones -- blues, berries, and a soft charcoal grey. But I'm most <b>enlivened</b> by a higher contrast outfit with a hit of ink-and-white along with a hit of colour.&nbsp;</p> <p>So it all depends on your goal, I guess.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast/page/2#post-1578578 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 19:49:35 +0000 Aida 1578578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting Sterling! I tend to do the opposite, dress in higher contrast for gloomy weather and lower contrast for pretty weather. I am very strongly affected by weather so I try my best to keep chipper when it's gloomy (which is a looooong period where I live) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast/page/2#post-1578442 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 13:53:36 +0000 lyn67 1578442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Depends, where the contrast comes from:-).<br />For ex. I am a low contrast girl myself, but nowadays love me a more dramatic, hIgh contrast (with my skin and hair) outfit. Also, darker/brighter colors feels like contouring my softer, ageing body, or so.<br />OTOH &nbsp;I prefer my outfits to be mostly a column of color, if you know what I mean. In general, I pay attention to have a column of colors for 80% &nbsp;and only perhaps 20% of the contrasted one in one outfit!.<br />This can be achieved by layering(when only a small amount of the other color will peak out from under) or with some patterns (the bigger asymetric print, aka.a graphic prints came to my mind), too. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />But, usually I &nbsp;DO prefer these colors to be of a big contrast between themselves, and with myself, too.</p> <p>(&amp;I will to read the comments later)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578277 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 01:42:49 +0000 Anonymous 1578277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi <b>Aida</b>. &nbsp;This past season I have started to accumulate a lot of heather grey. &nbsp;It is a completely new color for me. &nbsp;In fact, I reworked my color chart to make grey a primary color in my wardrobe. &nbsp;I do pair it with black so it is much less contrast then I typically have worn in the past, but I think I am evolving style-wise and I will be wearing more grey/black this fall and winter. &nbsp;I fully expect to return to my rich saturated colors come summer and fall. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578268 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 01:33:08 +0000 Alassë 1578268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see, Aida. I was applying the high contrast principle to contrast within outfits, so a "cheerful muted" top with a dark skirt or a dark top with a light neutral bottom. (Now I know why you love light outfits in general!) </p> <p>I think I dress medium contrast within outfits a lot, but I don't know how to wear those cheerful muted colours any other way (than medium-high contrast with a dark). If you have any ideas, fire away! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578248 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 00:35:30 +0000 Meow 1578248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had my colors done (I'm a soft Autumn), I've read about contrast (I'm low- depending on my current hair color - haha) and have tried to apply all the "rules" and wear my colors with my low contrast level.&nbsp; It's a struggle to balance all this since technically I'm not<br /> supposed to wear black - but really - how to you not wear black?! &nbsp; The conclusion I've finally come to is that wearing your colors/contrast levels is to make people see YOU but wearing higher contrast also has it's place.&nbsp; It can make the focus on your clothes and your fashion style.&nbsp; Higher contrast also can project more authority -as in a business setting (or the car mechanics :)). &nbsp; I get the most compliments when I wear higher contrast. Hmmmmmm.... </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578229 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 00:08:21 +0000 Aida 1578229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alasse I'd say low contrast in the outfit. You are similar to me in that, regardless of what you wear, our hair/skin is going to be high contrast with each other. A little built in contrast no matter what the outfit is! So I personally enjoy wearing low contrast <i>light and bright</i> outfits most specifically for this reason: it really highlights my hair! And when I wear low contrast dark outfits, my face and skin are highlighted. The location of where the contrast occurs (neck, waist, hips, legs, feet, etc.) is a big part of the deciding factor for me.</p> <p>I'm with others that think that there's a lot that goes into what we prefer. Personality plays a big role for sure. Sharan and I were talking about this this past weekend; in her younger days when her coloring was higher contrast she felt best in more muted or lower contrast looks because it suited her personality (don't mind me speaking for you, Sharan ). </p> <p>EDIT: Sterling I am a little surprised to read that you prefer high contrast outfits since you've said that you're really into gray right now. Gray is tough to "contrast" unless it's very dark or very light. Works really nicely for mid and low contrast, in general.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578224 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 00:02:09 +0000 Alassë 1578224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Low contrast to my complexion or low contrast outfit, Angie? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578223 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 00:00:13 +0000 Anonymous 1578223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that is it. &nbsp;High contrast wardrobe items make me feel happier. &nbsp;I am happier getting dressed. &nbsp;I am happier throughout the day. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578196 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 23:25:37 +0000 Angie 1578196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana makes an excellent point. You can wear wardrobe items that are high or low contrast to each other. You can wear wardrobe items that are high or low contrast to your complexion. <b>AND</b> your complexion can be high or low contrast. <b><i>So mix it up in which ever which way makes you feel fab!&nbsp;</i></b></p> <p>Alasse, you have high contrast colouring and for the most part wear low &nbsp;contrast outfits. At least, that's my impression. Do you feel the same way?&nbsp;</p> <p>Jenn, you have high contrast colouring and wear medium and low contrast outfits. &nbsp;</p> <p>Ginger, if the guidelines are helpful, by all means use them.&nbsp;</p> <p>Sally, you are naturally bookending that outfit with light shoes because of your light hair - and I tend to do the same.&nbsp;</p> <p>K.Period, you have a low/medium contrast complexion and dress medium/high contrast outfits. It suits you - and I heard your little cough!&nbsp;</p> <p>La Pedestrienne, I haven't noticed feeling calmer and more serious in low contrast outfits. I am as energized in whatever I wear - but wearing certain colours makes me happier than wearing others.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578154 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 21:53:03 +0000 LaPed 1578154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I fall into the high contrast colouring and high contrast dressing categories. I can't do column-of-color to save my life! If I'm wearing black tights, something in the back of my mind *begs* me to wear grey/white/red boots.&nbsp;I love bold stripes, raglan-sleeve baseball jerseys, anything with a contrasting cuff or stitching. Etc, etc. </p> <p>However, I don't think this is directly related to physical coloring. If I had to guess I'd say it's as least as much a matter of personality. I'm not terribly outgoing, but I am lively and energetic, and I like there to be a distinct sense of movement in the way I dress. *Not* a feeling of busy-ness, I dislike small/busy patterns, but a feeling of directed movement.</p> <p>I *suspect* that people who opt for low-contrast outfits like to feel very calm and composed, although maybe I'm going out on a limb there. I just know that low-contrast usually makes me feel toned-down and serious.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578114 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 20:07:13 +0000 K. Period. 1578114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for posting this question, Sterling. &nbsp;I love this topic! &nbsp;</p> <p>I read Imogen's posts on contrast and thought they were interesting, but they haven't made a huge impact on how I dress and this thread helped me put a finger on why. &nbsp;I'm low, maybe low-medium contrast based on appearance. &nbsp;But I don't usually find that style of dressing comfortable, although I have in the past. &nbsp;Why?&nbsp;I think the concept has to be modified by season and personality, at least for me. </p> <p>During the fall and winter, I feel okay dressing lower contrast because my environment is lower contrast. During the spring, I'm drawn to higher contrast, and in the bright sunlight of summer, I'm highest contrast. &nbsp;So season affects my contrast level. &nbsp;I've also noticed that personality makes a difference. &nbsp;If you are an outgoing, bold personality, you probably prefer a higher contrast. (cough) Angie. &nbsp;;) &nbsp;And as I've gotten older and bolder, my comfort with higher contrast combos (colors and prints) has definitely increased. They are more "notice me!" and I'm okay with that. &nbsp;</p> <p>Fun to think about, isn't it? &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578090 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 18:44:44 +0000 Sal 1578090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find it interesting and know more a few types of contrasts I do not like on me- and mostly work to make the others look acceptable. I am in that blonde brown hair range too although mine is highly coloured!! </p> <p>I do not like to be all dark on the bottom and all light on top. If wearing a light top and dark pants I always prefer light shoes. I also don't like to wear all pale or all mid tone neutral. If wearing cream or white I like some accents of a darker colour, and if wearing khaki or beige I add in black or a clear colour otherwise I look very muddy. I avoid beige all round now though!!</p> <p>Sterling, maybe you need some bright pants to get use from your black tops? I have a pair of black and white patterned pants that I love with a simple black top. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578074 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 18:11:26 +0000 Diana 1578074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you have to remember also that an outfit can be low contrast on its own but high contrast with the wearer.&nbsp; So for example, an all-black outfit is low contrast with itself (like on a hanger) but is high contrast next to my skin.&nbsp; A black-and-white outfit, on the other hand is both high contrast on its own and with my skin tone.&nbsp; </p> <p>I like both of the above personally.&nbsp; What I don't love is outfits that are low contrast next to my skin (for example, head to toe camel).&nbsp; BUT I can easily make that high contrast by adding some black or a bright color, which speaks to Angie's point that if you like something you should wear it!&nbsp; I could wear a long camel coat just fine if I added a bright scarf.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578031 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 15:57:27 +0000 Bonnie 1578031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question Sterling - I am learning so much from the YLF team and members. I think I'm a Spring but I don't like to wear pale colors, but I think I can dress in medium colors with a low contrast and look OK. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578020 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 15:24:02 +0000 JAileen 1578020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ginger, if you're not sure about your hair's contrast, would it help looking at a B&amp;W photo? I do this with yarn when I'm planning a project and I'm trying to figure out how the colors will work together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578018 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 15:19:15 +0000 Alassë 1578018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun conversation, Ginger. I'm not sure if my skin is rosy or neutral. I know I'm warm-toned, and I tend to be quite pale unless warm or recently exercised.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have a bright tops capsule and a dark tops capsule, with contrasting skirts. That way I can wear dark colours on top or bottom. :)</p> <p>I haven't gotten into scarves yet, but that's why I wear cowl neck sweaters; it's like a built in scarf. </p> <p>Count me in as a partly instinct-dressing person who likes knowing the rules that explain why I dress the way I do.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578017 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 15:17:25 +0000 Ginger 1578017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On the wider subject. I think analyses like this are the most helpful for those who are already feeling lost or unhappy with the colors/contrasts they tend to wear. It's really difficult when you know something is off, but don't know what else to try.&nbsp; Imogen's provided a lot of tools and ideas that can provide the fastest assistance.</p> <p>Shedev and Angie have established what they like to wear, and it makes them happy. The tools are worse than pointless for them, because they don't need help, and the tools might point them somewhere else. That "somewhere else" might be helpful for others with similar coloring/contrast but who don't have an established aesthetic.</p> <p>As for me, and possibly Sterling, Alassë, and Jenn, over the years I have come to an instinctive grasp of the colors/combinations/contrasts that please me the most. Those aren't set in stone, and they aren't necessarily clearly defined. So these tools are fun and helpful for me. Particularly since my instincts have already pointed me toward those conclusions. Like as a medium/high color contrast person, complementary (opposite) or triadic colors are supposed to be best. I have literally applied that principle multiple times when picking out colors to combine. Like purple with yellow, in the example. AND I really like to vary the value of the colors; so I don't want to put lavender and pale yellow together. Those are too close for me. But aubergine and pale yellow is awesome.&nbsp; So it's actually pretty neat to discover that there are some color theories why this is a good choice for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578014 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 15:07:34 +0000 Ginger 1578014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alassë, I <i>feel </i>too lively for medium contrast! The hardest part was figuring out the value of my hair. It's in that wide no-man's land between blonde and brown, never been colored, and lots of natural blonde and reddish highlights. (Plus a bright silver streak right in front that's getting wider.)&nbsp; I was quite blonde as a child.&nbsp; There's so many of us, but even Imogen doesn't address if we're blondes or brunettes.</p> <p>I agree that your value contrast is high; is your skin rosy or neutral? I also really don't enjoy all darks in the winter. I've worked on getting brighter other layers. Colored skirts are hard for me, but I've experimented with colored tights and shoes. I tend to grab brighter cardigans when I find them, so I've got a collection now. And I've been getting fairly brightly-colored dresses from eShakti. Oh, and I can't recommend those bright scarves highly enough. All of that helps keep winter from being so dull.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1578002 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:55:10 +0000 Alassë 1578002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I'm least happy with winter dressing because I have to wear a cardigan, sweater, skirt, tights, and shoes - only the sweater can be a pop of colour. I run too cold to leave off the topper.</p> <p>Ginger, your colour determination sounds right. You looked too "lively" for medium contrast, if that makes sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1577997 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:50:15 +0000 Ginger 1577997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beth Ann, I read through a bunch of links, and I think I'm more accurately medium-to-high contrast on both value and color. The photo is definitely yellow, and dark: that paint on the walls is regular builders' off white. So my skin is a lot lighter and whiter - it veers towards "pasty" as my makeup wears off during the day. Darker (and pinker) than the White Witch, but that's about it.</p> <p>Angie, I feel the same way! It's funny, because I was definitely low contrast as a child; my hair has darkened considerably. (I think my eyes were always deep blue.)&nbsp; But I've always liked colors, and started feeling dissatisfied with muted, too bland, and too smokey shades a long time ago. For me, tools like this don't actually limit me, but they give guidelines and help at the decision point when I'm undecided. Especially with questions like, "This color is okay, but in [this other color I know about now] it would be MUCH better. So I'll pass.] </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1577995 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:47:37 +0000 shedev 1577995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm high contrast and prefer low contrast outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1577994 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:47:11 +0000 Angie 1577994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alasse, you often wear all darks! Do you wish you didn't?&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1577992 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:42:07 +0000 Alassë 1577992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ginger, you look medium contrast in the photo, but natural light would be better. I agree - I don't feel right in all darks or all lights, and it's because of my natural contrast levels. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1577990 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:39:29 +0000 Jenn 1577990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After reading through the links, I've realized I was wrong. I dress closer to mid-contrast. This is really interesting,&nbsp;<b></b>Sterling, and something I never really thought about before. I like when instinctive ideas get articulated so we can more easily find what works for us and why.<b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1577988 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:34:18 +0000 Angie 1577988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, I have low contrast colouring and wear high contrast colours and outfits ALL THE TIME. I don't feel it overwhelms me. In fact, it makes me look more alive! But I <i>do</i> think that wearing make-up helps - and my strong brow line helps too.</p> <p>Sterling, think of high and low contrast outfits as both <b>a style preference </b>and<b> a trouble shooting tool</b>. You might find this post interesting:&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2011/04/21/3-questions-to-troubleshoot-problem-outfits/">http://youlookfab.com/2011/04/.....m-outfits/</a></p> <p>I wear both types of outfits - in both light and dark versions. Like Ink-Out and White-Out for low contrast. I wear lots of black and white, and wear clashing brights together with pleasure.&nbsp;</p> <p>Personally, I don't prescribe all that seriously to the guidelines on complexion and contrast (or colour theory for that matter) as I find them a little inhibiting and inaccurate. If a client wants to wear high contrast and she or he "shouldn't" according to the guidelines, you can manipulate the outfit so that the result<b> is</b> flattering. You cannot see colour in isolation as there are too many variables that come into play that the guidelines ignore.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1577979 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:21:35 +0000 Beth Ann 1577979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In discussions like these I think it's always good to treat any rules as general guidelines, and to feel free to apply them in a way that makes you happy!</p> <p>Ginger:&nbsp; I'd call you a medium contrast, but there's a sepia tone to your photo.&nbsp; IRL you might have more contrast between hair and skin.</p> <p>From Imogen:<br /><a href="http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2009/02/what-is-my-value-contrast.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.insideoutstyleblog......trast.html</a></p> <p>A helpful pinterest page on the topic:<br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/janerekas/color-analysis-contrast/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/jane.....-contrast/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-high-contrast-versus-low-contrast#post-1577976 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:18:00 +0000 Jenn 1577976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is interesting. I'm a low-contrast dresser, but I couldn't tell you why, exactly. When I wear high-contrast outfits, I feel like I should be rooting for a sports team. </p>