YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:03:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors/page/2#post-1224190 Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:31:43 +0000 Anonymous 1224190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unfortunately I don't:(, but thank you so much for the tip....really appreciate it. Aida on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors/page/2#post-1224181 Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:19:05 +0000 Aida 1224181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Do you have access to light type settings? If you can set it to incandescent (usually a little light bulb graphic) that might help. Anonymous on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors/page/2#post-1224176 Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:16:27 +0000 Anonymous 1224176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you Aida...yes, trying to get the lighting right in my apartment bathroom is tough...lol. Aida on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors/page/2#post-1224161 Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:05:22 +0000 Aida 1224161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unfortunately with that lighting it's hard to say, but I have a hunch the blue. From these photos they both look good Anonymous on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors/page/2#post-1224159 Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:03:35 +0000 Anonymous 1224159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Ladies:)                     Independent of my question, I wonder if you ladies prefer one of these colors over the other in terms of my skin tone etc. Just curious. I'm going to check out some other posts so that I can perhaps help someone else with a fashion dilemma. Thanks for everything! karymk on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1222649 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 01:15:00 +0000 karymk 1222649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Even though your eyes are brown, they could be a cool brown.  I just can't see.  But your hair and skin are cool, and those two things trump eyes anyway vis a vis color.  I would love you in black, charcoal, espresso, navy and white.  Cooler toned neutrals.  You would look great with hits of deep pink or fuchsias! Teals I am thinking too! abc on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1222641 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 01:05:59 +0000 abc 1222641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow Susan. Color-wise I think you nailed it. I haven't looked in detail at the individual pieces. I'd urge you to think of how you'd wear each piece before buying and also how it mixes with current and future items. Good luck. I'm very impressed at your buying restraint and doing the analysis before purchasing. Keep us posted, ok? We love to see plans come to fruition and K/R threads a re common here if you need help deciding on something. Anonymous on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1222626 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 00:48:29 +0000 Anonymous 1222626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've been taking your advice to heart ladies, and I think this wardrobe idea (really about the colors not the pieces/shapes) is where I'm headed. My neutrals would be black, all shades of grey, taupe, stone, and greige. If I can find a cooler dark olive that would work too. My colors would revolve around deeper and cooler reds, burgundy, berries, purples etc. In warmer weather I could add some lilac etc. Any thoughts on the set? Thanks SO much:)) <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=41336808" rel="nofollow">http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=41336808</a> Marlene on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1222316 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 17:36:48 +0000 Marlene 1222316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've been reading along with great interest!  So much good insight here.  I, too, have been focusing on color these days.  I recently went through menopause and noticed that my coloring changed slightly.  I WAS a high contrast girl...now I have noticed that is not so true any more.  The color in my previously rosy lips has faded.  And my skin seems to have more reddish patches.  I still feel I am "cool toned" but now less high contrast.  For example, I always wore black but now I am trying to keep it away from my face....my black tops feel very heavy on me.  I am actually leaning more towards blues near my face.  It feels softer and less jarring with my new coloring.   The suggestions made on this thread are excellent.   As for a neutral-based wardrobe....i found that going with mostly neutrals made everything just work better for me.  I wear black/gray/white/denim with pops of color here and there.  Its easy and works.  I feel very comfortable with this plan.  Although going forward I will be looking at ink blues, rather than black since my new coloring seems to need softening.   Beth Ann on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1222250 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 16:43:01 +0000 Beth Ann 1222250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Susan:  Welcome! As another high-contrast type, I second the advice from others to make sure you wear what you love.  It sounds to me like most blues are out for the moment, no matter how good they look on you.  I adore the deepest purple in winter, and in summer/spring a sophisticated raspberry is a nice change, or a cool toned, muted red.  I like Angie's idea of ink for you, too, and I've recently brought more of this shade into my closet. If you love taupe, but are afraid it doesn't flatter, I'd suggest trying a slightly deeper, cooler shade, almost grey, or, conversely a cool brown, which keeps a "natural" quality that you seem to be drawn to. Also, check out Suz's posts.  Here coloring is different from yours and mine, but she wears burgundy and pink, as well as ink, white AND taupe. Vix on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1222225 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 16:15:50 +0000 Vix 1222225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Susan -- I completely agree with all those above who say there's no need to wear a color that looks good on you if you don't particularly like it! I just happen to think there's no need to wear colors we like that *don't* look good anywhere close to the face. ;)  Absolutely forget the blues that look good but bore you and stick to the shades of red that hit that "love it/ it loves me" overlap. YOUR SETS After looking at your sets I see you have a lot of cool-toned medium to dark greys; to me, grey seems like a smart choice for your Neutral #1 because: <ul> <li>that depth of color seems likely to keep you from looking washed out (but you could try even lighter greys, too)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>grey tends to be less harsh of a pairing with color-color than black -- I find it can bring out the best in the shades you pair with it </li> </ul> For your Neutral #2 (and #3?) I'd just echo Liz and Rabbit re the warning around warmer beiges and tans. I'd probably explore the cooler-toned equivalent -- the deeper stones or taupes that give you that visual "weight" of camel vs being closer to the white side. And as Rabbit noted cool olive can be an awesome substitute for something like tan/camel -- in addition to looking great with red/burgundy, it can hit that sophisticated earthy vibe. Also -- I  see a lot of animal print, and just so you know there *are* cool-toned animal prints out there -- I seem to own too many of them in both all-neutrals and colored varieties. One word of BTDT advice since I see more individual items in your sets than outfits: When buying, don't forget it's only partially about the colors in your closet -- the combinations you can make with what you own have to feel right, too. Getting concrete: Does a red sweater with black skirt/pants/dress (plus or minus something printed) make you feel amazing or too bold? Does it feel better to pair an all-neutrals outfit with a colored accessory? Does it depend on the situation (say work vs casual)?  If so, try to buy to make the outfits you want to wear. It sucks to have an amazing X but need a Y so you don't freeze, go barefoot,  etc. Grey, black, and espresso (cool brown) and to a lesser degree taupe are my core neutrals and I have to say I've been semi-converted to the Trinny and Susannah thinking about black really looking best with other neutrals.  However, I *do* wear a lot of my deeper shades with black despite knowing I'm risking an 80s era/Nancy Reagan look because I'm very comfortable doing so. Try to figure out what you respond to in outfits you see around you, then see how those combinations feel when they're on you. Happy hunting and let us know how it goes! TraceyLiz65 on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1222093 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 13:36:36 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1222093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If you like a color, but don't think it's best for your coloring then, you could always opt to get that color in a bottom  where your don't wear it near your face...  Sveta on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1222083 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 12:52:46 +0000 Sveta 1222083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi and welcome! I think you should wear colors you get attracted to. Does not matter how great a color looks on you if you are not happy wearing it you will never feel fab in it. If you have such a strong attraction to neutrals this is where I would start. Find a couple of light and a couple of dark neutrals which work best on you. Neutrals make a great foundation for the wardrobe. I would start with the one Angie suggested - black, white, ink, some greys. I find that even if I like colors when I wear black and white it makes me also happy because white adds the brightness I crave. You would need to experiment and play with different shades to find the ones which look best on you. Then when you have your "singing to you' neutral foundation you can start adding some colors. You can start small with shoes and accessories or with tops. This way you won't feel overwhelmed. I think it is OK to have a neutral wardrobe even if everybody else is wearing color. Our IronCurtain (Dana) discovered that her neutral palette is what she is happy with and it may be the same for you. The only think I would suggest to watch here: are neutrals really make you happy or they just feel safer and easier. In the later case it would be the right thing to branch into colors ad explore them just to get yourself out of the box. Anonymous on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1222073 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 12:19:52 +0000 Anonymous 1222073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Torontogirl, Liz, Rabbit, Gigi, and Kiwigal,                        Thank you so much for your feedback and amazing advice! While I acknowledge that I am over-thinking things (it does seem obvious that if I love a color and it doesn't look bad, I should wear it, duh! :)) I almost can't help myself. I'm blaming the hormones I'm on for all of it....lol. I appreciate you all taking the time to view my sets, and I am starting to formulate a plan. I am putting together a new Polyvore set to get a visual of where I am going, and I will probably have it ready to post later today. Burgundy will feature predominantly as it has always been my favorite color, and it resonates emotionally for me. It's a funny thing...was talking to my mum last night and she mentioned that my Nonna, who was quite a fashion plate in her day, used to say that red was my color when I was a child. In fact I have multiple photos of myself wearing red as a young girl, all with big smiles on my face. Perhaps it is as simple as that...embracing what you love and connect with and making it your own. That is, of course, assuming it doesn't make your skin look like old cheese:) Sal on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1222042 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 08:20:46 +0000 Sal 1222042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have completely different colouring so can't give advice from that angle but I agree, stick to the colours that sing to you or that you love, otherwise the items will sit in the wardrobe. I think dark red and oxblood and burgundy would work well with your colouring.  I also agree navy/ink, grey, peacock blue, denim... And the right white.   SInce you want a quality capsule wardrobe you do want to get it right.  Maybe using a consultant or a neutral trusted friend could help, or finding the right assistant who wants to get it right for you? Good luck:) Gigi on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1221957 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 03:19:58 +0000 Gigi 1221957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can't give as good of advice as the others above, but I am with rabbit that I wouldn't buy a lot of a color that I don't like. There are lots of colors out there, and you should be able to find some that look good on you AND that you like. Also, many colors have cooler and warmer shades, so as far as the burgundies, etc., go, maybe you could look around until you find a burgundy that maybe has more of a blue undertone and is cooler and therefore more flattering on you. rabbit on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1221854 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 00:50:13 +0000 rabbit 1221854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I honestly think cooler burgundies and blood red could work as well on you as blues (they do on me, and I really think we have very similar skin/hair/eyes).   How do you feel about the purple/pink spectrum of colors? Everything you have pinned in Neutral's 2 looks great.   In the Neutral Cravings I think you need to try the camels/sand colors and leopard with orange/brown in it to see.  I've found that only very greyish taupes, dark cool olives, or off white cool wheats work for me in that color family, and animal prints with orange/brown don't work as well as ones that are gray/black/white if they are near my skin.  Any golden tans or creams or sands really don't work for me.  A blush color/pale pink can work for me that 'reads' similar to some of the lighter neutral earth tones though. Your wardrobe ideas look great to me, but I wouldn't buy a lot of blues if you don't really like them. Liz on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1221848 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 00:34:26 +0000 Liz 1221848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The neutrals #2 set looks as if it has the colors you really like and want to wear ... so go for it!  I wouldn't build a wardrobe around a color you don't really like (blue) that other people like on you. Style is supposed to be fun, not "have to."    I also think, with your coloring, you'd need to be careful about the beige / camel / cognac tones (they could drain your face of color). You might need to reserve those for trousers, skirts, boots, or purses. The right taupe, though, might be nice. Helena on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1221843 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 00:21:15 +0000 Helena 1221843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Neutrals #2 - the blacks, burgundies, and charcoals - would be stunning on you, from what I can see in your photo. If there are colors you love - wear them! You can always wear them away from your face (e.g. as pants or accessories) if they don't love you back Anonymous on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1221833 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 23:54:27 +0000 Anonymous 1221833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/neutrals/set?id=118839819" rel="nofollow">http://www.polyvore.com/neutrals/set?id=118839819</a> <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/neutral_cravings/set?id=118729088" rel="nofollow">http://www.polyvore.com/neutra.....=118729088</a> <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/wardrobe_idea/set?id=25624417" rel="nofollow">http://www.polyvore.com/wardro.....d=25624417</a> Here are the links....curious if any of these jump out at you. The shapes are less important to me than the colors. THANK YOU:) Anonymous on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1221829 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 23:50:57 +0000 Anonymous 1221829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hello ladies! Thank you so much for all the input and kindness...I'm overwhelmed (in a good way:)). I went out with my sister today in an attempt to look at colors/shapes and generally just get some ideas of where to start. My heart sings when I see head-to-toe neutral ensembles (usually taupe, camel etc), but I think I am objective enough to know that they are not the best look for me. I like to think I would "pop" this type of look with colorful statement jewelry etc, but since being on hormones, my skin has become uber sensitive to the larger necklaces and bracelets I used to wear, leaving me without a plan. Scarves or brooches perhaps?I know most people love blue, but I just never had an attraction to it. That being said, I know it is a color family I can wear from the lightest to the darkest in all shades and receive positive feedback. It does do wonderful things for my skin and hair, I can see that, but I feel indifferent about it. Burgundy and blood red were always favorite colors of mine, and I feel an emotional connection to them. Do you think it is more important for one to love the colors they wear, even if they aren't the best colors for them, or try to grow into the shades that look best? I'm quite sure I'm over-thinking things, but I really do want to narrow things down color-wise. I have wanted to do it for ages! I made some sets on Polyvore under "girlmundy" if anyone wishes to check them out. "Neutral Cravings", "Neutrals #2" and "Wardrobe Idea #2" are where I'm leaning. You are all SO helpful!!! Helena on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1221537 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 17:09:54 +0000 Helena 1221537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Vix, I am laughing out loud at your "head is completely unnecessary" comment haha!!! NDMom on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1221531 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 16:43:11 +0000 NDMom 1221531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome to the forum!  This thread has been so helpful to me....thanks for asking the question.  Lots of good information shared by our resident experts....bookmarked and ready to read this afternoon during quiet time!  Again, Welcome! rabbit on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1221528 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 16:30:48 +0000 rabbit 1221528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome!  I think our colors are probably very similar.   Another color family you might want to test as an accent and see how you feel are cool pinks/reds.   deb on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1221518 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 16:07:28 +0000 deb 1221518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome, you have beautiful coloring. Have you tried a silvery grey as a neutral? Vix on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1221515 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 16:05:31 +0000 Vix 1221515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter, so *that's* where my brain went this week...shared with yours! ;) Hi again Susan -- As another pale-skinned, brown-eyed brunette one of the things I'd encourage you to explore before buying is where you seem to fit on three spectrums: * warm to cool * light to dark * bright to muted Personally, one of the reasons I avoided color-color for years is that people tired of looking at me in black [guilty] would gift me with BRIGHTEST of the jewel tones.  Once I realized cool-toned colors that aren't too icy, too bright, too deep (dark), or too light looked pretty good on me, embracing more than black or charcoal got easier.   ** This site has a lot of fairly-easy-to-digest info on contrast and value: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.worqx.com/color/shade_tint.htm">http://www.worqx.com/color/shade_tint.htm</a> ** If you're interested, just drape yourself in whatever you have around the house (towels, etc) and hold up stuff just to your face when you're out an about at stores. [Generally unfortunate lighted notwithstanding.] Is it "Glow or...No?"  COLORS FOR PRINTS AND PATTERNS As a recovering (but lately more like back-sliding!) black textile-a-holic, prints and patterns that mix neutrals with color-color are one of the key things that ease/d me into wearing non-neutrals. And prints that include darker and lighter tones are a great way to cope with lovely transitional times (winter into spring, summer into fall). Emphasize the darker tones when it's colder out, and the lighter ones when it's warmer. [I can go weeks on end happily wearing monochromatic or tonal solids, but when I start to get that "OMG I want to burn my closet to the ground" feeling it's generally time to throw on a printed scarf if nothing else.]  My Semi-Serious “10 Feet” Test for Assessing Prints You Want to Wear Near Your Face Note: To increase your odds of success, try a print that echoes your eye, hair, and/or lip color. <ol> <li>Stand at least 10 feet from the mirror with the print held up to face. If print is on a bolt of fabric, drape yourself lavishly. Optional: Ignore employees’ withering stares.</li> <li>Does your head look like it’s floating on top of the fabric? Put it back.</li> <li>Is your head completely unnecessary because the fabric totally dominates you? Put it back.</li> </ol> As I said on another thread, you might find <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.maitaispicturebook.com/">MaiTai's scarf-centric blog </a>worth a look for how she uses neutral palettes with color that suits her personal coloring. Substitute "luxury scarf" for other elements (lower-priced options, printed tops or jackets) if need be.  *** Sorry, getting long. If this is the kind of stuff that's helpful, let me know. I can link to some er, non-traditional blog posts on how I and a few friends built color-based capsules.  Mellllls on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1221501 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 15:37:18 +0000 Mellllls 1221501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ welcome!  if you are drawn to neutrals, then i suggest pops of color.  a colorful shoe, purse, or spring coat to start. Golden on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1221498 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 15:31:04 +0000 Golden 1221498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is all great info shared with you. I too am interested in reducing the size of my wardrobe and focusing on a well created and much loved capsule. Choosing the right colors is key! Angie gave excellent advice (as-always), as did TG. I looked at the link Vix shared above and that was very helpful! I bookmarked so I can go back and read in depth! carter on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1221497 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 15:31:03 +0000 carter 1221497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ cross posted with Vix:-) carter on "Buildiing a Capsule Wardrobe: Colors" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buildiing-a-capsule-wardrobe-colors#post-1221495 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 15:30:19 +0000 carter 1221495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a great little series of steps that may help add some structure to your process: <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/category/wardrobe-architect" rel="nofollow">http://www.coletterie.com/cate.....-architect</a> Intomind is also great: <a href="http://into-mind.com/tag/capsule-wardrobe/" rel="nofollow">http://into-mind.com/tag/capsule-wardrobe/</a>