https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 10 May 2026 10:20:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-68339 Fri, 29 May 2009 07:14:02 +0000 Steffi 68339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting topic...I use different color combinations and I will use a "pop" of color if I think it ties the whole outfit together. I have a great BCBG black and white dress that looks fabulous with red peep toe pumps. I get rave reviews. I also think it comes down to comfort level and confidence. It's all about one's own personal style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62529 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:54:25 +0000 ImogenL 62529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, you are right- personality breaks all the rules. You may find rather than low contrast try medium contrast. Also, with fair skin (pinkish) blonde hair (yellowish) and green eyes - you have some colour in your look, and would look dull all monochoromatic, try a bit more colour, with a medium value contrast. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62467 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:48:57 +0000 Ragster 62467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with the comments that not everyone can just add a pop of colour, it's definately down to your personal contrast level. I'm a medium/high contrast (dark hair, fair skin, tealy blue eyes) so I can add bright colours to my outfits, and I find this a very easy way to liven up a basic outfit. I think the trick is that you want the pop to enhance you, so that you stand out, you don't want the pop to overpower you. So for those who have a softer or deeper colouring, you're probably better with colours that tone in rather than stand out.</p> <p>Another "rule" that everyone seems to be following lately, and sorry this is way off topic, is the belt over cardigan (or any other top for that matter) to define your waist. While this is a good tip for those who need a little definition (and are not high waisted, you don't want a belt just under your boobs!), it seems to me that a lot of people are using it as their safety blanket, like they don't know what else to do so they'll throw a belt on all the time. And I'm afraid it's becoming very boring to me. Sorry for the rant, feel better now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62357 Sat, 25 Apr 2009 20:38:50 +0000 April 62357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's great to hear an artist's opinon on this, GG. Thanks for weighing in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62310 Sat, 25 Apr 2009 01:42:25 +0000 greenglove 62310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting thread, I do not know how I missed it!<br /> I need to be brief but I think that a pop of color is sometimes a cop out to make an outfit seem interesting in a superficial way. There are not that many women who wear really bright color well. Tarzy is an example of someone who can because of her dramatic contrast in coloring. Angie also can, she rocks those brights! I do not agree with a lot of the advice given to just add a pop of color and the outfit will work. As so many of you are saying on this thread, many other factors about color need to be accounted for. Popping color can look very random or brilliant totally depending what it is paired with. Maya, I agree about neutral outfits being so elegant and unusual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62288 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:51:23 +0000 April 62288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The academichic piece on complementary colors is very interesting. I don't think I own anything blue other than jeans, so cannot imagine ever pairing blue with orange, but the deep purple with olive or mustard combinations made my heart sing. </p> <p>Since my hair is colored a subtle auburn and my eyes are light green, it would seem that I should go with complementary colors, according to the insideoutstyle blog. Interesting, because I do not see myself ever embracing "daring color combinations." I would settle for "not boring." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62239 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:43:30 +0000 shiny 62239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tarzy, thanks for the links. If I'm understanding this correctly, I should choose analogous colors that are low contrast (blonde hair, fair skin, green eyes)? </p> <p>Hmm, my natural lip color is kind of dark (okay, it's fading as I age, but for example I can't wear pale pinks because my lips are too dark and show through looking silly!). So I am wondering if that plays into this? Maybe my lip color makes me more of a medium contrast, because when you look at me, my lips stand out in contrast to the rest of my coloring? (or at least, they used to!)</p> <p>However my personality probably trumps it all! Because I would feel very blah in an all monochrome outfit. Yet I also feel that really high contrast outfits don't work either. I am in between the two. Although I have done the low contrast, all one color outfit (standard "how to look taller" advice for petites) - and interestingly - I tend to gravitate towards that look when I'm feeling in a funk and don't want to be noticed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62234 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:16:55 +0000 ChristineB 62234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great discussion, and I'm learning lots. I always try to have 2 pops of the same or similar colors, myself. For example, the only non-neutral shoes I own are red. When I wear them I have to have something else red somewhere else in my outfit. For example, black or grey pants, white shirt &#38; my black/grey/white/red scarf. Or a shirt that has red in the pattern. Or a red shirt/cami under a neutral sweater/blazer. </p> <p>Now that I have a yellow bag for spring/summer it's been challenging me. However, I'm getting used to it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62193 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:42:09 +0000 crwilson 62193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've found this conversation immensely helpful. April, like you, I often feel like my attempt at a "pop" of color feels random. Shiny &#38; Maya - great advice. I wouldn't have even considered two different colors, since one color seems intimidating. I also like the idea of adding a scarf that ties in the colors. This advice will go well with my all-but-accessories-shopping ban. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62178 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:41:48 +0000 Ragster 62178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay April, I'm so pleased I gave you a 'click' moment! </p> <p>If you're brave enough to show your face, it would be great to have a look at your colourings and contrast levels, then we'll have a much better idea of the depth of colour that is right for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62176 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:23:28 +0000 April 62176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>P.S. Maya -- I like your contrarian views. It's wonderful that you have the confidence to speak your mind at a young age! Please don't suppress that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62175 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:20:36 +0000 April 62175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know I already said thank you, but wanted to say it again since I have learned a lot just from peeking at the links Tarzy posted, from thinking about Shiny's and Maya's input, and now will look at Ragster's recommendations on academichic.com. (That is such a popular site among YLF members -- lots of brainy women here! Love it.)</p> <p>Ragster, I believe you are spot on about the watery greens in that necklace providing the wrong kind of contrast for that deep, rich purple. And I believe your instinct may be accurate about rich colors vs. bright colors being right for me. Something clicked for me when I read that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62131 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:35:41 +0000 Ragster 62131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi April, and ladies</p> <p>There's some great advice here in these comments, and trazy had given you some great information in those links. Can I suggest you have a look at what the ladies on academichic have to say about colour combinations. They provide some great examples of how to mix your colours and using different depths of the shade to increase or lessen the intensity.<br /> <a href="http://www.academichic.com/2009/02/02/fashion-101-how-to-combine-colors/" rel="nofollow">http://www.academichic.com/200.....ne-colors/</a><br /> <a href="http://www.academichic.com/2009/02/08/fashion-101-how-to-combine-colors-neutrals-with-a-pop/" rel="nofollow">http://www.academichic.com/200.....ith-a-pop/</a><br /> <a href="http://www.academichic.com/2009/02/15/fashion-101-how-to-combine-colors-triads-and-analogous-colors/" rel="nofollow">http://www.academichic.com/200.....us-colors/</a><br /> <a href="http://www.academichic.com/2009/02/22/fashion-101-how-to-combine-colors-monochrome-and-split-complementaries-2/" rel="nofollow">http://www.academichic.com/200.....ntaries-2/</a></p> <p>I can also recommend two books that I think you may find useful. "Colour Me Confident" by Veronique Henderson will give you some good guidance on how to figure out what colour palette suits you best and how to combine your colours, and "Style RX" by Bridgette Raes has some good information about finding the right texture to go with the texture created by your hair, skin, bone structure etc. The only down side with Style RX is all the photos are in black and white!</p> <p>I think, for the outfit example you have given us that the colour of the necklace is too light and disappears against the deep tones in the outfit. You could try a deeper or more solid green like teal, emerald or bottle green. My instinct is telling me that rich colours will be better on you rather than bright colours for your colour pop.</p> <p>Gosh you have been bombarded with advice now, hopefully something in there helps you out. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62108 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:02:32 +0000 April 62108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is turning into a great conversation. Thank you all for your input.</p> <p>So here is an example of an outfit where I thought the extra bit of color looked random. It is a ruffled deep plum cardigan with cami underneath, and I wore a necklace of green glass beads, instead of pearls or silver: <a href="http://s649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/AprilYLF/Old%20YLF%20pictures/?action=view&#038;current=IMG_0060_1.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://s649.photobucket.com/al.....0060_1.jpg</a></p> <p>I can totally see the point made so well by Maya and Shiny -- that if, for example, I had worn contrasting shoes (don't own any yet), the necklace may have gone better with the rest of the outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62106 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:53:40 +0000 tarzy 62106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Of course, it could be that you're just not used to it, but perhaps the "pop" of color is not working for you because it's too much contrast for your coloring? </p> <p>I recently read this theory about contrasting colors and I find that it's helping me a lot. </p> <p>For instance - I have fair skin and dark hair. I love to wear black and other dark colors, because I like the dark hair/light skin/dark clothes look. I find if I add a pop of color, I like the strong contrast. This particular theory also talks about people with less contrast in their coloring - for instance brown hair, medium skin, brown eyes (everything is very similar and sort of blends rather than contrasts) looking good in colors that are not such high contrast. Have a read and see if this makes sense to you:</p> <p>Color contrast:<br /> <a href="http://insideoutstyle.blogspot.com/2009/02/whats-your-colour-contrast.html" rel="nofollow">http://insideoutstyle.blogspot.....trast.html</a></p> <p>Value contrast:<br /> <a href="http://insideoutstyle.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-is-my-value-contrast.html" rel="nofollow">http://insideoutstyle.blogspot.....trast.html</a></p> <p>More about contrast:<br /> <a href="http://insideoutstyle.blogspot.com/2009/02/personality-and-contrast-final-key.html" rel="nofollow">http://insideoutstyle.blogspot.....l-key.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62104 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:43:18 +0000 shiny 62104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would say to keep it safe, choose warm OR cool colors and don't mix. However, never say never... because my yellow bag is most definitely warm tone and yet somehow it can work with cool tones. I don't know why that is... I suspect it is probably something about the unexpected contrast that makes it interesting. Also, I do not think it would work so well if this bag had lots of gold bling on it. It is bling-free and the material is not reflective so I think that does help. And when I sport it with a cool-tone top, I let the purse be the statement for the outfit and don't wear anything that competes. </p> <p>I do agree with Maya - she describes beautifully why wearing just one pop of color can look random. And honestly? I suspect that wearing three pops of color can look contrived if the rest of the outfit has no textural issue and is all matte, like a black knit top, cotton cardi and black 3-season wool pants. Just a hunch. Imagine that same outfit with a black silky top and a black tweed jacket. Now add red patent shoes.... and that may work and not look quite so random! What do you think, Maya? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62100 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:23:08 +0000 Maya 62100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find myself being the voice of dissent more than I think I feel comfortable with =\ but I don't think every outfit at every time needs a pop of color. Neutral outfits can be stunning and I truly admire women who can put together a stylish neutral ensemble because it's something I can't do myself. </p> <p>I don't like the "pop of color" thing when it looks too forced. If you're wearing an entirely neutral outfit with red shoes, or a green bag, everyone can tell that you just threw it in there as an afterthought to meet your color quota. I'm actually wondering if I really believe in the whole "pop of color" theory after all. I think in reality you'll need at least two pops of color at any given time. A random color thrown in somewhere has nothing to relate to and looks just so--random. But once you throw in a second color, those two colors interact with each other and form a relationship. Am I making sense?</p> <p>However, I think an entirely neutral outfit with varying texture and sheen looks awesome, so don't give up on this entirely! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62098 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:12:04 +0000 Sihaya 62098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April - can you post some pics with your experiements to add the pops of color? That would be helpful in providing you with some concrete feedback and ideas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62090 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:48:17 +0000 medusa 62090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the same tendency to wear mostly dark and neutral colors. Thanks for this thread - it is helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62079 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:19:07 +0000 Anonymous 62079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April, I think this is a place where you can get creative and show your individual style. The pop of color in shoes or bag can even be a color that's not flattering near your face.<br /> As someone who had almost no patterned clothing preYLF and mostly black or navy, I started last spring with metallics, and not the bright ones. I got brass shoes, a pewter belt, and later an antique gold bag. I found I liked looking down at shoes that didn't match my pants and that the metallics seemed to go with anything. It's a start.<br /> Another is animal prints. I still have trouble with the big prints like giraffe and zebra, but I do love a small animal print on shoes or a scarf. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62070 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:42:42 +0000 April 62070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aha -- so Shiny, you're saying that "snap, crackle, pop" can look random, but "snap, crackle, pop, pop" is better (as long as the two pops are not the same color). Well, that makes sense. </p> <p>Also, tying the pop in with a color that appears in a pattern is a good idea. Of course, the only thing my wardrobe has less of than colors is patterns, but I'm working on that as well.</p> <p>Any other tips out there? Does it matter (or is it perhaps better) if the pop is a cool color while the outfit is warm or vice versa? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62066 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:34:55 +0000 shana 62066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like CS, I like to tie the pop into the rest of my outfit - either with pattern, texture or a jewelry/accessory item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62057 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:36:23 +0000 chewyspaghetti 62057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Having a piece that ties your "pop" in somehow may help, too. (As Shiny said) A patterned scarf, blouse, or even a piece of jewelery where you pull the pop color out of may help it to feel less random. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62053 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:28:29 +0000 Anonymous 62053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny said it so well! It takes getting used to. You might start with color that is almost a neutral and is flattering on you... some shade of red, cobalt or French blue, eggplant or other dark in the purple family, or nude. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62046 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:51:30 +0000 shiny 62046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do think, if you are wearing black from head to toe, you'll need more than one pop-of-color item or it will look random. For example, let's say you are wearing a black dress, or a black top with black slacks. Adding red shoes only will not be enough. Add a pink cami and red shoes and now you are getting somewhere. Extra credit: add a third color in the bag. If that seems too much, at least try a cream bag or animal print. </p> <p>If you're new to it all, one suggestion is to not add color but instead add more interesting neutrals that have texture and/or sheen. For example, instead of red shoes, try silver shoes. Instead of a turquoise cardigan, add a cream jacket. Instead of a yellow belt, try a chestnut brown one on a black dress. </p> <p>You'll see I do this a lot myself. Grey, white, black will be my neutrals and I will wear them together with metallic shoes. The pop of yellow from the banana bag - that did take some getting used to for me!!! When I first started carrying that bag, it felt off and random to me, and I felt it was screaming "look at me" in an otherwise quiet, neutral outfit. But I've been using that bag for a few weeks now and I am used to it enough that I've taken risks wearing it with other colors, like purple. So yes, sometimes it is simply a matter of readjusting our own eye!</p> <p>Personally I think the easiest way to adapt to color is to pick a pattern and take your color inspiration from it. For example, find a pretty scarf - maybe it has black in it to tie in with your black dress. Then pull out the other colors in the scarf for shoes, belt, purse, cami. It won't seem so random to you that way - even if you simply tie the scarf to your purse instead of around your neck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62043 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:21:39 +0000 JewelryGirl 62043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April, I'm no expert on this by any means. Most of my wardrobe is similiar to yours I would imagine with neutral colors. However, what I try to do is add a colored top under a jacket, or a contrasting color in a necklace that goes well. I also consider olive &#38; cognac to be colors though (for me anyway) so I might wear my olive pants or my cognac shoes and feel like I've pulled in some color. I've tried doing the bolder colors &#38; once in awhile I find something that works but I'm drawn more to the neurals. What I have come across this year are some colors that work with that though (paprika or the right shade of almost a brick red with a hint of orange, a burnt orange, the right color of turquoise, the right green, etc.). Also, many times I add a "pop of interest" vs. a "pop of color" and will pull in my animal print in an outfit (shirt, or shoes, or belt). I'll be curious what others say as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-about-the-pop-of-color#post-62038 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:20:57 +0000 April 62038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my effort to move away from black and an all-neutral wardrobe, I have been really trying to incorporate more color into my outfits. Here's what I'm finding, though. On me, the "pop of color" that I see other people using so successfully, always looks a bit random. Like, I got dressed, and then I tossed on one colorful item as an afterthought.</p> <p>Am I just not used to seeing these spots of accent, or are there tips for using the color pop that people can share? </p>