YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Color Palette Question

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Color Palette Question https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:45:56 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Helena on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1176610 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 21:11:14 +0000 Helena 1176610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ AviaMariah - you nailed it for me too! Liz A. on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1176582 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 20:37:27 +0000 Liz A. 1176582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Don't have much to add to the plethora of information you already have... I was nodding along with what unfrumped said about not feeling restricted by my color palette (black, grey, blue, green, and purple with a smattering of dark brown, white, and red).  I love the ease of pairing items in the morning. I also thought there was something to Jules' comment about silhouettes although I know you weren't asking about that.  I will be pondering limiting the silhouettes in my closet in the future. And finally, I can relate to AviaMariah's comment about previously forcing myself to buy in another color.  I have so been there.  Now if it doesn't come in a flattering color, I don't buy it regardless of how much I like the style... and also if my closet happens to be oversaturated in a particular color despite it fllattering, it does not come home with me. CharlotteVale on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1176570 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 20:17:47 +0000 CharlotteVale 1176570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I tend to stick to similar colours for bottoms and sweaters/jackets... (gray/black) and get colour mostly from my tops.  Having said this, my wardrobe has far too much gray and black and has descended into plainness so I'm not one to give advice (but I must, or I cannot gain active membership status apparently. ☺) AviaMariah on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1176508 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 19:32:57 +0000 AviaMariah 1176508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to feel like I couldn't buy in the same color palette.  "Self, I know you love turquoise, look good in turquoise and always are drawn to turquoise but you already have 3 items in that color and need variety.  Here, buy it in chartreuse which looks terrible on you."  I'm not sure why I did that but YLF has taught me that it's ok, even better sometimes, to stick with a color palette.  This summer I plan on sticking with my favorite colors; bright pink, turquoise, navy and white.  Maybe a few others will sneak in but only if I really want them! rachylou on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1176496 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 19:19:13 +0000 rachylou 1176496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I do target colours... sadly, tho, I'm unsure as to whether it reigns me in at all. If I recall, I was looking to see if I could make pastels work for me. I really want a short-sleeved blue pants suit. I also wanted to try something Radiant Orchid and something blush. AND I'm still on this pine green and circus stripe trip AND have added Big Bird Yellow... AND I always do navy in springtime... But perhaps I can claim to be staying away from fire engine red and teal... although now that I mention these colours to myself... ...*sigh.* Clearly a very sad situation here... rae on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1176473 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 18:57:07 +0000 rae 1176473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So late to this, you probably have more than enough input, but I both limit my color choices and don't. I mean... I have my core colors (citron, emerald, blood red, orange) that I would snap up at any time. When the new Pantone colors come out, I don't redo my personal palette. BUT, I do always take a look. If there's a new shade that calls to me, I'll make a point to try it. Or if my core doesn't feel like it gives the right tone for the season, I'll feel an urge to add something - like this year, with the soft colors.  cheryl on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1176453 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 18:37:29 +0000 cheryl 1176453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't even try to limit my color choices. I love color and have a very wide variety in my closet. When I go to the store I usually just shop for whatever jumps out at me. I very rarely shop with a certain item or color in mind. UmmLila (Lisa) on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1176222 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 15:31:31 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1176222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I add pieces in colors that are trendy -- and that suit me -- for particular seasons. I have an excessive fondness for grey. Grey cardigans in particular. I keep telling my favorite boutique owner not to sell me any more. Other than some leopard print items, I eliminated brown, even though it can look good on me. This is because I always end up not having the right bag or shoes to go with brown clothing. ramya on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1176163 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 14:32:02 +0000 ramya 1176163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just can't stick to a pallet. I am one of those strange people who feel happy wearing yellow in winter. I pulled out an old photo of my wardrobe and it looks like a rainbow/ mess( depending on how you see it ). It may be wrong thing to do, but that's what I am. Sad but true Transcona Shannon on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1176155 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 14:29:39 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1176155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ WOW! Such a fantastic bunch of replies ladies! There is a lot of wisdom here and much I need to sort through. I need to go back and read several of the responses again. Obviously there is no "right" answer to the question - some of you very definitely work within a color palette and some of you don't. I like torontogirl's suggestions and need to ponder that for a bit. And Steph (how great to hear from you ), what great information! I totally agree that a color palette does not mean limiting yourself to neutrals. It just means keeping the number of different colors in your wardrobe to only a few. I do try to stick with colors that are flattering and that make me feel good. But I also like to experiment (yeah...I'm talking to you pastel blue suit!). I wonder if a color palette just develops intuitively and not with deliberate thought and planning? For example, I have noticed when I look in my closet that I have black and white (which will ALWAYS be the backbone of my wardrobe), grey (from charcoal to silver), blue (shades from dark navy to cobalt to denim to pastel). These color choices were not deliberate but rather ones that I just fell in love with and I felt good in. Hmmmm....gotta think about this more and come back. Isabel on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1176154 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 14:29:32 +0000 Isabel 1176154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Shanon,  I started doing this last year.  I am really liking it but I am not uber restrictive with mine.  I decided my base colors would be black, navy, gray, olive.  denim ( which really isn't a "color" per se ).  The great thing about this for me is that my color combinations have expand greatly.  I will wear cobalt with army green, teal with army green, green with navy, teal with navy.  You get the picture.  I used to ground everything in black.  My "accent" colors are greens, teal, and  blues and deep purples.  Though I do throw in a berry colors because I love them.  In the winter I do more berrys with grays and navy.  I am wearing metallic shoes more. I love gunmetal.  You can do "mini" color capsules around base colors.    So one berry capsule for example and a blue capsule, for example.  That way you always have something that looks good with something else.  And I have scarves and bracelets in every color imaginable.  It is working out really well for me. With that said, I do have an saffron colored tunic that I wear in the summer that I love.  And I always have a pair of red pants - not tomato red, but cranberry or something like that.  In the end, it makes packing and dressing a breeze.  lyn67 on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1176078 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 13:30:11 +0000 lyn67 1176078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My all time neutrals  are blacks(but smaller dose for spring than  in winter), navy, ivory/cream/whites(biggest dose), grey(more lighter greys  for spring). olive(only 1 pants) and taupe(smaller dose than in fall). Then, my SPRINGY pops of color are coral, springy purple which is a deep radiant orchid (for only 1 jacket) and citron. Does this feell constricting to some? I dunno, as I still find it much to work with but still, my outfits come together much more easier than if using more colors, so am very pleased. Anonymous on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1176040 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 12:52:38 +0000 Anonymous 1176040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a color palette.  I stick to it religiously because even subtle various result in wardrobe orphans for a variety of different reasons.  My color palette was developed after years of testing and I continue to refine it.   For me, having a color palette really makes shopping easier.   kkards on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1176009 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 11:40:20 +0000 kkards 1176009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ color palette? since the backbone of my wardrobe is black and navy, almost any color will work. i don't buy a lot of color, but when i do, its because the color/item appealed to me. no color master plan.  Jjsloane on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1176003 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 11:09:31 +0000 Jjsloane 1176003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I stick with Navy year round and white. I like different shades of red for different seasons. I use caramel and camel in fall and winter and khaki in spring/summer. Focusing on this mainly preppy palette helps keep shopping focused. Of course I do like to add a trendy color in small doses and am looking at blush pink this spring and love a little turquoise and coral. Metallics are my neutrals and are year round.  But of course if I love it I don't think "this is not my color palette". It would be unusual if it would not blend with my mostly neutrals.  Sunee on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1175909 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 04:54:41 +0000 Sunee 1175909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Have any of you ever had a colour consultation?  I used to do a ton of them in Hong Kong and I will say that it made my shopping life about 3000% easier when I got my colour palate. It's very liberating as it is more colours than you might think you can wear PLUS that way almost everything in your closet will work together. In addition, many stores are organized by colour so you can skip over everything that doesn't suit you.  E on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1175902 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 04:43:23 +0000 E 1175902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You can wear brighter/stronger (purer?) colours than me Suz. I can't balance your cobalts or fuschia or brighter whites or even the shades of berries you wear (I can only wear heathered or very grey versions). And there's no way the orchid colour would work on me. But we've definitely got overlap too! I think we're more similar during the f/w since you said go brighter & lighter for s/s. And of course in our neutrals (taupe for the win, hehe)! :D  I bet the there are shades of mint (or light blue-green, perhaps it's not green enough to be real mint? I'm not sure) that would be stunning on you. I have to be fussy about them (most are too saturated or bright or green), but the right ones do marvelous things for my complexion. Suz on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1175884 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 04:14:55 +0000 Suz 1175884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ E -- we are colour buddies!!    Only difference, I think, is that I also wear black. And I haven't really explored the minty greens at all...and some burgundies don't work (they can't be browned burgundies...more claret.) E on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1175878 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 04:11:33 +0000 E 1175878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Steph, I look at my colours as a range too! Pink=blush to Victorian to a dark rose (I'd love to add berry pinks to that range too but haven't found the right kinds yet). Blue-green= a pale greyed mint to robin's egg to teal. Blue=pastel to French to navy. Purple=mauve through violet (theoretically at least, if I could ever find the right shades). My red range is smaller, going from cranberry to burgundy. Grey=dove to medium to charcoal. Taupe=a light, cool sand colour to fawn/donkey to mushroom. I have light/medium/dark versions of almost every colour I wear (considering pink is really just light red by another name), and if I don't have something in the range, I'm looking for it when I go shopping. (What can I say? I love colours & having a variety at my disposal.) Neel on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1175872 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 04:07:14 +0000 Neel 1175872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am not working on a color palette per say. I have always bought what I liked. But this time round I have chosen a few colors that I would like to add to my closet. More whites and navy. May be a few reds and citron. That's all :). I am a simple creature rabbit on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1175854 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 03:44:20 +0000 rabbit 1175854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm going through an experimentation phase now, after having a pretty consistent and small closet and color range for awhile.   My main neutral is black, but gray (in a range of tones like mrs eccentric describes) is recently taking over.  The teal turquoise mint green range is my newer main accent.  There are a few shoes/jackets in earth tones:  olive green, mushroom, and dark grayish brown.  They generally work well with almost everything else. I used to wear a lot of deep red, but have almost none of that now, but do have some deep coral/pinks.  This is a big departure, but I'm really drawn to it and it seems to work with my coloring, have to see how much gets worn. Trying navy/ink blue but having trouble getting the exact shades to match is making it a sideline rather than main neutral.  When I'm shopping now, I mainly shop for one attribute at a time, since I'm scanning thrift store and off-price retailer racks.  So I'm either searching for color (I recently added some bright white and lilac), or another single attribute (pointy-toed flat, longer narrow neutral skirt).    fuzzylogic on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question/page/2#post-1175826 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 03:26:23 +0000 fuzzylogic 1175826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like torontogirls plan! Sensible with a degree of flexibility! If you stick with a colour palette that suits you well, many of the pieces can be used together! Alternatively, if you have a well rounded wardrobe of neutrals you could add your choice of colour- either your fave or 'the' colour of the season! Gigi on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question#post-1175818 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 03:16:33 +0000 Gigi 1175818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes and no. I don't limit myself, but when I go shopping for a new season, I try not to buy the same colors that are already well represented in my wardrobe. Also, I think of a few new colors that I might like to try, and I give items in those colors priority. So, practically speaking, if I am out shopping and see something that I like but that's in a color that's already well represented in my wardrobe, I ask myself how much I really want (or need) the item in question. If it is a HEWI and fits perfectly and is a good price, etc., I may go ahead and buy it. (In fact, if it's a HEWI, it might even be good for it to match everything else in my wardrobe!) But if it's just something that I think looks good but isn't making me jump around with joy, I will probably let it pass. Just a few days ago, I ordered a navy shirt from Nordie's despite the fact that I already have a lot of navy in my closet. I didn't want more navy, but the piece in question might work very well in putting together a particular outfit (the shiny metallic skirt I posted about <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-style-this-skirt">here</a>). So here a practical concern won out over my desire to limit more navy acquisitions. Suz on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question#post-1175815 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 03:15:11 +0000 Suz 1175815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hunh -- just read Steph's reply and it looks like I do some of all of those strategies!  I limit my palette to:  <ul> <li>What I like. </li> <li>What flatters me. </li> <li>And I look at colour as a continuum, a range -- so "blue" is one of my colours, but wow, there are SO many blues, and I can wear almost all of them, so I do not limit myself to one or two -- I let myself go wild on blue. Ditto the colours in the range from orchid to plum...I actually don't own many of these yet (darn stores!!! -- to Peri's point) but I will wear 'em when I find 'em. Ditto for the berry family. </li> </ul> Mia on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question#post-1175812 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 03:10:51 +0000 Mia 1175812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do think about my palette before I shop each season. I stick to black, white, dark navy and charcoal as my neutrals but I use some colour to add a shot of now to my wardrobe and keep boredom at bay. I find the narrowing of choice really helps. This Spring I have added some pale blush ( far from my face as possible) to the mix. Pastels don't like me but a few polka dots on a black background or colour blocking are fine. Suz on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question#post-1175811 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 03:10:45 +0000 Suz 1175811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I found that I kept my overall palette last spring/ summer but altered the specific tones. So...for spring/ summer: More cobalt than navy or ink (although I still wore navy and ink) More true white than winter white or cream (although I still wore winter white and cream) More fuchsia than cranberry or raspberry More orchid than plum or purple  Less grey overall (but that was probably because it is not as easy to find grey in summer).  Possibly more black (it looks better on me in summer, I think).  mrseccentric on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question#post-1175797 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 03:02:01 +0000 mrseccentric 1175797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Peri - research dyeing. You can do your own, or some dry cleaners provide this service. My colors are so rare in the marketplace, and have been since i was a girl, that i'm very used to buying white and dyeing. Just research and practice!  HTH, steph mrseccentric on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question#post-1175791 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 02:59:47 +0000 mrseccentric 1175791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ unfrumped said: "...color discipline had a payoff in versatility and satisfaction..." i started really limiteding my color palette in my mid twenties, i had a small closet and nothing made outfits.....as soon as i started getting super hard core about color discipline, i noticed the outfits i could make growing exponentially. It's all down to what works for you - how many clothes you like to have, how much you like to be able to mix and match, if you like to buy outfits or separates, how often you like to launder/go to the cleaners, how consistent you like your own personal style to be. There's a ton of color palette systems out there, many are brilliant, but i'm like unfrumped's idea of 'color discipline'. Really, if you don't want to buy outfits that you never mix and match, then the only 'rule' is that all (or whatever percentage you like) of the colors in your closet 'go'. Which Does Not mean all neutrals! I know plenty of ladies here in the SF Bay Area who dress exclusively in purple and red. Pretty durn far from neutral, but it all 'goes'! Or you could have a palette of sour citrus and related colors with white as your neutral - tangerine, lime, turquoise, fuschia, lemon, limon, pink grapefruit - again, very light and bright but you can pick anything out of that closet and it all blends beautifully. E also lays out another fantastic strategy, which is organizing your color palette around what colors you feel flatter you most. "... I actually find that all of the colours & neutrals go together since they have those underlying characteristics, so mixing & matching works out pretty well." Another way to loosen things up is to look at your individual colors as a range. Now, on the whole my dark neutral is black and my light neutral is tan. But for me, 'tan' ranges from khaki, to light ivory, to heavy cream, and bone, and eggshell, and on - pretty much everything not optic white with a warm, greyed undertone up to around 40% saturation. Black, really goes, from black thru to medium charcoal. For me it makes for a lot of leeway. If any of this sounds intriguing of useful, you can always try it out for a season or two and see how you like it :)  Happy Day! steph Peri on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question#post-1175790 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 02:59:20 +0000 Peri 1175790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was just posting about this, wondering where the colors I like are. I am very emotional about color and feeling very discouraged right now that the ones in the stores are basically my least favorite colors. So shopping my palette for Spring may mean buying nothing at all! I guess the answer is sort of yes, in that I won't be buying colors I don't like. The problem is, since the massive purge, I don't have much at all for hot weather. Adelfa on "Color Palette Question" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-palette-question#post-1175787 Mon, 24 Feb 2014 02:56:53 +0000 Adelfa 1175787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My palette is fairly stable--black, gray, shades of white, a bit of navy for neutrals (plus taupe for shoes). For color I do pink, citron, cobalt, and burgundy. My "surprise" color this spring will be lilac, at least that's the plan!