YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Color Theory

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Color Theory https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:07:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Suz on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory/page/2#post-2270600 Fri, 08 Jul 2022 22:30:52 +0000 Suz 2270600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Sally said! If you love it and feel great in it, GO for it!!  Our preferences shift over time and in different circumstances at the same time.  I am 5'4" also and take a size 2 or 4 as a rule (though sometimes a 0 and sometimes a 6, it just depends....) -- here are a few of the various prints I wear and enjoy and that seem to work. You will see the scale is very different from item to item. But they all seem to work.  Some are even in non-preferred colours (black dress). But they work! So just try stuff on and see how you like it and if it doesn't work after a few wears, sell it or donate it and try again. You'll get so much more confident with this over the next few months of wardrobe re-building. I know it seems intimidating at the start and when you think about how much money you might waste in the process, but it's really not a waste because you are learning. Picking your key neutrals first will also limit any economic fall out. :)  Sal on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory/page/2#post-2270587 Fri, 08 Jul 2022 21:08:58 +0000 Sal 2270587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Echo- I suspect you are getting it right. And to be honest if you really like something and feel happy in it then it will look good because you feel good. Other people don’t notice as much as we think they do. Echo on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory/page/2#post-2270571 Fri, 08 Jul 2022 20:09:23 +0000 Echo 2270571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, yikes, having to worry about the scale of prints is new. I guess I am "big boned" in that my wrists measure larger than most other people I know, even those who are taller and heavier than I am. I have a friend who is considerably larger than I am in all ways, but her wrists are TINY, and we can see the difference even just holding our arms out next to each other. Like Sal mentioned, I am also broad shouldered and have a strong jawline.  But, I am bordering on petite in stature (right around 5'4"), and wear about a size 4. So... being big boned, should I be able to wear large prints? Or given my stature should I stick to small? Ironically, I just purchsed two dresses, one with a small print and the other with giant flowers - and I liked both! But I think I only considered the silhouette and whether they were flattering to my midsection (the area about which I am most self-conscious). Perhaps I need to take pictures and put them up for opinions. As for jewelry, I don't really care, because I like statement jewelry! I either wear lots of layered, real jewelry, or big, noticeable pieces in paste. Whenever I'm wear a solid colored top, I will wear jewelry that can be seen. Suz on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory/page/2#post-2270517 Fri, 08 Jul 2022 15:53:45 +0000 Suz 2270517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Exactly, Sally. The colours work for you and the style details are just-flattering enough (print may be ditsy but it is not truly teeny tiny, other details not overly feminine) and then you wear it in YOUR way so it works for your looks and your lifestyle. A lot has to do with styling the items -- no question!  Sal on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory/page/2#post-2270336 Thu, 07 Jul 2022 20:58:09 +0000 Sal 2270336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think that’s good advice Suz. My sister and I are a similar height and size but she has larger hands and suits chunkier jewelry. I don’t think I suit ditsy small scale patterns- I think it’s because I am tall, broad shouldered and have a strong jaw - the kibbe natural. But if the colours are right and the cut is right and I make them mine I can and do wear them. The shirt dress and blouse below are two examples where the small scale works. I tend to style these with sneakers, or chunky sandals. I would wear with delicate jewelry or pointy toe flats- whereas that would suit Angie for example. Suz on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2270293 Thu, 07 Jul 2022 18:49:53 +0000 Suz 2270293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry -- just got back to this. Yes, when they talk about size and scale of patterns and detailing on clothing,  it is not really related to height (or not much) but more to the relative size and scale of your features and frame.  It can be difficult to be objective about our own features, for sure. But it is pretty easy to tell when you are wearing an item whether the shapes in the print blouse are larger or smaller than your eyes. I'd never suggest only wearing prints that match the size of your eyes -- that seems unnecessarily prescriptive and maybe wrong! But it gives you a starting point. Do you look best in prints larger than that, or smaller? Or in approximate harmony?  Again, though -- other factors are also relevant. For instance, I'm on the verge of petite when it comes to height and my frame is on the small side also, but I look and feel better in larger (relative to my own size) chunky jewellery than I look in delicate small jewellery. Ditsy small prints are too busy-looking or fussy-looking on me, even though I'm small.  Really, the best way to figure it all out is to try on stuff you have no intentions of buying, and snap photos. Bring a ditsy print, a larger print, and a still larger print  in your favoured colours or neutrals into the fitting room and check them all out. Do the same with different colours, if you are trying to figure colour out -- bring 6 different t shirts in the same style but different colour and try them on. And take photos you can analyze later. Pay attention to the lighting (is it warm or cool)? But with that in mind, you can get a pretty good idea of what flatters you best.  Your eye will soon learn. You will also learn the workarounds -- if you love a colour but it doesn't flatter -- wear it in a pattern, on the bottom or accessories. If you want to wear a huge print but you are small, try low contrast (as per Irina). Just like other tricks, e.g. if your legs are short and you want them to look longer, match your hose to your dress and footwear or make shoes low contrast to skin colour -- etc.  Staysfit on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2270011 Tue, 05 Jul 2022 23:41:43 +0000 Staysfit 2270011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, I’m not sure height is the best way to decide what scale or size print one should wear.  I think it may have more to do with the size and relative scale of your features in comparison.  For example frame size can be large, medium or small independent of height,  The same is true for the size and scale of our eyes, noses and mouths. <div> </div><div> </div> Irina on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2270010 Tue, 05 Jul 2022 23:10:44 +0000 Irina 2270010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, it’s generally recommended for petite people to wear smaller prints, delicate jewelry and carry small or mid size bags. And I mean “petite “ as an indication of hight and not a size. I can say that large, busy prints overwhelm me but there is a work around it - I think it looks ok if colors in a print are muted and low contrast. I wore big jewelry in the past and didn’t care but almost never a big purse, it would hit a floor when I carry it in my hand. <div>As for colors, I believe that we should wear colors we love and forget the rules. Brown suppose to look better on me than black but there is no way I’m going to give up black. </div> Mary on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2270003 Tue, 05 Jul 2022 22:24:04 +0000 Mary 2270003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve had my colors done by PSC-John Kitchener. He has some YouTube videos.  One thing I’ve found that helps is taking a selfie.  Somehow I can see the color and lines of the garment better.  I’m told not to wear black as a top but I still do!  Make rules then break them. Echo on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2269353 Fri, 01 Jul 2022 01:19:21 +0000 Echo 2269353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Does scaled to the person mean that smaller people should wear smaller prints and larger people, larger prints? And does small versus large depend on height? Weight? Both? I rarely watched the What Not to Wear programs, and they are quite outdated by now anyway, but I remember Trinny and Susannah talking about the scale of jewelry and whether a person was large boned or small boned. Would the scale of printed clothing have more to do with that?  Regarding features, it's hard to say. I've never felt that I have a particularly large or a particularly small anything (eyes, nose, lips/mouth, ears, etc), although my head runs on the large side. If I had to choose one way or the other, I'd go with larger, as I don't think I have doll-like features or a particularly slim nose, but then again one wouldn't define me by my mouth or nose ala Mick Jagger or Jimmy Durante. I will look into the book you recommended, Suz. Thank you! Suz on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2269305 Thu, 30 Jun 2022 20:23:52 +0000 Suz 2269305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don’t think there are rules, but typically a pattern will look most harmonious if it is scaled to the person. Some stylists suggest you go by the size of your features when it comes to scale and even shape. But that seems unnecessarily strict to me. Especially if we are talking about pattern worn on the bottom. The Triumph of Individual Style is one book that others here have recommended as a good guide. Stagiaire Fash on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268993 Mon, 27 Jun 2022 22:27:43 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2268993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Idk about rules, but it is well documented that I like ditsy prints and am scared of large scale pattern, even when I think it looks great on someone else. Echo on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268985 Mon, 27 Jun 2022 21:09:03 +0000 Echo 2268985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, perhaps these are some of the issues at play for me, and while I am contemplating color it could be something entirely different that makes one item work while another does not. I very much love patterns - usually I am drawn to loud ones! That alone gives me pause, as I don't want to look like a clown. But I had not considered the scale of the pattern. Is there a "rule" for what patterns work with which people? Perhaps it is just as well that I am generally drawn to patterned pants or skirts so that I don't have to worry about it near my face! *Sigh* I am not sure there are hard and fast rules, while I tend to be a black and white sort of person. I'm looking for hard and fast rules when they don't exist. Plus, my hair is slowly lightening, partly due to grey and partly just... I don't know. Maybe fading with age? I don't do well with fuzzy definitions and moving goal posts! Suz on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268947 Mon, 27 Jun 2022 17:34:15 +0000 Suz 2268947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suntiger raises a good point. I think Imogen talks about this on her blog as well and illustrates it.  When I had blonde (yellowish) hair, blue eyes, and fair (pinkish) skin, I could and did wear more colour. I might wear an outfit featuring 3 different colours and I'd feel fine. Now that my hair is a neutral, I tend to prefer outfits composed of one or two of my key neutrals and one colour. I add a third or fourth colour only in tiny doses as part of a pattern.  So now I have low/ medium colour contrast and low/ medium value contrast (my eyes are dark blue but my skin and hair are similar light-medium value).  Theoretically, I should not be able to wear white with navy or charcoal,  -- or white stripes on navy, or navy on white. Yet those strongly contrasting patterns  actually look good on me. A large black and white print would be way too much  -- it would overwhelm me. But a narrow-ish stripe will certainly work.  Why? Partly the scale of the pattern (scale being another factor in addition to colour that plays into individual style) and partly because I require a certain amount of dynamism or what you might call small-scale drama or movement in order to look my best.  So many factors in play -- but I'm afraid that is taking us far from the simple colour answer you were looking for!  Anonymous on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268829 Sun, 26 Jun 2022 21:40:11 +0000 Anonymous 2268829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have light skin and white hair but avoid soft colors so that I don't blend into the walls.  Orange is my best red.  I have lots of orange in different shades and coral and red-orange and rust.  They look so much better than blue-reds.  Anonymous on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268589 Fri, 24 Jun 2022 19:50:59 +0000 Anonymous 2268589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Contrast is 2 different things. There's value contrast-light to dark. People with high value contrast can wear black and white prints better than those of us who's skin and hair have similar darkness. Then there's color contrast. Blue or green eyes would be considered colored, as would blonde or red hair (regardless of dye), and pinkish/golden/ peach tones in skin (regardless of melanin). Brown eyes, beige or neutral brown skin, and grey, black, brown hair would be considered neutral. Angie has high color contrast, as do I ATM (hair auburn now)- but both of us have low- low medium value contrast. I'm just darker and more muted. Non neutral color mixes work better (in theory) on us than someone with neutral skin/hair/eyes. A person with fair skin, dark auburn hair, and blue or green eyes would be both high color and high value contrast. Fair skin, white hair, grey eyes would be low color and low value contrast. Re your colors: if fuschia and cobalt are among your best that definitely rules out Dark Autumn! Try Dark Winter. Suz on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268542 Fri, 24 Jun 2022 15:32:05 +0000 Suz 2268542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Echo, I understand the desire to get things right as you rebuild your wardrobe. You don't want to waste money and you want to look and feel your best. After I lost weight, the first thing I did (before joining YLF) was get a colour analysis done. It wasn't that informative, to be honest. The woman confirmed what I already knew, (she called me a cool or true summer -- and yep, I already knew I wear blues and berries well, LOL) but she seemed confused by the fact that I could also wear brighter, clearer hues and more contrast than I "should" be able to wear according to her theory and the accompanying fact that could not wear some of the colours in the summer palette (most of the really muted tones and pastels). So she shoved some colours from winter and spring's palette into my little wallet and pulled out some others and said THERE. I think she was glad to be rid of me!  I think that suggests that it is all quite individual. Besides colour, there is depth, contrast level, line, and personality to consider.  I'd start with the colours you know you look good in, and you love. What makes you feel good to wear?  Think about how you feel as well as how it looks in the mirror. Does the colour make you happy? (Of course that is not the only criterion -- yellow, for example, makes me very happy -- but I can't wear it. Having said that -- if it doesn't make you happy, you won't wear it. So at minimum, it should make you happy!)  Have you decided on your core neutrals for your wardrobe, going forward? It sounds like black will be the dark neutral. What about your light neutral? Do you look good in optic white and like it? If not, what light neutral will you choose? (Note the "light" is a relative term...if you are lower contrast and deeper, "light" might be a mid-tone tan or grey!)  Once you have the base of your neutrals you can more easily build out your colours around that. Clear jewel tones are tough to find right now at retail, so it might take some patience to get the exact colours you want, but instead of trying to get your perfect hue or shade of every colour in the rainbow, what about picking 3 colours that you know you love and that look great and building your wardrobe around the neutrals and those three? You might start by buying a few inexpensive tops in those three colours so you have a standard of comparison.  That's essentially what I did, in the end.  My dark neutral is ink or navy. (Also some charcoal). My light neutrals are white and light cool grey.  My colours are most cool blues, cool and true reds, and some fuchsia/ berry tones, and in winter, some burgundies. To that, I add a smattering of greens or teals when such items become available (if I like), some purples and mauves when those are trending, etc.  If a colour really doesn't suit me but I love it, (e.g. mustard) I confine it to a pattern or to accessories, like a bag. Or to a bottom.  And that brings up another idea -- If you are worried about getting exactly the "right" tone of orange (or whatever) again -- confine it to a pattern or to a garment you wear on the bottom.  Hang in there! It will all resolve itself in time. It's easy to get hung up on this stuff and worry about getting it wrong, but if you remember it's a process, and wardrobes shift and change and you are not buying any garment as a long term investment, that might help.  Oh -- another tip -- in my first year on YLF I thrifted and bought a lot on consignment. :)  Zaeobi on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268510 Fri, 24 Jun 2022 11:15:58 +0000 Zaeobi 2268510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @Barbara Diane brings up a good point - colours can look different under different lights (e.g. store lighting vs at home)! You can be high contrast even in lighter colours (like Angie's case) since it has to do more with how the colours interact when they're next to one another (I.e. their depth relative to one another) rather than their 'absolute' depth, if that makes sense? So I'd recommend you start just by keeping the colours you really like on yourself near your face, to have them reflect well near those features. I think people on this forum have also posted themselves in different shades/ undertones of the same colour to ask for advice (i.e. which photo looks better on them), which is something you could also consider? But be aware that monitor lighting may affect others' perceptions too. @rachylou too brings up a good point about black as well - I can't wear black that has a greenish or bluish tinge to it, but red undertones tend to be okay. But that usually requires the dye to be very deep to show up. At the end of the day, you don't need to wear *every* colour recommended for your season/ tonal direction/ whatever - just whatever works for you. I had my tone & season professionally 'diagnosed' but still disagree with some of the options in my colour fan. Plus, there are colours nearly always recommended for me that I just don't particularly care for (e.g. mustard & olive) - & that's ok! If you're asking because you want to know what looks best on you, remember to consider how you *feel* in a colour too - usually the colours that make us happiest tend to be the ones that suit us best by default anyway (not always, but that's how we tend to subconsciously think). Remember to keep your end goal (e.g. looking fab) in mind when going down the rabbit hole, lol! Stagiaire Fash on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268506 Fri, 24 Jun 2022 11:00:10 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2268506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Teal and orange? Cool combo—now I want to see the skirt! I’m glad you are healthy again and exploring. rachylou on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268491 Fri, 24 Jun 2022 08:11:03 +0000 rachylou 2268491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m thinking this is a case where one maybe has to line up, for example, the oranges that work and the oranges that don’t and see what you can see. It also has to be said that not all blacks are created equal. A bright orange and a muted black may not work, because one item is ‘sharp’ and the other ‘too RATE’ for it. Echo on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268449 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 19:56:34 +0000 Echo 2268449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I very much appreciate the replies, and I think those who mentioned tone are also on to something. The video I watch mentioned something about black and white photos and which tones match in that scenario, but I am not exactly sure how that applies in the real world. Is it the darkness/lightness of certain colors that determine this when one cannot see things in black and white? While I do know some colors that look good on me, I am looking for a better barometer. For years I wore black and some jewel tones. Now that I am in better health and feeling better about myself, I am trying to expand the color in my wardrobe because color makes me happy. But having worn so little of it for so long, I am kind of lost when it comes to anything outside of clear, bright jewel tones. Some teals work on me while others don't, and I can't tell why. Some oranges work while others don't, and I often can't tell why. I am looking for a way to reduce user-error when it comes to making purchases, so that the colors I order work more often than not. For example, I have several printed skirts which I adore, but I am having trouble finding a color top to wear with them that complements me. While several of them work with black (always the simplest), several don't. For example, one of them contains bits of teal and orange. Almost any color of teal or orange work with the skirt, but I'm having trouble figuring out what works for ME.  I should list everyone's names, but I got behind. Thank you to everyone who has commented so far, and I am visiting the websites or searching the terms and systems mentioned by everyone here. You are really helping. Perhaps I need to give up on a simple answer and just go down this rabbit hole... cat2 on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268395 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 13:21:50 +0000 cat2 2268395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The Concept Wardrobe has a series of images I found really helpful in sorting out my palette. Lana on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268388 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 12:53:13 +0000 Lana 2268388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think adding clear or muted to the color parameters is helpful. For example Angie is not muted. She is clear and light, so needs her colors mixed with white not gray for her to shine. I am light cool and clear, so by the seasonal color palettes, I don’t fit one. Normally I would get typed as a summer but it’s not that simple. I guess I would be more likely a light winter but I do need some contrast to look my best because of my dark eyes and eyebrows. All light isn’t the best on me. Imogen Lamport’s blog Inside Out Style has lots of good information on this concept of color properties. Helena on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268386 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 12:46:16 +0000 Helena 2268386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My favourite rabbit hole my opinion is from a practical standpoint the best system is a tonal analysis, and then refine from there using your own eye and what you like and what works for your lifestyle. In this system you work out your most important colour characteristic (warm, cool, clear, soft, deep or light) and that's that. In my case, my main thing is cool colours, and then I have latitude in whether they are light, soft, etc. In your case, perhaps you can do bright, and then leave latitude on other factors? There is a website called style yourself confident that has a free quiz to help you work out your tone. Star (Lise) on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268370 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 08:27:30 +0000 Star (Lise) 2268370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Color theory certainly works in a broad sense but there are still unique variations for individuals.  I was a cool brunette and orange was supposed to be one of the colors I could not wear, yet it really looked good and drew lots of compliments.  Now my hair is silver I was looking forward to more optic white (based on how good other Silver Fabbers look), and big disappointment, it does not really work for me.  I am now in an experimental stage seeing what works and what does not too.  I know the basic principles but I think it is going to be more trial and error over time.  Just to go back to contrasts - so I was high contrast before; dark hair, light blue eyes, pale skin.  Bright and clear were excellent on me.  Now I am low contrast; silver hair, light blue eyes, pale skin - bright and clear still seems to be the best for me (but not orange or yellow).  I have a few more colors now that don't work as opposed to before it was only beige and some mustards - these look even more hideous now!  Muddy patterns definitely do not work for me and I am supposedly low contrast now.   Stagiaire Fash on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268368 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 07:50:23 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2268368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not to be disagreeable, but why are you asking? It sounds like you are already pretty clear on what colors work for you and which don’t. I think most people refine the palette offered up by color analysis, adjusting it to their own specific coloring and preferences, because no system can be broken into as many categories as there are people. (If it could be, than they wouldn’t really be categories). You’re there already. On oranges, I’ve been surprising myself recently by adding more of them, in specific shades/tones, to my wardrobe. The orange you describe sounds to me like the complementary color to royal blue; have you tried that combo? It is very high energy. I think the orange background in your brunch shot (before EH concert) looks good for you with the brown coat. Synne on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268362 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 04:32:12 +0000 Synne 2268362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yay! Going down this rabbit hole is so rewarding. Best thing I ever did for my style. I believe there are many others more eloquent than me, to lay this out in more approachable and understandable terms, so I'll spare you my ramblings... But I will say that no, Angie isn't low contrast! I on the other hand.... very low contrast. Although we both technically have "light hair and light skin". As you're on to already, it has less to do with skin colour, and more with how you'd look like if you turned the setting in Photo Shop to low contrast black and white. Angie would then still have visible eyebrows, eyes, smile and hair, while I would be a gray blob, basically. Hehe. Does that make sense? Oh, and I do have a perfect orange for me. Even though my colouring is cold, soft, muted, washed out, grayish. It is a muted, broken, almost metallic orange. More of a copper, or @Jenn's rust! Very hard to come by, but I know it when I see it AND LOVE IT. Have fun exploring this topic! I am currently over in the "Style Essence" rabbit hole. I am so relived there's actually a working map and compass in this vast landscape that for many years seemed so foreign to me.. I like understanding WHY something works or doesn't. Not just "feel" it, as I certainly already do. But why and how come. rachylou on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268361 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 03:26:03 +0000 rachylou 2268361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When it comes to clothes, I think concepts like Clear, Muted, Warm and Cool are more useful than Blue, Red, Orange, Brown, etc. Because you have the whole reality of dyes and you can have a Cool Orange even though orange is ostensibly a warm colour. Barbara Diane on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268358 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 02:07:02 +0000 Barbara Diane 2268358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There are many systems but even with 1:1 color analysis, experts will choose slightly different colors. While shopping in person auditioning an item by putting it up to your hand/arm and seeing if it looks great, okay, or off, is a good quick first step. Then if it passes that test, in the fitting room you can check it against your face. I suggest wearing something you look good in when shopping or trying on online purchases. If you like it as much that’s a good sign. If you’d rather wear something you already own, pass. And if you can’t tell any more it is time for a break. Color analysis can give you majority, secondary, and third seasons or whatever category names the system uses. That’s why most people don’t fit perfectly into just one category. Do you want a system to help you pick clothing easier? Or are you mostly interested in understanding color theory? Keep in mind that how a color reads is affected by the color(s) next to it. IAnd you can wear colors that aren’t perfect for you. Often people choose to wear them away from their face, but that isn’t required. My skin color, hair color, and eye color have changed over time. This has led to a small adjustment in my best colors. The brightness of a color also plays a part. In theory eye color always works but in my case my eye colors don’t look great with my skin color. And my face is bigger than my eyes, so I rarely wear my eye colors. Sal on "Color Theory" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/color-theory#post-2268355 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 01:36:59 +0000 Sal 2268355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think colour theory works really well for some people - both physically and emotionally and culturally. For example if you are a winter and like those colours and they suit your lifestyle. For me, I have colours I avoid almost completely because they just don't suit me.  A cold white, citron and lemon, icy pastels and most of the murky colours.  And I am trying to lean warm (warm olive rather than cool, clear or warmer reds rather than a cherry red).  I think I am a spring (maybe warm, maybe clear - I am not sure). I think where colours can help is guidance to build a cohesive wardrobe.  Especially when it comes to accessories and basics.