https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:01:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool/page/2#post-371708 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 06:31:55 +0000 catgirl 371708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elizabeth, I hope you don't feel bad about this thread - it is fascinating, as are the comments on Sal's thread. I saw a reference made there to "media cool" and I think that's what you were talking about - the icons and imagery that convey cool to us: sunglasses, leather jackets, faded Levis. And certainly color is a part of that.</p> <p>True cool, as you've said, goes far deeper and has little to do with appearance in my mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool/page/2#post-371678 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 04:48:09 +0000 Aziraphale 371678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>rivoli, nice to meet ya! I'm with you on the one bright accent. Usually when I do that, it's my shoes, but sometimes it's a scarf.</p> <p>This thread was a bit of a firestarter because I think I inadvertently suggested that people who like to wear bright colours are somehow less cool, which of course is not true. It's also possible that some of you inferred that I think I'm just the coolest gal in town, which is embarrassing because it just ain't so. My inner nerd is alive and well, and I'm in a constant battle to drown her out with new skills and experiences that give me confidence. Because that's the key to coolness: confidence. Dressing the part is only gravy.</p> <p>Over at Already Pretty (where I usually don't comment but felt compelled to do so today, under the name Aziraphale, since I'd previously spent time thinking about the topic), I tried to make it clear that "coolness" is largely achieved by, well, achievement. People who are awesome at something have HUGE cool points in their favour. And also, although truly cool people do not, of course, lie awake at night thinking up new ways to look cool, they often have a bit of style and flair going on in the clothing department. Having appealing looks never hurts, either, although it's not a prerequisite to coolness. And then there's the confidence and aplomb, which is something you develop over time, and naturally rides on the coat-tails of learning how to be awesome at something.</p> <p>Here's an example: the hysterically talented Tim Minchin (here's another plug for the guy, but we're going to his concert this Saturday in Seattle, so he's on my mind), who dazzles audiences with his cutting wit and spellbinding mastery of the piano. Now, HE'S cool. I'd think his hair was cool anyway, because it looks like a more demented version of my own. Hell, maybe if I had his musical talent and comedic timing, I'd wear my hair that crazy too. But I digress. My point is, if you saw Tim Minchin passing on the street, you might think he looked weird, or silly, or poseur-ish, but once you know what he can DO, then he doesn't seem like anything except cool.</p> <p>Here's a link. Judge for yourself how cool he is.</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVN_0qvuhhw" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVN_0qvuhhw</a></p> <p>Love how he gives you the letters and you think he's spelling out the n-bomb....and then it's not. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool/page/2#post-371614 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 02:54:45 +0000 rivoli 371614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, I haven't been here in a while; I came over from Sally's blog today.</p> <p>I'm also always more interested in looking "cool". And I do think it has something to do with body type as well as personality. I don't feel comfortable in anything that I perceive as loud or busy. And whenever I see someone who looks "chic", she is always wearing black or understated solid colors. </p> <p>I do like a printed scarf or ONE bright piece as an accent, but it's almost always against a backdrop of black, gray, camel, or taupe. </p> <p>I don't think that prints or ruffles, etc. are unfashionable. I think that colorful looks suit some people really well. I'm just not one of those people. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool/page/2#post-357793 Sat, 28 May 2011 21:17:13 +0000 MsMary 357793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beth, my hubby has really come around, too. He is working out of town right now but is home for the weekend, and is just CRUSHED that he won't be around for Angie and Greg's visit to Pasadena! LOL He thinks ALL the YLF ladies are cool! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool/page/2#post-357780 Sat, 28 May 2011 21:03:43 +0000 greenglove 357780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is silly- (I think) It all depends on soo many things.</p> <p>You can not generalize and who gets to decide what is cool?</p> <p>I think a great,stylish 80 year old grandmother in orange pumps with a teal outfit could be ultra cool. Depends on how she feels in it!</p> <p>And I am Queen neutral! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool/page/2#post-357779 Sat, 28 May 2011 21:03:11 +0000 Beth 357779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mary, my DH has come such a long way that when I'm undecided about something he says, "well, do you think you should take a picture?"</p> <p>:D </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool/page/2#post-357769 Sat, 28 May 2011 20:54:02 +0000 MsMary 357769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elisabeth, I suspect Vix knows the same way I know: We've asked our hubbies to take our photos to post here, they're laughed hysterically at the very idea but cooperated nonetheless, and we've lived to tell the tale! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool/page/2#post-357759 Sat, 28 May 2011 20:42:47 +0000 Beth 357759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think like many things, this is true only in the broadest of generalities. Several years ago, I went through a Lilly Pulitzer phase (I know, I know...please don't revoke my YLF card.). I was bright and colorful and cheerful. But I was most emphatically not cool.</p> <p>Neutrals may be easier to put together in a cool and chic way (my first thought is Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy), but they don't hold the trophy for cool. It's all in the nuances and the details of the outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool/page/2#post-357740 Sat, 28 May 2011 20:27:03 +0000 Lynne 357740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great topic, Elisabeth! My wardrobe is full of neutrals - I love them - but my neutrals are beige, taupe, camel, white, and denim. Not everyone's cup of tea, I know, but I like them! I have stayed away from black, grey, and navy after wearing them too much to work for years because I was afraid to try anything else! I love brighter colours, but in smaller doses. But I don't think neutral vs bright defines what looks great; as others have said, the chemistry of an outfit depends on a lot more than hue! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool/page/2#post-357698 Sat, 28 May 2011 19:54:54 +0000 Aziraphale 357698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vix, I'm so sorry, I somehow missed your thoughtful post! When you say, regarding asking your honey to take pictures of you for this site,</p> <p>"Trust me, you'd survive. Ask me how I know "</p> <p>...OK, I'm interested! How do you know? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool/page/2#post-356473 Thu, 26 May 2011 21:25:32 +0000 Aziraphale 356473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Angie...the fact that you're going to post an offshoot thread is a boost in itself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-356280 Thu, 26 May 2011 16:13:47 +0000 Angie 356280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry that I could not chime in yesterday - it was a HECTIC day and evening. (I commented on Sal's post if anyone saw that. Great topic).</p> <p>Elisabeth, Mary and Kristine, thanks for the kind words. They made my day :)</p> <p>Style is very subjective - it's all about what you define as "cool"? </p> <p>I am going to post on off shoot thread of this topic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-356164 Thu, 26 May 2011 14:03:00 +0000 Vix 356164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&gt;if he saw me getting out the camera to take pictures of my outfits and POST THEM ON THE INTERNET, he'd seriously bust a gut laughing </p> <p>Trust me, you'd survive. Ask me how I know But I agree it is a timesuck, even if others take your photo.</p> <p>****</p> <p>I do think wearing all neutrals often creates a more aloof look, so I guess that can translate to "cool." </p> <p>As a recovering blacktextile-a-holic, I think whether color-color can create that same vibe really depends on more than the shade of the garment. As others have mentioned, the proverbial devil is in the details of fabric/cut/design elements.</p> <p>Frankly I am one of those killjoys who think that a lot of people throw on any old color-color without regard to how it harmonizes with their coloring. </p> <p>Because color-color *does* stand out in a sea of neutrals, I think it has to harmonize with one's personal characteristics to escape looking costume-y. [Which may or may not be "cool," ha!]</p> <p>I mean there's No WAY could I wear the shades that Angie does, as the intensity is way too strong for my characteristics and there would be a falseness there. [Versus artifice, for which I am often grateful!] But I do wear a lot of color-colors that are certainly "bright" or "deep" compared to my blacks/greys. </p> <p>While I don't prioritize cool/hip, I bet if I said to a CoolSpecialist, "Hey, make me look cool using this palette of color-colors that looks good on me" I'm pretty sure they could work their magic....</p> <p>Hmmmmm...seems like the challenge-lovers here might enjoy a "Color Me Cool" test of their powers, no? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-356152 Thu, 26 May 2011 13:39:20 +0000 Aziraphale 356152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una -- I know, I know, I should. The thing is, I'm not sure how to post pictures, and it's hard to take pictures of myself anyway (the mirror thing only sort of works, IMO) and if I get my husband to help, he's going to laugh his ass off. Reading this blog is my current guilty pleasure (he knows I do that), and gosh knows he likes clothes too, but if he saw me getting out the camera to take pictures of my outfits and POST THEM ON THE INTERNET, he'd seriously bust a gut laughing and I'd have to hear about how this is the biggest self-indulgence ever for a week.</p> <p>I absolutely mean no disrespect to those of you who post outfits -- it's fun to see them, and this forum is an excellent resource for those who want to expand their style horizons and get honest feedback on fashion-related issues. But until I have the time to get out the camera and get involved with that aspect of the forum (because honestly, at the moment, as a working mother, I don't, really -- not without foregoing other pleasures), I can't really post pictures. I'm not in a transitional phase of my "fashion journey" at the moment anyway, and I don't often desire advice, so posting pictures really would be a self-indulgence for me at this time. I couldn't defend myself. </p> <p>In the meantime, I'm going to continue to enjoy looking at (and occasionally commenting on) other people's outfits, and of course I always love joining in on (and sometimes starting) the more general threads too. Hope that's OK. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-356078 Thu, 26 May 2011 05:51:15 +0000 catgirl 356078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elizabeth, post some outfits so we can tell you that you look cool! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-356013 Thu, 26 May 2011 03:58:37 +0000 Aziraphale 356013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all your comments. Like I thought, there is indeed a crushing majority of colour-supporters. I would just like to go on record again to say that (despite the misleading title of this thread) I am not in any way against the use of colour in fashion. I merely agree with what Sal wrote -- it's easier to look cool without head-to-toe colour. She didn't say neutrals are more beautiful (and she digs the bright colours herself) -- just "cooler and more chic."</p> <p>Also, I should point out that I'm not saying I'm particularly cool or anything. Just that if there were a list of adjectives people could potentially use to describe the way I dress, the one I would most hope for would be "cool," above others such as "pretty" or "cute" or "stylish" or "sexy" (although I'd be delighted with any or all of the above...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-356009 Thu, 26 May 2011 03:47:37 +0000 Mac 356009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love neutrals, but it has nothing thinking they're cool or that brights are not cool. I just feel that bright colours don't really "go" with me. With pale, freckly skin and bright red hair, I feel - rightly or wrongly - that I have enough complexity and colour even before I add clothes. I see many other women who I think look better in brights than neutrals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-355982 Thu, 26 May 2011 03:11:22 +0000 Jonesy 355982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's funny...I read that blog post too, and I interpreted it as Sal saying that she thought neutrals were *perceived by others/the world/whomever is in charge of these sorts of things* as cooler than colors, not that she herself believes that to be true. Don't know if anyone can follow that :).</p> <p>I totally think colors are as cool as neutrals, perhaps EVEN COOLER! Think about recent Marni, Prada, Jil Sander, Dries van Noten...all known for their distinctive color sense and juxtaposition of interesting colors/silhouettes that just shouldn't work together but somehow they do. So cool and cutting edge.</p> <p>And MaryK, three cheers for the Emily Litella reference :). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-355980 Thu, 26 May 2011 03:07:27 +0000 MsLuna 355980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think neutrals will always look chic. There is a timeless quality to neutral colours. If you look at Sal's examples, it's pretty obvious that those young ladies look chic.</p> <p>There is only one neutral I would ever wear: BLACK - not just because it's chic, but because it's slimming, lengthening, and it looks damn good on me. Because I wear colour so often, I've redefined my own "neutral" which I wear instead of black - a very deep dark purple. I often wear black and dark purple with magenta, deep red, royal purple and royal blue (sometimes emerald green). </p> <p>I don't care so much about looking "cool" either. I wear colour because it lifts my spirits and helps me start the day better. It's surprisingly more "functional" to me as it is aesthetic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-355975 Thu, 26 May 2011 02:58:07 +0000 MsMary 355975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And although I thought she looked great yesterday, as usual, in that black dress, I didn't find it all that cool: <a href="http://www.alreadypretty.com/2011/05/daily-outfit-52411.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....52411.html</a></p> <p>I thought today's bright outfit was cooler:<a href="http://www.alreadypretty.com/2011/05/daily-outfit-52511.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....52511.html</a></p> <p>Just sayin'. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-355974 Thu, 26 May 2011 02:57:19 +0000 Heather 355974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Cool" cannot be defined by color or label, but by the essence of the soul donning the garment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-355966 Thu, 26 May 2011 02:29:55 +0000 annagybe 355966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I read that blog post. Up until about two months I was team mush (low contrast neutrals). But I feel like I was becoming predictable in my outfits. So I injected color in big color blocking electric neon colors.<br /> I always thought it was about the cut, fabrication and style of an item rather than the actually color.<br /> I read Already Pretty everyday, but it's effect on my fashion choices are lessened now. I do appreciate her body positive talk. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-355961 Thu, 26 May 2011 02:18:06 +0000 Maya 355961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think a lot of people associate neutrals with being sleek and sophisticated and understated, while color is garish and gaudy and immature (if bright) or dull and drab and sad (if muted).</p> <p>I don't really get it. I like all color palettes. My favorite happens to be high contrast, bright colors, and crisp neutrals. But I don't associate it with being "cooler" than any other color palette. It just seems arbitrary to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-355956 Thu, 26 May 2011 02:13:40 +0000 catgirl 355956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I need a more precise definition of "cool". Or some concrete examples. </p> <p>Funny enough, I only recently embraced the whole color thing, but I fall back on black and grey in a pinch. </p> <p>Don't you think part of cool is the persona of the individual wearing it? Do the clothes make the woman? Hard to say. I'm pretty sure I will never be girly no matter how much pink and ruffles you pour me into.... </p> <p>I must ponder more! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-355933 Thu, 26 May 2011 01:32:42 +0000 MsMary 355933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh. Well I totally agree with that!</p> <p>&lt;Emily Litella&gt;</p> <p>Never mind!</p> <p>&lt;/Emily Litella&gt; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-355931 Thu, 26 May 2011 01:31:22 +0000 Aziraphale 355931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I'm sorry, MaryK, I just noticed what you wrote, and I think I was misleading in the title of this thread. I just copied "Colour isn't cool" from the title of the blog entry on Sal's post. I don't actually think that colour isn't cool....just that it's a lot easier to look cool wearing neutrals (or harder to look cool with brights or pastels...?). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-355927 Thu, 26 May 2011 01:28:31 +0000 Aziraphale 355927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>HAHAHAHAHA!!! MaryK, you're funny. I think we'll have to agree to disagree. Anyway, Buffy's still got the black top -- and black + red generally equals cool, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-355924 Thu, 26 May 2011 01:26:39 +0000 MsMary 355924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Right. And there's Buffy wearing red pants.</p> <p>I rest my case.</p> <p>;-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-355923 Thu, 26 May 2011 01:25:45 +0000 Aziraphale 355923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, but, in the picture with the red leather pants, she's Buffy! Who's, you know, the coolest female character in the history of TV. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/colour-isnt-cool#post-355920 Thu, 26 May 2011 01:24:01 +0000 MsMary 355920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm.... I've thought about this some more, and read the whole thread, and I just disagree. I instantly thought of Angie as an example of somebody who is undeniably cool, and wears a lot of color. And in my view, the Mother's Day ensemble WAS cooler than the black dress/red pumps.</p> <p>And here's a counter-example. I think Sarah Michelle Gellar looks much cooler in the red leather pants than in the black leather pants.</p> <p>I will agree that if "cool" is your goal, it's easier to get there wearing neutrals. But I don't think that's the same as "color isn't cool." </p>