https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:13:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a/page/2#post-1100593 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 20:29:37 +0000 Jacky 1100593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's about balance in a lot of cases - having an even cut like black bottoms and a bright top often feel unbalanced to me, and the sharp line around the waist definitely looks off! That said, I love the high contrast of bright colors and black when it's more balanced. I actually think a black suit with a bright jewel-toned shirt looks amazing.</p> <p>Doctor Who does have some great fashion moments! One of the most memorable pieces for me was Rose's electric blue jacket - I eventually went out and got one thanks to seeing her wearing it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a/page/2#post-1100581 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 20:06:55 +0000 Aziraphale 1100581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, I had heard this somewhere before too (not from Doctor Who) and I thought it was right on the money.&nbsp;In fact this conversation has come up recently -- I think it was from a post by&nbsp;Fruitful? Anyway, I must have articulated this at some point in the past, and she remembered, and then paraphrased me in her recent post. What I had said was actually more specific: if you pair black bottoms with a bright top, the bottoms look boring and the top looks cheap. To my eye, the same doesn't seem to be true for bright bottoms and black top, although I don't have a clue why that would be so.</p> <p>Sorry to anybody who likes black bottoms paired with bright tops. I don't think it works, ever. (Sorry Angie).&nbsp;Or, well, it doesn't look terrible, but it doesn't look particularly good, either.&nbsp;Could be that I'm wrong, or narrow-minded, but if so&nbsp;I'm not the only one -- certainly&nbsp;the writers of Doctor Who, at least, feel the same way. &nbsp;;-)</p> <p>You know, this does remind me that colour choice is so, so personal. For example, Sally did a post recently where she asked about people's "fashion powers" -- i.e. your particular strengths when it comes to fashion choices. She went on to say that her special power was a facility with colour combinations, which made me spit my coffee -- because I feel that colour choice is the LEAST distinguished aspect of her blog outfits. She does flattering silhouettes really well, but then wears these really jarring (to my eye) colour combinations that make me think of clowns or flea markets. But clearly she thinks it looks great, and probably lots of other people do too.</p> <p>All this is by way of saying that it's really hard to make rules when it comes to aesthetics, because qualitative elements like elegance, harmony and beauty are&nbsp;always subjective. &nbsp;:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a/page/2#post-1100077 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 01:48:06 +0000 Deborah 1100077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol Beth Ann I just miss David Tennant!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a/page/2#post-1100053 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 01:24:21 +0000 Angie 1100053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>low rent and tacky</p> <p>*chuckle*</p> <p>Not at all, Rae. Thanks for the kind words though.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a/page/2#post-1100017 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 00:55:50 +0000 rae 1100017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting FF, because I like black with pastel far far better! Black and blush especially. </p> <p>Angie, you do look so good in black/brights. There has to be something going on with complexion. The combo looks chic to me on some but makes ME feel low rent and tacky. </p> <p>Anna, I bet it was a spoof on T&amp;S and I didn't realize. There were two robots doing makeovers...</p> <p>I hope I did not come across as advocating this as a rule for everyone! As I said up top, I like the look on others but don't feel right myself. It was just so interesting that what I took as a personal quirk was presented as a rule of thumb. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a/page/2#post-1100008 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 00:42:16 +0000 FlorenceFearne 1100008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like black with bright. And if I didn't wear black and bright, I'd never wear bright, because I always wear black. I&nbsp;think blacks and brights are <u>far</u> easier to pull off than black with chalky pastels. Black and pastel is really tough.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a/page/2#post-1099971 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 23:54:55 +0000 deb 1099971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never wore black with brights in the 80's so maybe that is why I am wearing them now. According to my colors analysis,&nbsp;black can go with any of my colors and brights are my colors. Hmmmm..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a/page/2#post-1099895 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 22:01:37 +0000 Beth Ann 1099895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love Doctor Who!&nbsp; I think your best Who fashion moments are yet to come in later seasons -- so much to look forward to!&nbsp; To of my favorites are River Song's dress and Clara's red bag.</p> <p>And yes, Fezzes and bow ties are cool, but I still miss David Tennant's Cons!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a/page/2#post-1099845 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 21:24:28 +0000 Angie 1099845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love wearing black with brights. The colours are the same intensity, so to my eye the combination works very well. I wonder if my blonde hair and pale complexion adds another colour, thereby neutralizing the effect? That said, I love black with brights on those with dark hair too. Yo would look great wearing black with brights. Horses for courses I guess.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a/page/2#post-1099825 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 21:05:32 +0000 jayne 1099825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am on the PRO black and color side.&nbsp; Color blocking was an eye opener for me and I love it. Like Alexandra, I am a winter and the contrast suits me.&nbsp; I so so glad many have jumped in to point out that the rule is not a rule.&nbsp; Trinny and Susanne also HAD (ie no longer have) a rule that pears should always wear a long jacket/sweater and so on to hide our long bottoms.&nbsp; I don't see them using that anymore as that would be totally dated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a/page/2#post-1099815 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 20:49:01 +0000 rachylou 1099815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel that way, but then I see there are lots of exceptions. So, it occurs to me it may have to do with clothing cut more than the combo of colour with black. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a/page/2#post-1099790 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 20:07:10 +0000 Jewell 1099790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh I remember those Trapper Keepers- excellent comparison. I've never heard it presented as a hard and fast rule, but I can remember pairing my bright fuchsia blazer with a black top and not liking the effect at all. The only exception for me is red and black. I find they look great together to my eye no matter what. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a/page/2#post-1099726 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 19:14:27 +0000 Marley 1099726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey you guys - this is <b>not</b> a rule!&nbsp; Some people absolutely <b>rock&nbsp;</b>black with brights - and so <i>please </i><i></i>do not change!&nbsp; For myself, I wish that I could wear it - but with my coloring (and probably my energy) I just don't feel like myself when I am wearing it.&nbsp; But that's just me.&nbsp; I also don't feel right wearing camoflauge - because it reminds me of violence - but that doesn't mean that someone else can't wear it and look fantastic!&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;It's all good!<br />OK - carry on.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a/page/2#post-1099725 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 19:13:38 +0000 annagybe 1099725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah they just lifted the whole phrase from Trinny and Susannah. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099722 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 19:11:30 +0000 catgirl 1099722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Diana said.&nbsp; I'm wearing a version of this today, actually - black plus crazy pattern. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099708 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:50:24 +0000 DonnaF 1099708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm.&nbsp; I didn't realize black + color was an '80s thing so maybe that's why it makes me vaguely uncomfortable so that my solid black skirt and pants/jeans frequently get passed over.&nbsp; Also, I tend to wear flat black instead of deep, saturated black since my coloring is not super high contrast, and flat black + color doesn't look all that wonderful.&nbsp; In retrospect, yes, when I wear solid black it tends to be with gray or other dark colors that are pseudo neutrals, and I am likely to pair brights with brights.&nbsp; Now, IMHO, a black and white print is a completely different kettle of fish, and I love a black and white print with color!&nbsp; For whatever reason, I don't find solid black with a colored print nearly as interesting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099644 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:42:37 +0000 Amy 1099644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I'm a unicorn Trapper Keeper girl because I wear black with brights all the time. I didn't realize this was a faux pas. :(</p> <p>I hate rules like this. I've been feeling pretty good about my outfits lately, and now am second-guessing myself.&nbsp;</p> <p>P.S. Unicorns are awesome. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099640 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:34:51 +0000 Gaylene 1099640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's so interesting how we all have such different reactions to color combinations. I've always felt alive and energetic when I combine black with a saturated color. My preference is not to do it in equal amounts, like wearing a red sweater with black pants because I find that a rather uninspiring combination, but an emerald top with a black suit would be something I'd wear in a heart beat. The same goes for black and optic white combos and colouring blocking. To say that combining brights with black is somehow wrong is like the old adages that one ought not to combine navy with black, or black with brown. </p> <p>I think it's a combination of personality and personal preference, as well as individual colouring, that governs our reactions to certain combinations. I love it when I see others mix olives and browns with black, but that combination would look, and make me feel, half dead. I've also admired some of the burgundy and yellow outfits that I've seen in the forum this past week although that combination is one that I've always disliked intensely and would never wear. Who knows why we have these personal reactions, but it seems silly to turn our own preferences into rules for everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099595 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:54:57 +0000 shedev 1099595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get 80s flashbacks with black and color, but not even my 80s. Those were spent in black and more black. I think I don't mind so much if one of the colors is an accent but not colorblocked. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099559 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:15:00 +0000 Diana 1099559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I feel like I should add that I don't actually dislike the black+bright color combo and I think I even look pretty good in it, but the truth is that I don't really like <i>colorblocking </i>at all.&nbsp; So I don't as a rule do big chunks of black + color, but if it's in a pattern or something like a colored scarf with black dress, that's fine.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099554 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:10:39 +0000 Anonymous 1099554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loling about us in our Christmas sweaters.&nbsp;</p> <p>@Alexandra, exactly! You have the sort of intensity level that would thrive in black + color (and looking at both Trinny and Susannah, they do not). Very interesting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099549 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:03:35 +0000 Alexandra 1099549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That rule probably came from somebody who doesn't wear black with bright color well. Just like the rule that an LBD is a must-have came from somebody who looked great in black. As always, consider the source.</p> <p>For me, black and bright is perfect because it captures my intensity as well as the Bright Winter dichotomy of stillness vs movement, calm and reserved vs bubbly and open. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099546 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:01:21 +0000 rae 1099546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, we cross-posted! Hm, wow, yes, I can totally see now how this rule will lead to a highly neutral wardrobe. Makes sense, too that I've cut myself down to only a few bright colors and amped up the navy/ink this year. Joining you in uncomfortable memories of Christmas sweaters with black dress pants... I'm sure that happened at the office every year... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099540 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 15:58:22 +0000 rae 1099540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm, Hil, maybe it is a Brit thing! I am drawn to British things...</p> <p>Deb, that special is something to look forward to! I can hardly wait.&nbsp;</p> <p>KeepTheKey, I adore black with brown, too! And black with blue, that was also a no-no when I was growing up. Is there a rebellious personality trait that goes with black and soft colors?</p> <p>Marley, I just felt that way when we were supposed to wear black, white, and red for the half yearly sale. All I had on was a red belt, but I felt sooooo uncomfortable all day long.</p> <p>Caro, looking forward to that ep, too!</p> <p>Elizabeth, I am not familiar with DYT, but that is fascinating. I'm guessing there is a system for finding your energy level? So interesting that psychology is so tied to a practice viewed as superficial by some.</p> <p>Jody, that sounds just my speed! I like color with gray and denim, too.&nbsp;</p> <p>It looks like plenty of us here like the combo! It would be so interesting to meet you all and see your DYT energy firsthand! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099537 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 15:53:57 +0000 Anonymous 1099537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>May I join this chorus? I read a Trinny and Susannah library book where they had a short section on black. They said it was best to mix black with other neutrals and that really resonated with me. I never felt right in black + brights and it drove me crazy that I didn't like any colored tops with my black pants or black pencil skirts. Part of it was a bad 80's vibe, and the other had to do with intensity. </p> <p>My mom has been trained in color theory, and she always said that black and red worn together&nbsp;<i>intensified each other</i>. Not good for someone with coloring like mine, who can hardly handle either one on its own. This explains my depression over my "festive" Christmas outfit each year. It always ended up being default black pants (the only slightly dressy non-denim option I had) and some lame dark red sweater with something fuzzy or sparkly glued on--because you HAD to wear Christmas colors, and I look even worse in green.&nbsp;</p> <p>This, in large part, led to the neutralizing of my wardrobe. I wasn't going to give up black, and I needed everything to go together. I do like a soft blue with black (ink, denim or&nbsp;chambray) and some light pinks for me. But this is something I am very, very particular about--again&nbsp;<i>on me</i>. I envy people that can mix black with anything and look great. Hey, didn't Aziraphale mention something about black jeans and bright tops looking cheap a while back? Maybe she got the notion from Dr. Who too! I have never seen it.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099525 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 15:33:13 +0000 Anonymous 1099525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What museum girl said, I wouldn't be dressed half the week if that was a 'rule'. </p> <p>I get lots of compliments when I do it, so I must be matching the saturation shade properly lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099515 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 15:17:12 +0000 Adelfa 1099515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm totally with you, Rae. In every detail, down to wearing darkened colors with black (love this) and substituting navy when wearing a bright (not that my pics show the difference from black). I just feel so uncomfortable wearing solid black with a solid bright.</p> <p>If I add white it can work--for example, I have a scarf that's black and white and hot pink.</p> <p>I agree with lots of the explanations--<br />1. too 80's (I know Angie disagrees)<br />2. doesn't work with lower levels of personal contrast (though I'm fairly high)<br />3. doesn't work for some "energies"<br />4. figure flattery--tends to cut you at the waist.</p> <p>Last night I wore black skinnies with a longish sweater in a sort of darkened royal blue--that's how I wear black with color! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099461 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 14:31:21 +0000 Janet 1099461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Black bottoms with jewel toned tops used to be my uniform years ago. I still love black, and I will sometimes wear a black-and-bright combination, but I am more likely to do black with prints or with white, and to do navy/denim or dark grey with brights. I kinda get that energy theory -- I think because my high contrast coloring and natural energy do work with high contrast outfit colors, but I don't default to that look the way I once did. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099448 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 14:23:58 +0000 MuseumGal 1099448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If couldn't wear black and a saturated color, I'd be waking around nekked half the time. It's a total fall back for me, but it also looks good on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-advice-from-year-200100a#post-1099438 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 14:06:30 +0000 Elizabeth P 1099438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, this looks like a good post to jump in on.</p> <p>There is a post on here about "Dressing your Truth" and Energy Profiling, which seems to pup up annually.&nbsp; So I know a lot of you don't believe in this system, or don't know, nor even want to know anything about it, but this is EXACTLY what you'll learn through it.</p> <p>Black and saturated colours have the same energetics.&nbsp; People also have a natural energy.&nbsp; In the DYT system, you learn that only people with a certain natural energy can wear black and saturated colours well, as it harmonizes with the energy they are naturally "putting out", in the way they talk, move, and generally approach life.&nbsp; If you try to wear these colours and you are not energetically in harmony, you'll look, and feel, "off".&nbsp; </p> <p>From Rae's initial post, I sense she's feeling that disharmony with those colours and her own natural energy.</p> <p>I discovered DYT over a year ago, ironically though that thread I mentioned above, and it has been so incredibly eye opening for me.&nbsp; Helping with cloths has been one side - this program has helped me realize what colours, design lines, textures, patterns, level of contrast, etc work for ME (and along with this goes the realization of why a lot my closet orphans are orphans).&nbsp; But more importantly in terms of understanding who I am, and why I do things.&nbsp; And then applying the same understanding to those around me, as I understand their energy.&nbsp; Esp useful in parenting!&nbsp; It's an amazing approach.</p> <p>My two cents :)</p>