https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 19:51:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors/page/2#post-2214063 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 15:34:00 +0000 April 2214063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You all have really nailed the DYOT philosophy.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors/page/2#post-2214027 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 14:21:18 +0000 celia 2214027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't done the exercise of neutrals(which ones do I consider neutrals?) vs colors but know that I like and have a wide range of colors in my closet, and prints(mostly florals).<br />I usually fins it pretty easy to mix the colors in the outfits . My math is as follows:</p> <p>the same black pants+ 5 different color tops= a work week of outfits</p> <p>patterned blouse with 3 colors+ 3 different color bottoms= 3 different outfits</p> <p>Plus I do enjoy suddenly 'finding' a new color combination in my closet.<br />I think I would have more trouble creating outfits with a closet full of traditional neutrals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors/page/2#post-2214012 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 13:28:43 +0000 Preppy Pear 2214012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Sarah D8 - that cracked me up!!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors/page/2#post-2213982 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 11:44:15 +0000 April 2213982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you ever felt Michael Kors (or Nina Garcia) was unkind on Project Runway, remember this from Season 8 (aka "the Mondo/Gretchen season").&nbsp;&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fate-sg2R70">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fate-sg2R70</a>&nbsp; </p> <p>And I agree about the giant logos.&nbsp; Yuck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors/page/2#post-2213948 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 01:13:59 +0000 Roxanna 2213948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find this such a fascinating discussion. Completely agree with Irina, Helena and Angie. If you have a high affinity for colour and pattern mixing, then having lots of colour and pattern in your wardrobe doesn’t make getting dressed difficult. Though grounding neutrals are essential.</p> <p>La Ped, I think you and I have almost the exact same palettes! Though I call mine Autumn at the Beach. </p> <p>Thank you for the shout out Carla and I love your color mixing in that outfit!</p> <p>What I find harder is actually not having a spectrum of *proportions * or silhouettes. I am happy to mix all the colors in my palette together, but if a top is too long for a pair of pants, or a skirt is too boxy to wear with the shirt I wanted, then it throws me into a spin. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors/page/2#post-2213947 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:58:36 +0000 JAileen 2213947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Even though I came up with 70/30 on my own, I don’t like Michael Kors. He was mean to contestants on Project Runway. &nbsp;And then there’s his name. &nbsp;On Everything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors/page/2#post-2213942 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:28:13 +0000 SarahD8 2213942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am kind of giggling at the MK quote because it doesn't even really describe how I eat? 70% kale and 30% whiskey, now that is getting closer -- as a description of my closet too.</p> <p>(Also I don't know much about Michael Kors but it seems to me that he thinks a wardrobe should be about 130% logos???) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213941 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:27:16 +0000 Sloper 2213941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Bj1111 - </b>I like your thinking</p> <p>Personally, I'll take my meat and potatoes as a petite filet and duchesse potatoes, with a side of creamed spinach.&nbsp;<b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213931 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 23:51:33 +0000 bj1111 2213931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>the narrower the wardrobe becomes, color/silhouette/pattern/texture, the more you find differences between each piece so what used to be meat and potatoes eventually become duck ala orange or flaming baked alaska.</p> <p>i'm looking at you thin blue striped shirt in a white background and don't giggle medium blue striped shirt in a cream background. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213928 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 23:15:28 +0000 Sloper 2213928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>do YLFers with the whole rainbow find it harder to get dressed than YLFers who skew neutral?</i></p> <p>I don't think so - I mean I don't know, but based on the forum content we all have challenging days and days when the parts come together easily.</p> <p><i>Curious if my favorite quote from Michael Kors is true or not:</i><br /><b><i></i></b><i>"70% of the clothes you own should be meat and potatoes</i><i>. 30% should be icing and fluff—that's color, pattern, shine, accessories. Too many women get the proportions the other way round, then can't figure out why they can't get dressed."</i></p> <p>Well, it's certainly true for Michael Kors and fans of his luxe/minimal style ;-)</p> <p>Can anyone say it is not true - just that it doesn't apply to them.</p> <p>I think for some people it certainly helps to have a strong foundation (meat and potatoes) upon which to build.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213924 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 23:01:56 +0000 April 2213924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Let us remember that this quote is from a man who long ago adopted a uniform of black tee, black jacket, jeans. So...</p> <p>I love the quote because I often go heavy on statement pieces and this habit does not serve me well. </p> <p>Angie, you will doubtless all get to see my wedding outfit. Starting tomorrow, I will be surrounded by young folk who love to snap a sneaky "here's what my mom is wearing" photo without telling me. </p> <p>Not mentioning any names, but looking at you LITTLE MR. APRIL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213917 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 22:16:39 +0000 bj1111 2213917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>my entire closet is dessert.&nbsp; and that is why i have nothing to wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213882 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 18:34:29 +0000 Angie 2213882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>(April,</b>&nbsp;I HOPE we see your August wedding outfit )</p> <p>To answer the questions, personally my own wardrobe is full of non-neutrals and patterns! Colours, Patterns and Shine<i> ARE </i>my "meat and potatoes", and what make my wardrobe versatile. The neutrals - which are shades of white and blue - are an excellent grounding component, but by no means make up 70% of my wardrobe. If that were the case, I'd find it hard to get dressed each day because it doesn't gel with my sartorial preferences.</p> <p>That said, I am very disciplined about my colour palettes so that there is cohesion and maximum outfit possibility. Without the discipline, there would be chaos and clutter:&nbsp; </p> <ul> <li>Items have to be exactly the right shade of a colour, therefore match or work well together</li> <li>I make a point of creating colourful complements that pull looks together.</li> <li>I very deliberately do not add colours that don't work for my style - like jewel tones, most earth tones, and muddy colours.</li> <li>I stick to white and blue as neutrals - no black and grey.</li> <li>I combine several colours and patterns in an outfit, which makes my colour-rich and pattern-rich wardrobe versatile.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Hope that makes sense! </p> <p>Thanks for the shout outs <b>Irina </b>and<b> Carla.&nbsp;</b></p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213864 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 17:23:46 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2213864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kkards, greens are the plants, obviously. You appear to be lying in a desert, looking up at the sky, past aloe &amp; sage plants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213858 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 17:01:38 +0000 ophelia 2213858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have “the whole rainbow” &amp; too many prints &amp; heck yes I have a hard time putting together outfits.<br /> I had to limit myself to buying mostly neutrals &amp; learn to think about what an item would go with first. It has to be workable with at least 5 items already in my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213857 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 16:51:35 +0000 rachylou 2213857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well now it’s interesting. I love colour. I have very little, proportionally, in the neutrals. But I do, as Irina points out, have my select essentials and I wear them A LOT. That certainly makes a difference in terms of making things easy.</p> <p>But still, I can see where having a lot of different colours might make it hard. You still have to choose what colour and what to put with it besides your essentials. I think that’s where Angie’s formulas and colour capsules come in. And also wardrobe organisation! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213853 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 16:25:12 +0000 kkards 2213853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol reading this made me realize I don’t have a rainbow, but I have the sky…lighter blue, darker blue, midnight blue, some black, clouds of optic white, creamy white and little bits of pink and red for the good sunrise/sunset days. And some metallic shiny stars Now just need to figure out how the olive green stuff fits in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213851 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 16:07:47 +0000 Carla 2213851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m 100% with Joy on this. &nbsp;Though I have more neutrals than colours in my closet atm, I <i>love&nbsp;</i>colour and pattern mixing in outfits. &nbsp;The outfit pictured below is one of my favourites from this year and daring fashion mixologists like Angie, Anchie, nuancedream, Roxanna, MsMary, Synne (and others as well) &nbsp;are inspirational!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213847 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 15:23:53 +0000 Helena 2213847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh LaPed, without wanting to take April's thread off-topic, I just have to try ... merlot, blush, spruce, teal, petrol, classic medium blue, soft deep burgundy/plum ... my rainbow is missing orange and yellow </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213844 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 14:44:31 +0000 Ginger 2213844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>LaPed</b>, I love your spectrum! I should do that, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213840 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 14:10:11 +0000 LaPed 2213840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've slowly built my own version of the rainbow which goes: burgundy, rust, terra cotta, ochre, olive, sage, denim, navy, eggplant, plum, chocolate. I wear a lot of colours, but I wear them on my terms: dark, rich, subdued, murky, usually referencing my personal colouring in some way. Black/grey/white (true neutrals) help round things out and tie outfits together, along with a small collection of dusty pastels (mint, sky blue, lilac) that play well with my base colours. I still have a smattering of bright true red, but haven't added any new red pieces in the past year or two, and probably won't replace my red pieces when they wear out. Ditto turquoise and brighter berry colours.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have a fair amount of texture and pattern, especially "blendy" ones like tweeds, heathers, and low-contrast stripes. I'm a minimalist when it comes to accessories, so it's rare that I go out the door feeling too "busy"; the "take off one thing before you leave the house" guideline never resonated with me. The MK quote makes sense to me if you've inherited a magpie gene, but I think that one skipped me. I'm a bit allergic to anything bright, shiny, or "extra" on myself, although I appreciate all those things on others. :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213838 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 14:02:39 +0000 cat2 2213838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with Ginger on this one. I have a solid base of neutrals, but every day add either color or a black and cream print. I would be deeply depressed by a wardrobe of solid neutrals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213836 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 13:55:16 +0000 SarahD8 2213836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a fairly broad color palette and a high affinity for color mixing (and neutral mixing), and I do find it difficult to get dressed — but paradoxically, I think that is because my wardrobe contains a too-high proportion of neutrals. </p> <p>It’s difficult for me to say precise numbers because my wardrobe is still pretty scattered/chaotic/inaccessible after our recent move, but in the past when I’ve looked at this I’ve found that my wardrobe is about 2/3 neutrals and 1/3 colors whereas my sense is that it should be at least 50-50.</p> <p>I don’t usually feel right in “column of color” or “neutrals with a pop” outfit formulas. To create variety in the kind of subtly layered looks that I prefer requires a higher proportion of colorful pieces I think.</p> <p>In particular I tend to accumulate too many dark neutrals. It’s not so much that I just keep buying endless pairs of black pants, it’s more that i can be looking for a black sweater, a forest green one, and a white one — the black sweater is easy to find but the other two are elusive, and then the black sweater wears out so I do in fact need a black sweater again, etc…. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213835 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 13:52:08 +0000 Bijou 2213835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April, I have a large wardrobe, so having more colour vs neutral items does not mean that I won't have neutrals that work with other items in my closet. I steer towards light neutrals and my dark neutrals are black and navy - I find that these are relatively easy to co-ordinate with most colours. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213832 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 13:35:29 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2213832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena, it takes you less time to dress this way? Wow! I look at Irina’s outfits and am blown away how she makes such plain colors seem interesting—for me, that’s difficult to do. The reason I’m irked that I can’t find a certain white shirt is that I’m pretty sure it is the one, out of maybe 10 white / cream / ivory tops in my wardrobe, that would work for a whiteout with a particular skirt. But then again, I suppose if one counts blue jeans as neutral, which I think you do, and one is also comfortable in jeans, then it’s simple to dress in that “neutral”, as you often do. SAs often suggest wearing a top with jeans when the customer can’t figure out what to do with it. Things I buy with that in mind tend not to get worn. The colors it’s easiest for me to pull on are not in the subset that’s been deemed “neutral”. </p> <p>Irina, with your recasting, the guideline makes sense to me. As I described above, I have a pretty specific palette. It’s unfortunate that he used such specifics in his comment. Then again, the specific example of overdoing the accessories does make sense in my world. I don’t want the fussiness of earrings, and wear jewelry only occasionally. Scarves cost at least as much as tops, and are much harder to wear, because I move around a lot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213831 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 13:31:04 +0000 Irina 2213831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My understanding of this quote is not exactly about colors, it is more about statements v essentials. I remember Angie saying that essentials heavy wardrobe might become boring and it might be difficult to put together everyday outfits in a statements heavy wardrobe.<br />Angie is a great example, her essentials are in bright colors and they work together beautifully in any combination without being challenging.<br />Hers is a bright palette but very disciplined one. I think the point is to choose your essential colors (whatever they are) and to have the bulk of your wardrobe in those colors and to add 30% statement clothes in colors or patterns, textures, unusual cuts.<br />I think it is easier to have essentials in neutral colors, it takes great skills to have them in color like Angie’s. That is the reason why neutral heavy wardrobes are so common especially among minimalists.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213829 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 13:21:31 +0000 RobinF 2213829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, now I want to look at my closet but I'm at work I am probably heavy on the neutrals but I do wear color most days, although what many consider a neutral I use as a color (navy, olive). I think I agree with MK, without my basic neutrals it would be hard to get dressed.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213827 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 13:08:01 +0000 Anonymous 2213827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;I think color and patterns can take more time than wearing neutrals but I feel it I s worth the effort. &nbsp;Once outfits are put together, they can be repeated or tweaked just a bit and dressing is easy. Always wearing color or neutrals can get boring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213825 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 13:04:49 +0000 Ginger 2213825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like how&nbsp;<b>Helena&nbsp;</b>put it. The quote can be a good basic principle, and a self-help check if one is struggling. It's not a rule that should be applied to everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-runcarlas-question-on-neutrals-vs-colors#post-2213817 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 12:39:15 +0000 Helena 2213817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree and I disagree. For the average person who does not want to put lots of time and effort into getting dressed, he's probably right - neutrals and essentials (as <b>nemosmom </b>says) make getting dressed pretty easy, and they make it much easier to add the statements without getting too disorganized.&nbsp;</p> <p>That said, a lot depends of how happy people are to mix bright colours, be more maximalist, etc. ... to the extent that we are all so different in this regard, his idea is limited (as most ideas are!) </p>