https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:25:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing/page/2#post-1128968 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 23:39:48 +0000 Isabel 1128968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I want to apologize...I posted before reading the entire thread and Jewell had already recommended academichic. &nbsp; &nbsp;LOL&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing/page/2#post-1128734 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 18:52:08 +0000 Anonymous 1128734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love color, constantly mix colors, and rarely wear neutrals except as extra garments for warmth (tights, cardigan). But I really have trouble putting colors together in the abstract. I have trouble combining different solid colors. It just rarely occurs to me! I totally rely on prints to bring my colors together. I find it much much easier to wear multiple colors if they're all picking up the print in my dress or scarf. If you want to wear more color maybe a few print accessories would help you pull colors together? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128719 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 18:25:35 +0000 K. Period. 1128719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think color mixing is both personality and practice. &nbsp; I love Angie's response for that reason. &nbsp;If anyone has amazing insight into this, it is her since she works with many women with many different personalities and comfort levels, all with the goal of making them feel great. &nbsp;So what can I add? Really only that you should give it a try, as&nbsp;Angie suggested. &nbsp;You might find that you like it more than you expect. &nbsp;</p> <p>It took me a long time to start mixing colors and I'm still a bit of a novice. I do like Mary K does, in that I copy color mixes that are based on colors I have and like. &nbsp;I also look for color combos that involve a color I love mixed with another. &nbsp;I love pink and red, red and aqua, red and olive, teal and olive, cobalt and burgundy (a new one to me!). &nbsp;By using one color that I love and adding a second color, I feel like I'm a little daring, but not going crazy. &nbsp;Have you considered trying a complimentary mix for the first few mixes, with one brighter and one more muted? I think that is easiest: bright&nbsp;red and olive green, bright&nbsp;blue and orange (remembering that tan is orange light, so you can ground with tan as your main orange&nbsp;and add in a tiny bit of brighter orange), golden yellow and deep aubergine&nbsp;purple? All of those&nbsp;are much easier to mix than some of the advanced mixes that people wear. </p> <p>FWIW, Angie helped me get over one of my color mixing issues. I have a hard time mixing warmer and cooler neutrals. I feel like they should be one or the other. &nbsp;She was kind enough to refrain from rolling on the floor with laughter when I confessed that, and she gently told me that no, there was no reason to restrict myself like that. Of course she was right. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Your personality may mean that you never go with some of the wild and bold color mixes you see (red and aqua feel very right to me because both are colors that I love, but I readily admit that they make one conspicuous). &nbsp;So personality will mean more sedate mixes. But by practicing, you might find that you enjoy a lot more of the subtle mixes that are out there. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128718 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 18:25:33 +0000 Isabel 1128718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great topic. I love to see color on other people. I love monochromatic looks or &nbsp;"shading". &nbsp;But I don't do it...with anything except gray. &nbsp;Does that count ?</p> <p>The other day, I accidentally wore navy pants with a green and cream striped shirt. I felt like a multi-colored popsicle when my mom pointed out how much she liked. &nbsp;SMH....LOL&nbsp;</p> <p>I do really like the color palettes that you have laid out. &nbsp;The women at Academichic used to this type of thing all the time. &nbsp;They have lots on this and color theory :</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.academichic.com/category/color-combinations/">http://www.academichic.com/cat.....binations/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128676 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 17:42:35 +0000 Angie 1128676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote wear cobalt and berry out the house for a short space of time. Just do it - and see how you feel. If it doesn't feel right - stick to mixing brights with a neutral, or add the second&nbsp;colour with a bag, scarf&nbsp;or belt. Whichever way you go - it's all good. That's what having a sense of personal style is all about. Horses for courses. And it's so, so, so, so okay to love a combination on others - but not want to wear it yourself. I spend a lot of my style life in that mode - after all, I dress people for a living - but have very specific style preferences for my own style. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128675 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 17:41:45 +0000 Sheila 1128675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great thread. One thing I learned about myself is that my red hair<br /> has to be considered when mixing colors. These days, redheads are shown wearing just about any color but it's all in the mix. I look at my skin tone, hair, eyes, the weather and the occasion, then I think about what would "feel" right to wear -- I guess it's very close to thinking about what would make me happy in the situation. Over time I have gravitated to certain formulas that just work right for me. I ALWAYS enjoy my outfit when it has a bit of zingy color to it: citron, cobalt, kelly green, mustard, lime...but never a large swath of it. Why not figure our which colors make you feel happy and then give yourself permission to buy an item if it's the perfect color. Maybe they will be shoes, a handbag, a scarf, a skirt or a cardigan. </p> <p>I tried using bits of color with neutrals and now am starting to combine 2-3 strong colors in one outfit. Yesterday I wore a blue dress with an orange scarf and citron tights. It was a little scary to leave the house but after a while I just relaxed into it. One time I was scared to wear a cool moto jacket I really wanted and finally just decided to wear it to the grocery store to reduce my social anxiety. Nobody gave me a second glance and I laughed at myself on the way home. Why had I thought it would be such a big deal? So good luck! Have fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128665 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 17:37:08 +0000 MsMary 1128665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I realize I didn't answer the question... I feel great in my blue and mustard and red.&nbsp; I think your personality just has a lot more gravitas than mine, which is why you don't feel great in multiple colors.&nbsp; </p> <p>Have you thought about combining colors that aren't too contrasty?&nbsp; Like blue and green or red and orange? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128663 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 17:35:53 +0000 rae 1128663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I mixed more colors back when I first joined YLF. I thought it looked so fab on others and wanted to have that fabness for myself!&nbsp;And I do think the colors <i>looked good</i> on me. I was using all colors that I liked and that flattered me. </p> <p>BUT, as I started to cut back on color this passed year, I realized how much more comfortable, sleek, and powerful I felt by limiting my bright colors to a little pop. I'm not a "bright" personality, I don't think.&nbsp;</p> <p>I still enjoy mixing <i>muted</i> colors very much. I think it feels subtle, organic, mysterious, and serious... I also still like a pop of bright citron, jade, dark blood red. I don't have any pastels yet, but I also like bright or deep colors paired with their paler counterparts for a tonal look.</p> <p>Whether you don't like the combo or just need to step out of your comfort zone is something only you can discover. Kind of like when we tried all those different reds. Maybe you can try some colors on together and snap pics? Or pick up some free color at a swap and experiment? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128659 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 17:34:26 +0000 Anonymous 1128659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Adelfa, I can't go without color but feel best when putting colors together to use colors that would be next to each other on the color wheel and in a similar intensity. For example, one of my favorite spring outfits is a pale celery green suit with a light aqua-green shell and sandals that are a bit deeper shade of aqua...light greens ranging from yellowish to bluish. Berry to reddish purple would be another example. The fabric, sheen or texture and depth of color are important to me too when combining. I'd have trouble putting a deep blue velvet with faded red cotton knit, for example. An intense red silk would seem better to me. I hope that makes sense. Of course others can mix these sorts of things and look great.<br /> Toss a bunch of stuff on the bed and see if you can put together any outfits that you like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128650 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 17:24:44 +0000 heidiim2 1128650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not usually confident enough for two bold colours, but since I bought greeney turquoise jeans I've found they work well with a burnt red chequered shirt, with a neutral vest top underneath and black ballet pumps. I thought I'd feel like an elf, but it works </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128642 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 17:14:49 +0000 Adelfa 1128642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mary, and then how do you *feel* in your mustard and cobalt and red? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128638 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 17:12:01 +0000 MsMary 1128638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it is hilarious to be named as a color-mixing model.&nbsp; You want to know my secret?&nbsp; </p> <p>I copy.&nbsp; </p> <p>Seriously.&nbsp; My instinct is to wear neutrals and maybe a printed scarf, and then pick one bright out of the print and call it a day.&nbsp; Then I see all these fab looks on Pinterest with, for example, mustard AND cobalt AND red, and I think "OMG this is fab!" and I copy it!</p> <p>Badda bing, badda boom, done and done.</p> <p>;) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128627 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 17:01:33 +0000 Adelfa 1128627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>UF, I'm not 100% sure what I want.... I think I just want to understand why I admire lots of color on others but don't want to wear it myself.</p> <p>Suz, I'm totally with you on needing to maintain a line. I'm no longer comfortable breaking things up too much. I do change my colors with the seasons, but my use of them remains fairly consistent, e.g., hot pink + white + light denim vs burgundy + cream + brown. As for drama, I'm thinking that the drama in an all neutral outfit can be&nbsp;quite different from that in&nbsp;a colorful one. An all neutral outfit can have more of a regal drama while a outfit with lots of colors reaches out more. What do you think?</p> <p>Jewell, that's a really cool color wheel!</p> <p>Diana, I have been venturing into prints. Also, venturing into the idea that what you like, you can wear. Obviously not an infallible guide, but a good tonic for the notion that everything has to be analyzed and correct.</p> <p>Catnip, lol, I *have* a bright green bag, and it is a complete and total orphan! I haven't given up hope for it, but I probably should!</p> <p>Mo, love your looks! Cobalt with berry seems like a good place to start--I think of them as being sort of neutral-y colors! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128612 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 16:45:17 +0000 Adelfa 1128612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gigi, I am and am not attracted to it. When I see other people do it well I think it would be cool! But I don't actually want to. I sort of want to want to, if that makes sense?</p> <p>Cehia, your post makes me smile just thinking about your red coat with its complementary scarf! I'm sure it's lovely!</p> <p>Caro, that's interesting about bright colors in natural fibers. I bet you're right that there's a subtle difference in intensity.</p> <p>Aquamarine, I wonder if you'll get back to more colorful outfits. As a MOTG you would have the freedom to do so. I'm doubting that aging per se would make you like less color.</p> <p>Liz, I did recently start wearing bright print dresses in my 100+ summers. Thoroughly enjoyed them. Not sure if I'll wear them now that my summers will be about 30 degrees cooler.</p> <p>Janet, I feel similarly.&nbsp;I use riotous color in knitting, crocheting, and drawing. I just don't want to wear it.</p> <p>Susie, I'm with you on wanting simplicity. It's more restful somehow.</p> <p>Oh, kkards! Here's a tip I use when I don't feel like a lot of color: I select a color that's similar to my neutral. So with black I could put a dark purple, or with gray I could put a slate blue. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128601 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 16:21:42 +0000 Mo 1128601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ditto Janet. &nbsp;I feel conspicuous or loud in a mix of colors. &nbsp;I've done it, &nbsp;recently cobalt with berry, but I always feel better and more grounded with a neutral in there. &nbsp;Or if one of the colors is a pop or accent. &nbsp;Case in point below (although the skirt is feeling too girly for me these days. &nbsp;I'd do it with white jeans or shorts now). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128595 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 16:16:45 +0000 Catnip 1128595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Adelfa, this is so interesting.&nbsp; I love color, but have many problems incorporating it into my wardrobe.&nbsp; I also have problems with prints and tend to avoid them except for scarves.&nbsp; I would really like to get over&nbsp;these inhibitions.</p> <p>So far I have been able to wear neutrals with one bright color, often a sweater.&nbsp; When I discovered this works for me, I was able to purchase several bright sweaters.&nbsp; It's adding the second bright color that has me stumped.&nbsp; I wear lots of navy and have been trying to talk myself into buying a bright green handbag, but no luck so far.&nbsp; With navy and green, there would be only one bright color, but that's still somehow too much for me.</p> <p>Maybe this has something to do with personality, but I believe there is hope if we keep trying.&nbsp; I&nbsp;have a new&nbsp;sweater that is a fairly bright purple.&nbsp; Completely by accident, it was lying on the bed next to a magenta scarf.&nbsp; I suddenly realized they look great together.&nbsp; I wore them and loved the look... but perhaps the purple isn't really that bright.</p> <p>When I wear all neutrals, I feel drab and dull.&nbsp; I'm going to check out the website Jewell recommended. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128572 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 15:22:07 +0000 Suz 1128572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heheh...I am the opposite of Diana; prints make me nervous and if there's a print I cut back on colour.....:)</p> <p>She is right, though, about colour intensity and tone -- I'm happier in jewel tones vs. brights, especially in winter. So experimenting with the <b>TYPE </b>of colour might be key for you to gain comfort in wearing it.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128560 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 15:03:51 +0000 Diana 1128560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you like colorful prints? I think people probably think of me as someone who wears a lot of color, but the truth is that I don't like color blocking. So I rarely like it when I try to pair lots of solid, colorful items. But throw a print or two in there and I'm happy as can be. also, if you have a multicolored printed piece it can serve as a template for the rest of your outfit (just pick colors from the pattern.)</p> <p>I think you also have to figure out what colors you LIKE. (Personally I think this is more important than figuring out what colors look good on you.). For example, I love dark jewel tones and could easily wear them head to toe. But while I like brights, I definitely want to keep them as accents and would not want to wear multiple pieces because it doesn't feel like me. On the other hand, many brights IS very MaryK, and you can tell just from her pics that she loves it and is happy with it, plus it suits her to a tee. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128550 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 14:38:55 +0000 Jewell 1128550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question, and many wise words have already been shared. The article below was a game changer for me as far as helping me understand how to combine colors in my day to day outfits. And their color wheel is genius. </p> <p><a href="http://www.academichic.com/2009/02/02/fashion-101-how-to-combine-colors/" rel="nofollow">http://www.academichic.com/200.....ne-colors/</a></p> <p>For me, wearing a lot of showy colors at once doesn't feel right. It's not my personality. I prefer not to be the center of attention. However, it's a look I love on others. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128534 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 14:08:00 +0000 Suz 1128534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting...I just responded in a similar vein on Manidipa's thread.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love and respond to colour and adore seeing bright mixed outfits on others. But my own approach is similar to Liz's. I will wear brighter, clearer colours in summer or in tropical or hot locations. I tend to change my palette a bit in winter. I "sub out" cobalt for royal, ink, navy. I switch from orchid to berry tones. None of this is really conscious, by the way. I never had a plan to do it. It just seemed to evolve that way. Probably it has to do with what's available in the stores at the different seasons.&nbsp;</p> <p>But overall, summer or winter,&nbsp;I am similar to you in that by and large, I prefer my outfits grounded in neutrals. In fact, I tend to prefer all neutral,&nbsp;accented with colour. So...maybe a black column of colour with a brighter blue jacket. Or denim bottoms with a fuchsia and blue striped sweater. Or my recent whiteout outfit with cranberry accents.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think this is related to temperament, to a degree. But not entirely. Yes, a very colourful outfit can shout: Look at me!! And maybe as introverts we are not so comfortable with that. On the other hand, an all black or all white ensemble or even one that mixes those neutrals with one colour can be equally strong and attention grabbing.&nbsp;(Think Sveta in &nbsp;her cobalt pants, black and white dot sweater, black wool coat). And in fact, I often think my neutral outfits are among my most dramatic.&nbsp;</p> <p>In my case, I think I'm also influenced by what seems to look best on me. I do look good in colour, even fairly strong colour. But I don't think I look too good in lots of broken up shapes. I need to maintain a consistent line. Partly it's my height -- but not completely. Mary is shorter than I am - and she can carry that off. Mind you, she tends to wear higher heels than I do.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128532 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 14:04:23 +0000 unfrumped 1128532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are you trying to just be okay with where you are or do you think you still would've to expand to more color?<br /> I am.mostly in the safe neutral+ one color camp also, but I would like to wear some more combinations of rich tonal colors because of the way they can add interest and because In general, the right colors brighten me up more than neutrals. So you might like approaches such as column of color, or deep color on bottoms, or trying colored shoes or belts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128522 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 13:33:18 +0000 kkards 1128522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>how sad is this, i read your list and i thought you were mixing colors!<br />this is something that i struggle with…adding color, even 1 color to an outfit is one of my 2014 goals.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128520 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 13:29:26 +0000 Susie 1128520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can enjoy the look of multiple colors on others, but I don't have any real desire wear the look myself. In addition to feeling too flashy, it feels a bit too contrived, without the simplicity I prefer. While I don't look at someone else in a colorful outfit and think "she is trying too hard," that's how it would feel to me if I were wearing it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128514 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 12:43:03 +0000 Janet 1128514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm like this too. As a visual artist, I don't lack color mixing skill, I just prefer my outfits to contain at least one neutral to feel grounded somehow. For me, personally, I start to feel clownish or garish in all-color, even though I love the concept on other people. But I can also be a somewhat reserved person, and I feel like more colorful dressers tend to be more exuberant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128513 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 12:39:17 +0000 Liz 1128513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My use of color is affected by my environment, season, and light. I'll wear MaryK level color in the hot summer with bright sun, but go a lot more neutral in winter, with its pale light and black/brown landscape. &nbsp;I've also noticed myself wearing more color in "hot all the time" locations, such as the south. For me, this is some kind of variation on environmental norms; I don't feel right when I'm at odds with my environment.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128507 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 12:05:37 +0000 Aquamarine 1128507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting topic. I love, need, and respond to color in my life, and consider myself a creative type at heart. When I was in my teens and twenties, I wore layers of colors all the time. Now I am like you in that the color I wear is always anchored by neutrals. This has been a gradual progression as I have matured. MOTG now, but my career was in high tech and I can't help but feel that choice plus the aging has tamped down what I am comfortable wearing, colorwise. </p> <p>I need to ponder this some more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128487 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 07:29:21 +0000 Caro in Oz 1128487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the way people who wear multiple colours put themselves together; but only on them &nbsp;A bright coat or bag or shoes or top( but never all together) is about all I can handle on me. I do think it is a personality thing. </p> <p>Something I have noticed is that I'm much more attracted to bright colours in natural fibres - silk, linen cotton etc. I think they maybe a little softer but I may not be right.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128486 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 07:27:40 +0000 cehia 1128486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like my red coat with a yellow or a blue scarf. They work well on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128481 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 07:00:48 +0000 Gigi 1128481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Adelfa, I don't mix colors myself--I'm not particularly drawn to it, but I don't think I have the skill anyway--but the following website might be helpful to you to help pinpoint what colors go with other colors:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://design-seeds.com/index.php/search">http://design-seeds.com/index.php/search</a></p> <p>I do think that combining two colors can be a very "flashy" kind of personality thing also, since you mentioned temperament. I am not that kind of personality, so maybe that's why I'm not attracted to it? But you say you are attracted to it, so I hope you can pinpoint&nbsp;ways that you can try it. :^) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/multiple-colors--what-am-i-missing#post-1128475 Sat, 04 Jan 2014 06:07:21 +0000 Adelfa 1128475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Donna, my prints are black and white polka dots (or houndstooth)&nbsp;or navy and cream stripes. I have a green top with some black leather trim, but not any other color blocked items.</p> <p>I think it might be temperament, too! (If you look at my temperament vs MaryK's, it seems very likely....) </p>