https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:07:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224850 Sat, 18 Sep 2021 00:20:32 +0000 Jenni NZ 2224850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had to come back to this for a second read! I found it fascinating, way beyond my level of skill. I am more intuitive but that has tripped me up in the past, because like you I like a lot of items. I have eclectic tastes.<br /> So I suppose I have reined myself in in a different way to you, by using lists and also tracking wears for over 5 years.<br /> This has helped me to figure out what I do and don’t like wearing in reality rather than just what appeals aesthetically.<br /> Now I am better at taking the “art gallery”approach- that’s beautiful to look at but not to buy!<br /> Has your detailed system led to success in wearing your clothes plenty? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224706 Fri, 17 Sep 2021 15:03:54 +0000 cat2 2224706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting to read. I updated my color goals a few years ago, but it will take another few years before I have an actual result that is as coherent as yours, as I wear older pieces out and replace them with new pieces that are in my palette. I really like prints and tweeds that combine more than one of my neutrals, or add one of my accent colors to a neutral background. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224653 Fri, 17 Sep 2021 12:45:27 +0000 lyn67 2224653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanx for explaining in detail Tanya, your color schemes are ethereal! Love your analysis, and will have to think deeper for mine (rather a&nbsp; light&amp;soft&nbsp; summer) as you said it is really helping you for taking better decisions with new (esp.investment) purchases.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224641 Fri, 17 Sep 2021 11:30:21 +0000 Tanya 2224641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Cat, I appreciate you adding your signature colors, they are lovely.</p> <p>Noum, I also keep everything available year-round, but found that seasonal palettes really help with focusing, especially when shopping, so that I do not end up with a mish-mash of items.&nbsp; I will still wear items outside of that season's palette, just&nbsp;to a smaller extent.</p> <p>Brooklyn, wow, I want to steal that skirt from you! I have heard of the brand from Euro Fabbers, but haven't investigated it, which needs to be corrected soon.&nbsp; The sequin items are lovely, but sadly no place/occasion to wear them.&nbsp; As for the mistakes, I will limit myself to talking about color related ones.&nbsp; &nbsp;I still make some, but not too many.&nbsp; &nbsp;I used to get too many items in a particular accent non-neutral color per season, but that has gotten much better - the less important the color is in my groups, the less of it I am allowed to get.&nbsp; Also, I still get caught up on finding the right type of item in right color when it is difficult to find ("finally found plum booties?"), that I fail to realize (or ignore it), that the item is not quite right (something about the cut, fit, quality etc.) or that the shade of the color is not quite right to play nice with the rest of the capsule. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224605 Fri, 17 Sep 2021 10:33:11 +0000 Brooklyn 2224605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting Tanya! This level of colour organisation is way beyond my skills. </p> <p>I love how organised and picky you are. It’s so inspiring. Do you make many “mistakes”? I am increasingly coming to the view that when you are attracted to a lot of styles, the best approach is to really know your preferences and be super picky. </p> <p>By the way, do you know the brand “Essentiel Antwerp”? They have these sequin items on YOOX that read both purple and blue. I love them! They make me think of you. I have a skirt from them. Might be worth a look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224456 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 18:00:22 +0000 Noum 2224456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also have a summer coloring, and I love your various palettes throughout the seasons! I tend to keep everything available almost year round in my wardrobe, but reading your poste makes me want to maybe try something similar for this fall/winter. I sew, and sometimes I can get a little scattered in terms of seasonal color schemes!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224452 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 17:55:00 +0000 The Cat 2224452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would like to add that I have "signature colours" too. My signature colours are my best colours, namely bluish pinks, blue-reds, purples, blues (incl. navy) , turquoise/teal, white and greys (incl. silver). Regardless of the season, I always want to wear at least one signature colour in my portrait area. Likewise, I want all patterned items to include at least one of my signature colours.</p> <p>Tanya, interesting that you have been developing your system for many years. And I really appreciate reading about your thoughts on colours and other wardrobe aspects. </p> <p>I, too, have been fine-tuning my personal colour system for decades, and could probably say much more about it, but have to stop here because urgent duties are calling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224446 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 17:35:32 +0000 Tanya 2224446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy, that is super interesting.&nbsp; &nbsp; Steely blues and soft whites are certainly some of the most flattering colors on me, so I would choose steely blue as my neutral if I was making my decision simply based on color season/flattery.&nbsp; But it is not as available as darker navy or ink blue, and frankly I like the darker blues much better anyway, hence my choice.</p> <p>When it comes to role of neutrals in outfit composition, I don't have a clear definition as my tastes are too eclectic.&nbsp; &nbsp;I would happily wear ( and do wear) all of the following:<br />1) A head-to-toe black or navy outfit, but with texture mix<br />2) An outfit consisting of 2-4 different neutrals<br />3) A mix of one-to-two neutrals and one-to-two colors<br />4) A head-to-toe non-neutral (e.g. light blue, burgundy)<br />5) A mix of two to-me harmonizing colors (burgundy and light blue)<br />6) A mix of two clashing colors ( e.g. burgundy and orchid)<br />It all depends on my mood and what is going on that day.&nbsp; &nbsp;However, on most days, I do wear one to two of my main neutrals, and tend to invest in essentials in those colors.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;If I overslept and had a very important meeting at work ( and no planned outfit), I would throw on a navy suit, matching weather-appropriate shoes and simple cream top, and colorful scarf if I had an extra moment.</p> <p>Dana, thank you!&nbsp; I am always on hunt for nice items in those colors.&nbsp; Solids are easier, and occasionally I would stumble on a printed item that combines 2-3 or more of those colors, and then I tend to seriously&nbsp; stalk it.&nbsp; Below is the blouse I got earlier this year.&nbsp; I am generally not buying more crossover blouses, but with that print I had to have it.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224433 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 17:18:45 +0000 Tanya 2224433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been enjoying reading your replies.&nbsp; &nbsp;The system has been slowly developed over 10+ years pretty organically.&nbsp; &nbsp;Figuring out colors/groups was easier, the season formula is more recent, from the last 4 or so years, with switch to office job.&nbsp; &nbsp;It has been an optimization process between flattery, references/tastes and practicality&nbsp; -e.g. navy is more flattering, but I like black, and find it more available and practical in winter.</p> <p>Suntiger, glad you like the Lego system.&nbsp; &nbsp;I also think of burgundy and chocolate as more of fall/winter colors.</p> <p>Helena, glad that makes sense.</p> <p>Ginger, fun&nbsp; that we share similar approach regarding warm neutrals.&nbsp; When it comes to olive, since I have started using his seasonal formula - last 5-ish years, it happened that I used olive in several of the spring capsules and once in the summer capsule.&nbsp; &nbsp;I would be totally open to using it in fall too, it just happened so far that I preferred browns or greys as 3rd/accent neutral for the past few seasons.</p> <p>Bijou, glad this is inspiring.&nbsp; &nbsp;Our colors are pretty similar, but beyond the differences in grey and navy, I think you wear warm colors much better than I do.</p> <p>Angie, thank you!&nbsp; *blushing*&nbsp; &nbsp;I don't think it would have been possible to develop the system without YLF.</p> <p>Joy, I agree that greys are hard.&nbsp; &nbsp; They are often very flattering on people with graying hair, but lots of people are not the biggest fans.&nbsp; Another example of optimization between flattery and personal tastes.</p> <p>The Cat, thank you for sharing your colors, there are pretty similar to mine.&nbsp; &nbsp;I have started to the similar principles as yours, than I found myself that I would want to update all of those particular colors in a single season, which is simply not focused, hence the more focused seasonal capsule approach. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224430 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 17:15:23 +0000 Dana 2224430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, you are organized! I love those color palettes and so wish I could find more items in these colors.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224427 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 17:09:32 +0000 rachylou 2224427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your palettes are super pretty. Your system is very interesting to me. I think of your neutrals, you know, as blue and white. A certain steely blue, not too dark (ie not navy), to be precise. I’m interested in how you’d define, Tanya, the role of the neutral in your outfit compositions? It’s something that trips me up a bit when I try to define things deliberately… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224345 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:46:33 +0000 The Cat 2224345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting, Tanya. Thank you for sharing.</p> <p>I like to adjust the colours I wear to the seasons of the year. This is not a strict principle and doesn't rule out the use of all other colours in a specific season. But primarily, I will wear:</p> <p>In spring:<br /> Neutrals: light grey, silver, medium grey, navy<br /> Colours: light lemon yellow, all bluish pinks, lilac, clear purple, azure blue, clear turquoise, light emerald green</p> <p>In summer:<br /> Neutrals: white, light grey, blush pink, navy<br /> Colours: icy pink, raspberry red, all blues, all turquoises</p> <p>In fall:<br /> Neutrals: medium grey, pink brown, charcoal<br /> Colours: deep pink, burgundy, all purples, light cobalt blue, saturated turquoise, teal, saturated emerald green, saturated grey-green</p> <p>In winter:<br /> Neutrals: white, silver, navy, charcoal, black<br /> Colours: all blue-reds, deep purple, cobalt and sapphire blues, bottle green </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224344 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:46:08 +0000 Anonymous 2224344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great analysis. &nbsp;I found myself nodding along as I read. &nbsp;I would have to add grey to the main neutrals for now, but hope to do a big edit of the grey area of my closet after winter. &nbsp;It is hard to deal with grey as it is a color still in parts of my white hai, but it does not make me happy. I may be switching to browns but am not yet sure of what shades of brown. &nbsp; My favorite colors are coral/orange, aqua/.mint, and a yellow green so these are accents. &nbsp;I like burgundy but it is too bluish, so rust and oxblood are better. &nbsp;Great topic. Fun to think about. &nbsp;<br /><div>My closet is organized by color or neutral, then by item, then by weight or season.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224342 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:37:37 +0000 Angie 2224342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(I look at the pics and they scream<i><b></b></i><b> Tanya</b><i><b></b></i> and <b>Inge</b> to me! I love that signature style stamp )</p> <p>*APPLAUSE*</p> <p>I LOVE how you have it all figured out! Sounds spot on, and soooooo good to put the thoughts on paper so that things are crystal clear. WOOOHOOOOO! Toes are tickled.</p> <p>You have a large wardrobe <b>Tanya</b>, and it's VERY organized, disciplined, and items relate well to each other. This has been the case for the 13 plus years I have known you, and I admire your skillset. Thanks for sharing your system, and rock on! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224338 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:29:50 +0000 Bijou 2224338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya your signature colours and colour combinations suit you perfectly. It was a treat to read this. I wear similar colours to you but I have an aversion to grey and wear predominantly black over navy year round but where I live the sunlight is always clear and bright. An analysis like this would be useful for me, this is great inspiration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224335 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:13:03 +0000 Ginger 2224335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is wonderfully detailed! I admire how structured you are with your approach. And I'm fascinated by the way you plan/organize your seasons. I'm struck by seeing that you use olive in the spring but not in the fall; to me, olive has always seem an autumnal color.</p> <p>This part resonated with me:</p> <p>"subgroup B are less flattering, warmer neutrals, that can be worn strategically away from my face and/or in accessories (most of warmer browns/tans/earthy shades, olive, etc."</p> <p>I heartily agree with this approach. I tend to avoid any warm neutrals next to my face, since they do nothing for me; but they can do very well as shoes or bags or bottoms. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224320 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 13:27:28 +0000 Helena 2224320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Makes total sense Tanya! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224319 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 13:24:26 +0000 Anonymous 2224319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your color scheme! I like your "Lego system". Still working on mine! For me, black is year round- but I like it more in summer too, cause balanced by skin. Beige, cognac, olive, cinnamon probably more in spring and summer. Burgundy and chocolate more in fall and winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224318 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 13:19:44 +0000 Tanya 2224318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for chiming in, Helena.&nbsp; &nbsp;Yes, we do have similar color palettes, which is always fun for inspiration purposes.</p> <p>When it comes to&nbsp; navy vs. black, there are many factors there, but the main ones are flattery, light and as you say, contrast.&nbsp; Navy is more flattering on me than black, which can wash me out if I don't pay attention to make-up etc.&nbsp; I can and could use navy in every season without any issues (there were summers in the past where it served as my accent, third neutral).&nbsp; With black I I have to be more careful.&nbsp; Something about the quality of light in spring and fall makes it look harsher next to my face.&nbsp; However, in the summer, when light is the brightest, and more skin is exposed, it tends to work much better, especially when combined with soft whites.&nbsp; &nbsp;I also like to mix black with pastels (especially my pseudo-neutrals, light blue and blush), and to my eye, that also works on me better in the summer.&nbsp; I generally embrace higher contrast outfits more in winter and summer, vs. spring/fall when I prefer softer combinations, but can't quite say exactly why.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224312 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 13:05:37 +0000 Helena 2224312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I love a good analysis and this is great. We have similar palettes, although mine is more limited than yours I think.</p> <p>It's interesting to me that you use navy in spring and fall, but black in summer - why do you think this is - availability of items, or you prefer the higher contrast in summer? Or is it because you like to use more colours in summer, and prefer mixing them with black rather than navy?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-neutrals-colors-and-wardrobe-organization-based-on-them-long#post-2224309 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 12:50:18 +0000 Tanya 2224309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Today's blog post was a perfect nudge to put in writing what I have been thinking for a while in terms of color groups and what that means for my wardrobe.&nbsp; My neutral definitions are very similar to Angie's, what I call neutrals covers her first two categories, pure and fashion neutrals: black, white, greys, browns, navy, denim, etc., and I have exactly the same category as her personal neutrals, only I call them "pseudo-neutrals".</p> <p>My coloring is that of a cool/true summer: cool and medium-ish ( light blue eyes, dark blond hair with ashy undertones, pretty pale cool under-toned skin), I wear most cool colors and even borrow some stronger ones from sister season of true winter, and some slightly warmer ones from soft summer.&nbsp; I follow the flattery guidelines based on seasons loosely.</p> <p>I have developed a system when it comes to color groups and their place in my wardrobe.&nbsp; &nbsp;My first group is what I call my main neutrals, and this includes navy, black and shades of white.&nbsp; These are the backbones of my wardrobe and my essentials come in these colors.&nbsp; If I am contemplating a big ticket item I hope will last for a while (e.g. a wool coat, a modern classic suit),&nbsp; it will often be in one of these colors.</p> <p>All the other neutrals in my wardrobe have the role of "accent neutrals" - I have and wear them, but in smaller quantity than the three above.&nbsp; &nbsp;I further subdivide these based on flattery:&nbsp; &nbsp;subgroup A are flattering, cool ones I can wear on any place on my body ( greys, taupe, cool chocolate brown), and subgroup B are less flattering, warmer neutrals, that can be&nbsp; worn strategically away from my face and/or in accessories (most of warmer browns/tans/earthy shades, olive, etc.).&nbsp; &nbsp; Greys are interesting - they have potential to become a main neutral, and I suspect that may happen again when the start trending like they did in the '90s, the way earth tones are now.</p> <p>The next group are my pseudo-neutrals, which I wear pretty much the same way Ange described in her "fashion neutrals".&nbsp; For me these are: burgundy (have to avoid very warm shades), light blue (any shade), blush ( cooler ones, they often serve as my nude, but have to be careful about exact shades), and eggplant, to a smaller extent.&nbsp; &nbsp;I don't have too much eggplant as it has not been available a lot lately.</p> <p>Then, I have my "signature colors" which are basically my favorite colors that make me happy and I always wear to some extent regardless of trends.&nbsp; &nbsp;For me these all the shades of purple and teal.</p> <p>Finally, I have my regular colors, which are all the remaining shades of blue and pink, berries, red ( deeper blue-toned and a bit of true red). cooler greens, and theoretically at least, pale lemon yellow ( I may have 2-3 pieces only).</p> <p>I like to organize my clothes in terms of seasonal capsules, especially when it comes to planning and shopping.&nbsp; The formula is : 2 main neutrals + an accent neutral (not a requirement) + 2-4 colors for seasonal capsule.&nbsp; &nbsp;These change seasonally according to my mood, and what is trending/available.&nbsp; &nbsp;However, I have noticed in the past couple of years that the base/main neutrals never change.&nbsp; &nbsp;Winter is always: black + shades of white +greys; spring always navy + shades of white +accent (usually olive or black), summer is always shades of white + touch of black + accent, and fall always navy + shades of cream + accent.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Most recently the full color schemes have been:</p> <p>Spring (2021): navy and whites (main neutrals), no accent neutral, light blues and various pinks (colors);</p> <p>Summer (2021): whites and touch of black (main neutrals), shades of brown (accent neutral), light to mid purples (lilacs, orchids), and shades of aqua/teal/turquoise (colors);</p> <p>Fall (2021): navy and shades of cream/soft white&nbsp;(main neutrals), shades of brown (accent neutral), burgundy, light blue, light to mid purples (lilacs, orchids), fuchsia (colors) and</p> <p>Winter (2022): black and whites&nbsp;(main neutrals), shades of grey (accent neutral), shades of purple (emphasis on eggplant) and teal (colors).</p> <p>Since my three main neutrals are navy, black and whites, I like pieces that contain more than one of them and serve as connectors.&nbsp; Pieces that combine (print, color-blocking) black &amp; white and navy &amp; white are easy to find, however navy &amp; black (with or without white) pieces are not.&nbsp; &nbsp;As a consequence I am always building /adding to my capsule of navy &amp; black items.</p> <p>Thank you if you made it this far!&nbsp; &nbsp;This may sound overly analytical and not work for everyone, but it works very well for me, a type of adult LEGO system.&nbsp; It makes "splurge vs. save" decisions much easier.&nbsp; &nbsp; I don't stick exclusively to the color schemes/capsule when wearing my clothes (would wear a fall colored outfit in winter and vice versa), but find that the system especially helps me with narrowing down the focus when shopping and planning ( I like so many different things!).&nbsp; It also helps with&nbsp; color decisions when shopping - I am much more likely to get a pricey non-neutral item if it is in my pseudo-neutrals or signature colors.&nbsp; Similarly, I will stick to those two groups of colors if I don't like what is trending.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>To finish, I have attached some of my favorite color schemes ever, comprised of my main neutrals and signature colors, that are very safe fallbacks in most seasons and for most occasions and that always feel like me.&nbsp; &nbsp;Please share if you have somewhat similar systems!</p> </p>