https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:24:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples/page/2#post-2381855 Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:39:57 +0000 Carla 2381855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I go back and forth with lilac. &nbsp;It’s mostly because of unfounded associations that it was&nbsp;<i>the&nbsp;</i>colour of choice for women in their later years. &nbsp;It’s unfortunate because it’s one of my better colours, and I&nbsp;<b>do&nbsp;</b>have a raincoat/trench in that colour that I quite like. &nbsp;I’m trying to get over this association.</p> <p> <div>It’s also one of the cooler colours that plays really well with warm colours. I find lilac with rusts and browns just smashing! &nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples/page/2#post-2381852 Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:18:42 +0000 cheryl 2381852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you! So much prettiness! You look fabulous in all of your combos and the purple and teal makes my heart so happy. P.S. I love those tanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples/page/2#post-2381725 Thu, 06 Mar 2025 23:44:54 +0000 Brooklyn 2381725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Cheryl. I’ve opened up the photos for you </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples/page/2#post-2381722 Thu, 06 Mar 2025 23:12:55 +0000 cheryl 2381722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Darn it! I'm so bummed I missed the pictures. I read the whole thing and was excited to see all the outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples/page/2#post-2381401 Fri, 28 Feb 2025 03:37:11 +0000 Carol 2381401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am definitely not a tonal dresser, although it is pretty, and I love the shapes of everything. I do really love the jewelry--I love all types of jewelry. And I never thought to do a matching cuff on each hand.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples/page/2#post-2381394 Fri, 28 Feb 2025 02:55:58 +0000 Brooklyn 2381394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks SarahD8. Yes, I think committing to several items was key. I expected to like the lighter tops with the skirt more than I did, but they won’t go to waste because I can wear them with darker bottoms. It’s making me think even though I like low contrast, the palette still has to be medium to dark. So if I try to wear any lighter item, generally I need to up the value contrast with other items in the outfit to balance it. That’s not the case if I wear darker items. I will try a green necklace with that combination. Turquoise might work too. See my pics below. </p> <p>Thanks RachelNZ, I used to rely on pattern a lot in summer too. Right now I’m drawn to solids more. I’m trying to establish a look that’s not too neutral dependent, IYKWIM. I feel using colour rather than neutrals offers more of an opportunity to wear something distinctive. Of course pattern is also distinctive but a little less versatile from a mix and match perspective. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples/page/2#post-2381335 Thu, 27 Feb 2025 17:56:47 +0000 RachelNZ 2381335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a cool experiment and reintroducing lilac is definitely a success! All of them look great but I'm particularly drawn to the teal in #17 &amp; #18. </p> <p>It's incredibly instructive to see the way the different colours look laid out in this manner for someone like myself who doesn't feel like they use colour as effectively as they could (I rely on patterns). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples/page/2#post-2381333 Thu, 27 Feb 2025 17:48:41 +0000 SarahD8 2381333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh also! I really like your lilac and burgundy combinations -- you inspired me to go change my clothes, and I like the result much better than what I was originally wearing today. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples/page/2#post-2381331 Thu, 27 Feb 2025 17:43:15 +0000 SarahD8 2381331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow!!! Absolutely stunning as usual and yes OF COURSE your post is of interest! :-)</p> <p>I really like seeing how you took a risk here, and also how you committed to the experiment with multiple items in different shades of your new color. It seems to me that was in some ways key to your success, because then you could figure out the nuances of which combinations you prefer. More chance of finding the ones with high happiness factor. As usual, I'm taking notes.</p> <p>I cannot pick a favorite among your outfits. As a fellow peacock palette fan though, I can't help but muse on other ways of achieving that combination. My eye is drawn to #20, with the blue-black skirt and lilac top. If that were combined with green accessories (I am imagining kind of a pine green -- saturated but not bright) could it yield a peacock effect? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples/page/2#post-2381276 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 22:40:07 +0000 Brooklyn 2381276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Ket!</p> <p>Cat2, I don’t think T &amp; S were anti colour. Quite the contrary. They said colours looked better with other colours. They didn’t like women’s over reliance on black as a neutral that goes with everything. My preferences relate to the fact that I wear long pants and long skirts. If I wear them in black with a coloured top, I think it can flatten/dull the colour of the top. </p> <p>Angie and Val MN, thanks for the turquoise advice! </p> <p>Val MN, I think that turquoise (which is lovely) leans into a royal blue. That’s a colour I have also been considering because it’s available as a RIT dye. </p> <p>Angie, 1, 3 and 4 are spot on for me. 2 might be a little clear. Nice to be compared to your mum </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381261 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 20:18:27 +0000 Ket 2381261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just superb! I have no other words &lt;3 So many good purples. And I love how you've styled everything! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381255 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 18:00:15 +0000 Angie 2381255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Brooklyn,</b> yes! I like those turquoises for you. I'll add some others, some of which head into your beloved teal territory. These are the types of blues my late Mama wore - with earth tones - and you had the same complexion! (Although Mama had dark blue eyes). She also wore jeans - but only white and ecru. Never blue ;)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381246 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:43:41 +0000 cat2 2381246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wondered where the no black with colors thing came from. I had to look it up, T and S makes sense. So much of their advice doesn’t really stand the test of time. They said black made a color look cheap, but I think what makes a color looks cheap is buying something poorly made in a color that shows it’s construction. I don’t think that’s a reason for a generation of women to shy away from color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381241 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:38:49 +0000 Val MN 2381241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Brooklyn, so interesting to see all of these variations and hear about the work that went on behind the scenes to make this color happen. I don't have a favorite outfit here, there are too many good ones! Your posts inspire me to lean into my own pickiness about colors. Maybe I'll finally take the plunge and dye some of my light gray items taupe.</div><div><br /></div><div>On turquoise: we like a similar deep and warm palette (though I don't really do the tonal thing, preferring high contrast and lots of neutrals in the mix.) Here's a Find showing my best shade of turquoise. I have a whole complement of accessories in this color.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381232 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 01:48:47 +0000 Brooklyn 2381232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, I’ll keep an eye out! Zara has lots of red ATM. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381230 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 01:40:13 +0000 Sal 2381230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lovely turquoises!</p> <p>I do have a couple of red things but they don't work with my lilac things.&nbsp; I did have a lovely red bracelet but it broke...</p> <p>I would like red trousers if I can find the right pair....</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381229 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 01:20:28 +0000 Brooklyn 2381229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Angie. I agree. Grey and really icy blues are the worst on me. I’ve always liked turquoise, but it does lean a little too clear and light for my preferences. I am not sure if I want to wear it next to my face but it might work in a tank top with lots of skin showing and a darker bottom. But I’m thinking more about a turquoise skirt, which I could wear with dark teal tops. I have lots of teal tops now. Some lean green some lean blue but most are on the darker side. I think they would look good in summer with a lighter bottom. And of course some of the purple tops would probably work with a turquoise skirt too. If I DIY, I could muddy up the formula a bit so that’s it’s not too clear and bright for me. Nice to have a project! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381208 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 17:12:50 +0000 Angie 2381208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was thinking that BLUE will be next :)</p> <p>I was also thinking that when you do blue<b> Brooklyn</b>, to perhaps keep it on the turquoise side of the spectrum. Those blues are warmer. I tend to do that with my own solid blues - apart from denim and navy. As much as I wear and love blue - those icy cold blues look blah on me. Much like greys and cool purples that others wear so well. They need a bit of yellow in the tone, IYKWIM.</p> <p>Sounds like we’re on the same wavelength! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381188 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:47:10 +0000 Brooklyn 2381188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Slim cat, I am envious of all you gals who look good in cool colours. I often think I am a cool coloured person trapped in a warm coloured body :)</p> <p>JAileen, I used to dislike purple too. And I particularly disliked it with denim. Now I’m into it, it seems :)</p> <p>Lisa, forum member Tanya used to be big on combining teal and purple. It always looked so lovely on her, she was my inspiration. I’m happy to have inspired you in turn. </p> <p>Dee, the teal skirt is new for me. A DIY dye too. I haven’t worn it much yet but I look forward to doing some experimenting.</p> <p>Cookie, Star, Aquamarine, Sisi, thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381185 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 07:43:56 +0000 Brooklyn 2381185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks again everyone.</p> <p>Jaime, I think I have been influenced by T &amp; S too when it comes to black. I’ve softened my stance a little but I still don’t think black goes with everything. For me there is no colour that goes with everything, even white. My colour mixing preferences are quite strict! Thanks for the support :)</p> <p>Sal, I can’t believe you don’t have any red. What about a red necklace? (I have several, he he.) Or a red bag? I love lilac with red, the red kind of cuts through the softness of the lilac. </p> <p>Suz, you picked my trick with the scarf in pic 1. I hadn’t planned to wear it but found the monochromatic lighter purple scheme made me feel washed out. I definitely felt a need for something deeper. But I loved 23 too, even though that’s a light purple next to my face. I think the darkness of the skirt and boots creates the balance that I need.</p> <p>RobinF, dyeing a skirt is tricky because of the volume of fabric. Make sure you move the fabric around a lot to avoid rivulets of dye getting trapped in the creases of the fabric. But if it works out, it works out well. I also dyed the teal skirt myself and I am super pleased with it. </p> <p>Angie, thank you. I think I am getting more adventurous about colour. It’s particularly rewarding in summer when there is not much opportunity to vary silhouette or to layer. I also introduced sage green this summer. Not as radical as lilac but a change. I am contemplating a little turquoise but may leave that for next summer. </p> <p>KimM, I’ve done a lot of home dyeing. If ever you want to discuss I’m happy to help :)</p> <p>ST, yes deep is important. I often like a column of light colour in theory but in practice it rarely feels as good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381167 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 02:02:33 +0000 Cookie 2381167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Total success! &lt;wild applause&gt; I agree about the darker top being better but they’re all good (I mean, I really like the one with the white top as well). My favorites are 10, 11, and 17-18. Great to see lilac in a dark moody mood. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381164 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 01:49:38 +0000 slim cat 2381164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating = love the colors, the carefully curated looks and the fabulous results! I'll come back to look at the pics again and learn more about some more complicated combinations. <br />I love lilac and I think it suits me but have very few pieces and have not found the best way to play with them ( jewelry is the easiest - like earrings/necklace, plus I'm thinking about lilac sandals for summer ). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381154 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 23:26:45 +0000 Jaime 2381154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope you know I found this post interesting! Of course I did, I am fascinated by your creativity with your wardrobe. Lilac and purples happen to be among my better colors, so everything from your inspo pics to your gorgeous looks are delightful to see. I tend to temper sweeter colors like lilac and pink with tougher colors, like you do with your first few, but also find the combination with teal stunning. Interesting about mixing with black - for a long time, influenced by Trinny and Susannah back in the day I think, I did not want to mix black with colors, but I have definitely been reconsidering that as well.&nbsp;<br />Thank you for sharing your experiments and beautiful outfits! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381150 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 21:59:48 +0000 Brooklyn 2381150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone!</p> <p>I do love olive but in this particular combination it does start to look too muted. Maybe my preferences are leaning brighter. To the edge of bright, as Firecracker says. I like that description.</p> <p>Firecracker, I did actually try a warmer olive. (I was trying not to overwhelm with photos.) While I think it suits my colouring more the overall palette is still not as interesting or harmonious to me as some of the other combinations. </p> <p>I’ll be back later! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381149 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 21:42:27 +0000 Sal 2381149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fun experiment - I think it has been really successful and I like how you have pushed the colours out further to ones that are not as natural for you.&nbsp; And made them work.&nbsp; I think in summer with skin showing and less fabric it is easier to wear a colour that is not your best - and I think all these looks work.</p> <p>My favourites are 11-13 and 17-18. The teal combo feels very peacock like and is stunning.&nbsp; And you do the plums and burgundies so well.&nbsp; But I think they all work.&nbsp; My least favourite is the olive - I think it was a bit more muted than the others.&nbsp; But I still think it works!</p> <p>I reintroduced lilac in 2021/2022 after a long break.&nbsp; Three merino tops and a dress and a cardigan.&nbsp; I can't wear it too dusky or with black - but I love it with yellow and with white and tan.&nbsp; I would love to wear it with red but don't have the right pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381148 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 20:18:47 +0000 Suz 2381148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous as always and fascinating experiment! The mood boards are beautiful and inspiring and give a very clear sense of where you were going with this. </p> <p>I like all the combinations, but I agree with you in preferring the darker top in 8/9 in the first set, although the scarf in 7 is doing a lot of the same work and offers a lovely long line. I love 11-13. Like the purple top with the black skirt (to my surprise, since I tend to feel as you do about black with colour), and really love 23 for when it gets cooler -- wowza.&nbsp;</p> <p>I find all this fascinating because of my own experiments with lilac in the last few years. It's a colour that suits me beautifully due to my overall cool colouring, and yet I do find it more difficult to wear than I expected, and like you, I tend to prefer it with burgundies, reds, and other darks (for me, navy) -- otherwise I end up feeling insipid in it, much a I like it in theory.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love how this works with your cognac accessories and burgundy ones as well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381146 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 19:04:21 +0000 JAileen 2381146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These look lovely, especially the purples with olive and with teal. &nbsp;I should probably like wearing purple, lilac, etc., but I don’t at all. &nbsp;I do like it on others. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381137 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:59:18 +0000 RobinF 2381137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow, I love all of these. That skirt is perfect. I agree with all of your conclusions except I think my favorites are the tonals. So good!</p> <p>I have a white cotton skirt that I got on clearance that I have been debating dying. I am inspired!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381132 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:33:57 +0000 Angie 2381132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW!&nbsp;</p> <p>OF COURSE YOUR POST IS OF INTEREST :)&nbsp;</p> <p>What a treat to see you in these cool jewel tones!!! Some of them are even on the bright side. Welcome to Team Bright! VERY successful experiment,<b> Brooklyn</b>!&nbsp;</p> <p>I love it ALL. The colours and combinations work beautifully on you!!</p> <p>Yes to your signature&nbsp;camel, rust, cognac, chocolate brown, burgundy, and teal being amongst your best colours &nbsp;- YET! I see &nbsp;#7, #8 and #23, and those shades of purple are <i>as </i>gorgeous on you. I love the white in #22 too.&nbsp;</p> <p>FUN to introduce new palettes to your wardrobe. The purples work extra wonderfully with the earth tones! WELL DONE.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outfit-lab-lilac-and-other-purples#post-2381126 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:03:47 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2381126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Oh boy! [rubbing hands] A luscious assortment of lilac and purple Brooklyn originals. Yes, I would say you nailed the project of adding lilac into your moody-toned wardrobe! Your comment about 22 ("Lucky I'm not too strict about that") made me laugh, as this outfit does stand out amid the others, <i>and</i> it also looks fab on you. The brilliance of it, to me, is that the shoes, bag, and jewelry are all tonal with your warmer coloring, so the outfit is flattering and cohesive. <br /></div><div>I empathize with your statement about 19; you know how I love olive, and this is not my favorite combination in the bunch here, though I like it a lot and agree it's worth keeping in rotation. I wonder about a warmer olive. <br /></div><div>Like you, I find 10-14 are my faves. And I love 15-16 for their very summery feel: I think, ooh, just on the edge of bright, as in this is <i>your</i> version of bright (along with 22). <br /></div> </p>