https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-play Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:23:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-play#post-2204448 Wed, 23 Jun 2021 12:41:27 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2204448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zaoebi, we know exactly what kind of color the creators of those systems aren't seeing, as I pointed out in my first comment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-play#post-2204442 Wed, 23 Jun 2021 12:05:28 +0000 Zaeobi 2204442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@FI I believe Imogen Lamport from Inside Out Style compares the contrast of darker skintones with whiter teeth (I've seen some use the whites of the eyes as an example too). I'm honestly a little skeptical though, since it's quite a small surface area compared to the rest of the skin, but here you go:<br /> <a href="https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2017/04/value-and-contrast-with-darker-skin-tones-the-celebrity-version.html" rel="nofollow">https://insideoutstyleblog.com.....rsion.html</a> </p> <p>This highlights one of the reasons why I'm generally wary of these style systems, because I've found much conflicting info arises once the systems intersect. For example, in my case, I'm likely either a Romantic or Soft Classic Kibbe Type based on my generally soft features. The advice for this is to wear muted pastels in softly watercoloured prints, like small florals, lace &amp; baroque scrollwork. I'd love to look like an angelic ethereal cherub in such clothing but the reality is I look more like a barmaid - nothing wrong with that or the cottagecore look if it works for you, but it's fairly ageing on me since pastels wash me out. </p> <p>So if you take my Dark Autumn season into account instead, I should be wearing much deeper &amp; darker patterns. I find this works better with my colouring, but it can sometimes be too severe or overwhelming on me (especially since I'm under 5ft4). </p> <p>How to reconcile the two? I suppose I should look for more rounded patterns in warm colours as opposed to any harsh lines, but the irony is that I'm often told I look 'sharp' &amp; good in such silhouettes - &amp; especially in black! So what exactly is it that other folk are seeing, which seems to elude David Kibbe &amp; Colour Me Beautiful/ House of Colour? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-play#post-2204435 Wed, 23 Jun 2021 10:17:03 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2204435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>bj1111- might it be the type of print, rather than size? A small scale floral can definitely skew Laura Ingalls Wilder, but would a small scale geometric print feel the same?<br /> FI- I think "in reverse" might be referring to a low contrast person with pale features (pale skin, light eyes and hair), looking good in a bold pattern. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-play#post-2204420 Wed, 23 Jun 2021 06:12:22 +0000 bj1111 2204420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting insight. I’m medium to low contrast. Although I used to love high contract and graphical black and white, gravitating more toward navy and white or black and cream or camel</p> <p> I’m still emotionally attracted to large scale pattern which looks a bit ridiculous and out of proportion to my short self but small scale prints make me feel like Laura ingalls. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-play#post-2204207 Tue, 22 Jun 2021 08:34:16 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2204207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RL, what do you mean by “in reverse”?<br /> As for black &amp; white, I started to be attracted to that kind of pattern while we lived in Tampa, where I became lower contrast as my hair accelerated graying (I’ve had one streak for a long time). But it could also be that I was mostly attracted to the sharp definition of them because I didn’t like the way my body was becoming anything but crisply defined. I mostly use them with bright solids, so even more contrast. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-play#post-2204206 Tue, 22 Jun 2021 07:05:40 +0000 rachylou 2204206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s interesting. I’m thinking FI’s example works in reverse with very fair people too. And I’m wondering about myself. I think I’ve become more medium contrast - maybe because of my rainbow hair. I, for example, really shy away from black and white pattern now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-play#post-2204102 Mon, 21 Jun 2021 19:38:03 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2204102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is also the question of sizing on the print, percentage of contrasting color, etc. There's always an exception to the rules in fashion, but in general they are helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-play#post-2204065 Mon, 21 Jun 2021 17:24:38 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2204065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I’m not so sure about this. If someone has dark hair, skin, &amp; eyes, how can they be anything but low contrast? I could swear I’ve seen black people rock high-contrast, loud patterns brilliantly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-play#post-2204064 Mon, 21 Jun 2021 17:12:16 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2204064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've come across that concept before, too, and found it very useful. I tend to prefer diffuse, low-contrast patterns. And when my hair was long and the curl was more visible, I liked patterns that were curvy rather than straight-lined. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-play#post-2204015 Mon, 21 Jun 2021 10:23:44 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2204015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In the past, I haven't thought much about patterns. They immediately strike me, or they don't. I didn't try to discern why or why not. Recently, I have been exploring more about color theory and also kidde type dressing. I read something the other day that said the patterns that will be flattering on you (colorwise) will be those that mimic the natural contrast in your coloring. For instance, if you have high contrast coloring (dark hair and light eyes, or vice versa), then a bold pattern in your colors would be flattering. There were pictures to go along with this illustrating it. I have medium contrast, and when I saw the photos of the same paisley pattern (my favorites) in the high, medium, and low contrast color combinations, I knew immediately that the medium contrast would be the most flattering on me. I never knew why, and found this so helpful. Kibbe talks about what types of patterns are flattering for each kibbe body type, and if you apply those, the contrast idea, and color theory, you can seriously narrow down what will work best for you before even having to try it on.<br /> I ordered a patterned top that came today- kind of outside of my wheelhouse. It's a camo print in very warm pinky tones. It just spoke to me. I tried it on, and loved it- wore it immediately. When I think about all of these theories and apply them to this print- I totally understand why it works. I feel like I have this new tool in my fashion toolbox that I never even knew I needed! </p>