https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:11:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1024490 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 20:17:10 +0000 cheryl 1024490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a fun and interesting thread. My main neutrals are black and denim with a bit of grey shades thrown in. Going out on a limb though, I often consider lime green and turquoise neutrals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022831 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 15:58:34 +0000 Cindy 1022831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I understand the concept cobalt would be my statement neutral. It definitely makes a statement but it goes with all of my true neutrals (black, white, charcoal, navy) and well as the cool greens and bright pinks I have in my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022780 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 15:16:23 +0000 Anonymous 1022780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy I think you're spot on thinking that blush could be a statement neutral for you.<br />AM, I agree, leopard is definitely a possible statement neutral. I like your analogy that it "goes with everything, but makes it more interesting in some way". I think perhaps that statement kind of sums up, to me at least, what a statement neutrals' purpose is.&nbsp;<br />Good point Beth Ann, about how certain shade have so many variables and could be problematic to pair up with other colours.<br />Lantana, I rather like your thinking of that mustard tone (Dijon), being a good choice for me as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022734 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 14:45:44 +0000 Lantana 1022734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diane, I see your statement neutral as the colour of the skirt in your holiday photo. You describe it as mustard and of the mustards I'm familiar with it would be the Dijon, not the English variety.<br /> Whatever you call it, I think this colour looks particularly beautiful on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022723 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 14:27:54 +0000 Beth Ann 1022723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting thread.&nbsp; I'd love to use more navy or ink blue, but I've noticed that some neutrals are far more variable in their, um, variations to let me build a capsule around them.&nbsp; Blue is particularly tricky, with varying intensities, hints of grey or purple or black.&nbsp; It seems that they rarely harmonize well even when they don't "match."&nbsp; Greys vary in terms of warm/cool, but they blend well from deep to light, as does cream/tan.</p> <p>I'm thinking of trying ink blue with black, and black with brown, to try to minimize the need to find neutrals that "go" together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022662 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 13:26:23 +0000 AnnieMouse 1022662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been thinking of leopard as my "statement neutral" - it works with the colours in my wardrobe, and black/ white are my "primary neutrals," as it were. </p> <p>My thought process is kinda like "goes with everything, but makes it more interesting in some way," which is why leopard. I have jokingingly called it nature's khaki. I wear a lot of colour, so I like to have something to tone it down in some way - black, leopard, and white help me feel less overwhelmed by my colour choices - like I'm wearing the outfit, instead of it wearing me. </p> <p>Denim is another big one for me, and I've recently incorporated a pair of grey-olive skinny cargos as a new attempt at freshening up some things that have become a little stale from wearing for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022632 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 12:32:23 +0000 Anonymous 1022632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I forgot nude. I think nude/blush could be a statement neutral for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022626 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 12:19:28 +0000 Anonymous 1022626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun neutrals Ramya :)<br />Unfrumped, yes good point. I like the sound of a particular combination being a statement. I wear black and brown too. Usually the black would be my boots. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022625 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 12:14:49 +0000 unfrumped 1022625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think a combination of neutrals could be the statement. At one time I was doing more black &amp; brown, which, while approved in fashion circles, is not seen much on the street here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022564 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 08:48:20 +0000 ramya 1022564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think hot-pink and white are my statement neutrals. There was a time red was the neutral for me but not anymore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022557 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 08:32:09 +0000 Anonymous 1022557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many interesting answers. Thank ladies. I actually read all of you replies twice to get my head around this subject and it's still a tricky one to pin down.</p> <p>After pondering this, I have to say that I think a statement neutral should or could be a colour that literally does make a 'statement' on the wearer rather than fading into the background so my thoughts initially were along the same lines as Suz and more typical everyday neutrals would be more of a 'signature'.&nbsp;<br />Firecracker, you make the point about your olive trench and I think the way you said you perceived it not as a typical neutral is kind of what I would like to aim for. I actually have a trench in that shade and wear it over many outfits.<br />I still however think that many colours that we would automatically think of as neutrals can still make a statement depending how we wear them and how they 'pop' against the complexion of the wearer or how they play with the other tones in the outfit; unusual juxtapositions for example.</p> <p>I like the idea also of very 'un-typical' colours like red, being used as a statement neutral, Natalie (GoldenPig) uses her red Chanel in this way. Leopard print is another such animal (pardon the pun!) that many YLF ladies use.</p> <p>Unfrumped, you said that it would be nice if you could have a season-less statement neutral and I don't see why this wouldn't be possible, though it may also be nice to plan individual season capsules with different ones if that was what floated your boat. </p> <p>This has been fun to thrash out and get the old grey cells working, thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022552 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 07:54:41 +0000 rute 1022552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a big fan of neutrals, I have navy, brown, black, white, grey, cream, these are&nbsp;the majority of my wardrobe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022492 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 04:11:01 +0000 Mia 1022492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting concept. &nbsp;I had never really thought of this before. My closet is largely a neutral affair.</p> <p>Black, optic white, dark navy and charcoal grey are my neutrals. &nbsp;Charcoal grey is probably my "statement neutral". &nbsp;I wear more black in winter and more white in summer and I change my accent colours. &nbsp;Currently turquoise and citron for summer with a few hits of orange (away from face). &nbsp;Cobalt,&nbsp;and burgundy for winter and then a little of whatever is the current "fashion shade" to keep current. &nbsp;</p> <p>This wasn't always the case. &nbsp;At one point I would describe it as mishmash and I am much more content and happy with my wardrobe now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022488 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 03:52:18 +0000 Lyn D. 1022488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am thinking grey for Winter and in Summer maybe Nude- it is harder to pin down in hot weather, when fewer clothes are worn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022464 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 03:07:27 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1022464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wonder if my green trench coat is a statement neutral. It doesn't feel like a color; it feels like a neutral to me. Yet it is one that draws attention. Still, I don't really have a lot of clothes that are this particular shade of green, so maybe it's not really a neutral. I would not want a pair of pants in that color, for instance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022455 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 02:51:43 +0000 Anonymous 1022455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like too many neutrals and my wardrobe would be better off if I limited them. I'm trying for dove grey as a signature with charcoal added especially in the cooler months. But then I start craving chocolate or find a great taupe...then there's the fact that I can't give up black...I'm a neutral collector/hoarder and need help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022446 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 02:41:57 +0000 Jaime 1022446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In a strange way blues are my neutrals. They go with black and with various browns&nbsp;and with grey and with white&nbsp;(at least in my world they do). That covers most of my clothing I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022392 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 01:35:20 +0000 CocoLion 1022392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Grey is my neutral, this year at least. &nbsp;As well as a whole host of softer neutrals that I'm experimenting with. &nbsp;Well they're not really neutrals but if you add enough grey to a color, it turns into a dustier hue with the effect of a neutral. &nbsp;Examples are&nbsp;creamy grey, taupe, mauve, dusty rose, dirty coral and lighter military green. &nbsp;As I said, I'm in the experimenting phase. &nbsp;:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022360 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 00:45:38 +0000 pil 1022360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is something I've been pondering a bit myself. I'd like to have a nice cashmere sweater in this statement color, but don't know what it would be </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022331 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 00:14:17 +0000 Aziraphale 1022331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting post. &nbsp;Hmmm. &nbsp;I think mine would be military green. &nbsp;I look good in all shades of it, from the dusty greyish green to the richer dark olive shades. &nbsp;Having said that, it's not the most popular colour in my closet. &nbsp;I wear neutrals almost exclusively, and I've got lots of black, navy, white, brown and all shades of grey.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022321 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 00:08:29 +0000 Angie 1022321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My statement neutrals are the same year round: Black and All Shades of White. A little more White in Summer. I am also adding more and more Ink to my wardrobe. </p> <p>Diane, I see your statelment neutrals as earthy browns, olives and cream. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022231 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 22:09:30 +0000 Suz 1022231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diane, it's funny you picked up on that phrase. I'm not even sure I knew what I meant when I used it! &nbsp;:-)&nbsp;</p> <p>But thinking it through, I guess what makes white a "statement" neutral for Mona is the way it plays against her dark hair. It doesn't fade into the background, or make her fade into the background, the way a conventional neutral might.&nbsp;</p> <p>When we think of neutrals, we often think of those tones that calm, soothe, "go with" just about anything. Taupe (not really a statement, but a "signature" neutral for me.) Or grey. Or maybe brown or navy. &nbsp;</p> <p>White -- and black -- and maybe ink blue ---&nbsp;are far more dramatic. They make a statement, whether we intend them to or not. And on Mona, white makes a brilliant positive statement.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think red and leopard print can be statement neutrals, too.&nbsp;</p> <p>I actually make use of <b>all</b> the neutrals in my wardrobe! Brown, tan, camel and cognac get the least play. And any yellowy cream is essentially a no go except in prints or accessories.&nbsp;</p> <p>But I do wear:&nbsp;</p> <p>Taupe<br />Grey (everything from light silvery grey to charcoal)<br />Ink blue<br />Navy<br />White<br />Winter white</p> <p>As well as red (mostly cranberry reds)<br />Leopard print<br />Snake print</p> <p>And of course, black.&nbsp;</p> <p>Are all these my "best" neutrals? No. But they play well together and work with my favourite signature or most flattering colours: Orchids and plums, blues, fuchsia, berry tones, teals, sage greens.&nbsp; And denim, which is another neutral, I guess.&nbsp;</p> <p>Fun discussion! Thanks for helping us think this through, Diane.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022217 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 21:50:01 +0000 nancylee 1022217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is something I'm currently struggling with so I'm glad you asked this question. &nbsp;I think it's a good idea to have several go-to neutrals. &nbsp;In fact, I've read/heard that it's useful to&nbsp;have 3 or 4 neutrals in your&nbsp;wardrobe: &nbsp;</p> <p>a light neutral (such as&nbsp;white or ivory)<br />a dark neutral (such as&nbsp;black, navy, charcoal, or brown)<br />two mid-tone neutrals (such as&nbsp;denim, olive, greys, or other colors specifically suited&nbsp;to your coloring)</p> <p>I'm currently trying to identify my 4 go-to neutrals. &nbsp;All I'm sure of right now&nbsp;is ivory/eggshell for my light neutral! &nbsp;:)</p> <p>Unfrumped, I'm like you in that I can't find a good go-to dark&nbsp;neutral that suits me. &nbsp;I've got a strange taupe-like grey purple in my wardrobe/color palette that works, but like your greigy tan it's hard to find! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022216 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 21:48:29 +0000 Mona 1022216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diane, I picked up on that term too and was thinking about building more on my "statement neutral". Black is a big no no for me around my face so that is out. Also, I find that I look better in ivory or cream than bright white.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022203 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 21:35:04 +0000 JulieJohn 1022203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think taupe is Suz's statement neutral. Really going out on a limb here. ;)</p> <p>I think a statement neutral is a great way to anchor an outfit, if I understand the concept correctly. For instance, if I am wearing camel shoes / bag / accessories, I feel more pulled together, and sleeker. Is that the gist of a statement neutral? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022142 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 20:31:06 +0000 texstyle 1022142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diane, I like this question and have wondered it to myself. I wear navy a lot and love it. I also wear a med. charcoal gray quite a lot and&nbsp;own both summer and winter items in these "neutrals".&nbsp; I do wear black as well and have always received compliments when I do (even though I'm probably&nbsp;not&nbsp;supposed to wear black for my coloring).&nbsp;&nbsp; I guess those are my statement neutrals: Navy, Gray and then&nbsp;Black. But I do like chocolate brown too, esp. in fall. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022140 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 20:22:49 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 1022140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I probably wear light to medium grey most often for neutrals,&nbsp;but I like the idea of&nbsp;caramel as a year round statement neutral.&nbsp; Not too light, not too dark, but not as easy to find as some neutrals.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022127 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 19:57:51 +0000 Anonymous 1022127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have similar feelings to you about navy and brown. I hardly ever wear black except for accessories&nbsp; and I do wear navy and brown, I wear both, but I would prefer something a little lighter I was thinking about a light olivey/grey. I think a statement neutral could definitely be used in handbag or shoes too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022123 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 19:53:03 +0000 unfrumped 1022123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like that thought. I've been trying to get away from black&nbsp;but&nbsp;have a hard time committing to other colors--navy doesn't work, some grays don't work, chocolate brown is too...dark, so&nbsp; have considered colors such as sort of cool greigey-brown as what I wish I could build my main pieces around--pants, sweaters, toppers. It goes with raspberry and teal and yet can take either black or brown accents in shoes and accessories. However it's a hard color to find, and so I've considered that I've picked an unattainable color palette. The reason I picked it is that it's a color (or range of colors) I could see wearing as a column of color or monotone look and it's more flattering for tops than black or pure grays.</p> <p>But that would be for clothing, and from your post, it's intriguing that one could have a statement neutral handbag color or shoe neutral like cognac (or pseudo-neutral like burgundy!).</p> <p>I would like it to be seasonless (or 3 season--sometimes I'm ready to give up on summer) and so for me, something that could combine with bits of white and fruity colors, for summer, or with blacks/browns and jewel tones for winter,&nbsp;seems useful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statement-neutraldiscuss#post-1022103 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 19:32:39 +0000 Anonymous 1022103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Today the lovely Mona posted some fab WIW's and in them she was wearing a lot of white. Suz mentioned how great the colour white was for her and that it could be her 'statement neutral'. <br />I hope Suz, that you don't mind me piggy-backing a post off you, but it turned a little light on for me :)<br />Anyway, I have to say that I really like the sound of a 'statement neutral' and I wouldn't mind one for myself. Though at this point I'm a bit unsure as to what it would be. Do you think you have one? If you did would it be season-less, or would you perhaps have a different one for spring/summer to the one for autumn/winter? I wonder what wardrobe items it would best be suited to as well. What do you think? </p>