https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:02:44 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again/page/2#post-719103 Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:14:53 +0000 Astrid 719103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No problem at all you three! Shiny, I'm not sure I could order at AT. Love the coat! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again/page/2#post-718775 Wed, 12 Sep 2012 02:33:06 +0000 shiny 718775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh.. yeah.. burgundy for sure. I have a burgundy tweed blazer. Also the top looked great with my red purse. Really, trying on this top was what made me realize I need to finally release that dang khaki skirt. </p> <p>Suz, order it so we can be blouse triplets!</p> <p>Astrid -- sorry to steal your thread, but this blouse is ALSO perfect for your color scheme, so not really stealing... quadruplets?? </p> <p>AT also has this coat, but they didn't have it in petite in the store...<br /> <a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Apparel/AT-MHL-SLIM-PANT/Legacy-Leopard-Jacquard-Topper/281851?colorExplode=false&#038;skuId=12131990&#038;catid=cat590028&#038;productPageType=fullPriceProducts&#038;defaultColor=3033" rel="nofollow">http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=3033</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again/page/2#post-718750 Wed, 12 Sep 2012 01:40:28 +0000 Suz 718750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm the opposite, too...I was thinking JEANS!!! ;-)</p> <p>But I was also thinking along similar lines to Jennifer...with black pencil skirt, mushroom pencil skirt, grey pencil skirt, maybe cobalt pencil skirt...with black jacket, blue jacket, white jacket, pink jacket....with taupe sweater, grey sweater...with burgundy....</p> <p>Truly, if they shipped to Canada I would be ordering this right now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again/page/2#post-718739 Wed, 12 Sep 2012 01:09:25 +0000 Vix 718739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>[sorry for the thread hijack, Astrid -- and thank you!]</p> <p>Shiny, all your pairings sound great. Post that hot pink shirt match up and maybe I'll take the step of pairing the blouse with my emerald green pencil.</p> <p>Funny about your anti-navy-with-dark-jeans bias, though...I'm the opposite, probably due to my deathgrip on "creating a column of color," ha. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again/page/2#post-718242 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 16:13:29 +0000 shiny 718242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vix, it IS a lot of print, I agree. I like how you toned it down with the layers. i was thinking it'd be just the ticket under a black or gray sheath, then you have just sleeves and collar showing. I tried denim jacket over it and it toned it down nicely. White pleather would do the same, as would velvet black blazer. But I also think tucking it into a solid, high-waisted pencil skirt (brown, black, taupe, hot pink) will look smashing... with cobalt booties... and cream purse.... or over black ponte skinnies, worn untucked. Oh the list is endless. Only thing I'm dubious about is wearing with jeans. I can never quite wrap my head around navy tops or blazers with dark wash jeans, for some odd reason. </p> <p>And I also saw the print on a cardigan. I saw the print on some other items as well.. but don't remember now what they were. I personally *much* prefer it in silk than in the flatter materials. Even if I'm the Queen of patterned cardis. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again/page/2#post-718199 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:20:18 +0000 Astrid 718199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vix, that scarf trick is perfect! I'm most of the time carrying a bigger bag or backpack anyway, it wouldn't be a problem to carry a scarf with me (if I'm not wearing it). I think I'll do that. Now I just have to have a look which of my scarves fits best.</p> <p>ETA<br /> I really like that blouse for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-718187 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:06:39 +0000 Vix 718187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>See my add about the mailing list. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-718186 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:04:21 +0000 Suz 718186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah. I just looked it up...no notice yet on its being open. But I will be watching, for sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-718181 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:58:21 +0000 Vix 718181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I stand corrected (you little minx). </p> <p>The TO store opening info says Fall 2012, whatever that means. You might be able to score something soon without the hassles!</p> <p>ps if AT items appeal to you at all get on their CA mailing list as soon as possible...like other chain stores they send out coupons regularly or alert you to online specials. I ignore 95% but when that blouse called my name I was glad to have my discount! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-718177 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:51:53 +0000 Suz 718177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Au contraire - I would LOVE that blouse. LOVE. Or the cardi, for that matter....</p> <p>But AT isn't open in Toronto yet, I don't think? I still can't order from the US...I adore the blouse! Too bad I didn't know about it in time because my hubs is going to the US on Friday; I could have ordered for delivery to his cousin. But it is too late and I have already sent her a pile of packages... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-718173 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:47:08 +0000 Vix 718173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Astrid --</p> <p>Glad it may help a little! I echo your thoughts about the use of a palette...even though I've yet to buy any! </p> <p>[I've made the mistake of buying a green sweater that looked deep-but-somewhat-toned-down in the store (a sea of brights and bad lighting) but once I got it home it was obviously too kelly.] </p> <p>If I know I'm in "search mode" I will try to shove a scarf in my bag that looks good on me and keep it there til done. Maybe another trick for you?</p> <p>Shiny --</p> <p>As Suz has noted, I'm not much for crisp shirts either! You and I were doing the same thing after buying -- and yep, I was glad the blue animal print layered under sweaters and blazers as hoped. [ETA: And thank you for the compliment.]</p> <p>Love the colors you are pairing it with; I waver between that shade appearing more grey or more taupe amongst the sea of blue but it looks great with both so....</p> <p>It's a whole lotta print for me so yesterday I just tossed mine on as an open shirt with black above and charcoal below then rolled up the sleeves for a bit of calm. ;)</p> <p>Bad cell phone pic taken as part of a running gag a 70+ y.o. friend and I have over Ann Taylor being too old/lame for her.</p> <p>Suz --</p> <p>Don't know if your retro side ventures into animal print, but AT is opening in Toronto now and they do have this print in a cardigan. Know slinky silk blouses aren't generally your thing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-718152 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:03:19 +0000 shiny 718152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vix, I had my eye on that same AT blouse (pic 5). Seeing that you just ordered it yourself made me bite the bullet too, since you have such a great eye that gave me confidence. </p> <p>Just picked it up yesterday at the store. It's gorgeous, and fits well. Since I don't like crisp cotton button downs, silk button downs are a great alternative. I was dubious because I already have a solid navy silk collared blouse, and a navy- and-cream paisley long sleeve, but that one doesn't have a collar. Once I saw it in person I realized this print will work with a lot of items in my closet, with skirts and under shift dresses, with ponte knit skinnies, under jackets, etc. And not just with gray and black, but also my new brown leather skirt, my taupe three-piece suit, and navy pinstripe....</p> <p>Suz, there is taupe in the print... in the pic it looks like gray. To my eye, in person, it's more taupe than gray. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-718117 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 13:27:21 +0000 Astrid 718117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much for posting these examples, Vix! That's very helpful. Like Suz I'll be sitting down and taking notes. </p> <p>Claire, actually shopping and finding the colors on a palette might be impossible, but I found it's helpful to at least have a look if the color seems to go with the colors on it. If you know what looks good on you without it, all the better! I have to say that I sometimes find it hard to judge whether a color is right and what exactly is wrong with it and the bad lighting in the stores makes it even more difficult. I agree that much depends on fabric and pattern too. I also think it's a good way to wear colors that are not your best, in a pattern. So I may still be able to wear black shoes, if I wear a garment with it that has black in the pattern next to more flattering colors. </p> <p>Ruth, that's true. Taking the color into consideration will certainly make shopping even more difficult. As for going overboard, I think I have to take care not to buy too much blue.</p> <p>Suz, wearing something flattering to go shopping is a great idea. I often just make some stops on my way back home, but I'll try to remember that the next time I take some time to shop. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-717346 Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:55:38 +0000 Suz 717346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to agree with you, Claire - shopping with a little palette is sort of useless to me. But I do have some intuitive sense of whether a colour will work or not, and it also helps to wear something flattering to shop in - it allows for comparison. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-717309 Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:20:27 +0000 Anonymous 717309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ClearlyClaire: Fabric has a lot to do with how a color looks. Also, the shade of taupe that works for me is brownish and blends well with my hair color. Other taupes look dreadful. So yeah, there are shades of each and every color in existence, and the trick is to find the ones that look best on you. I'd like to think I'm getting better at that, but shopping is difficult for me when my best colors are not featured. I guess that's why I go overboard whenever I do find the right colors. I know they won't always be available. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-717072 Mon, 10 Sep 2012 14:35:03 +0000 Anonymous 717072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry I missed this thread a few days ago! I'm very interested in this sort of thing, but in the end, dots on a card or fabric swatches usually bear little resemblance to what is actually offered out there in the stores. I have better luck knowing in general what colors look good on me and then checking out what is trending to see what might work. </p> <p>For example, for the last few years there has been a soft white out there which I think is suitable for "summers" that I have not seen since I had my colors first analyzed in high school. I've seen white, optic white, cream, ecru, winter white and ivory (horrid on me!) and so I'm picking up items in this shade that have trickled down to the thrift stores if they're in good shape. </p> <p>Taupe has shown up a little and a kind of light brown that is sometimes called "twig". These are both much better on me than SSB and like Suz, I'd like to have some more in these tones. </p> <p>And as Shiny mentioned burgundy/berry tones are trending so I'll be keeping my eye out for those as well (hopefully without going overboard). </p> <p>As far as actual color-colors that look good on me, so much depends on seeing the garment in real life, if it has a high sheen, a nap or is in a print. Finding a flattering garment that speaks to your style, that fits, that is in your price range, in a superb color for you is quite a gift. Or like Vix, you've worked very hard to find the fabric and have it made! I guess I'm resigned to having most of my wardrobe made of neutrals with a few of these for cherries on top. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-716564 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 23:54:57 +0000 Suz 716564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW, Vix -thank you! These are amazing collages, as usual. Love your colours, which are so close to my own ideal palette. And love the varied textures as well. I am taking careful notes.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-716423 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 19:14:00 +0000 Vix 716423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, Astrid, I hope the neutrals part was semi-useful even if your core choices are different!</p> <p>The color-color stuff is a little more complicated to explain, so please holler if I did a crappy job of answering your question.</p> <p><strong>CORE COLOR-COLORS </strong></p> <p>Background: In Fall/Winter 2009, I accidentally ended up with my 4 purchases (3 tops, 1 skirt) working together...and realized that wow, I could not only wear those items with my core dark brown neutrals as planned, I could wear all the tops with the skirt. It gave me flexibility I wanted to continue exploring.</p> <p><strong>Photo 1:</strong> [LEFT SIDE] I decided to limit my Sp/Summer 2010 color purchases to pink/red and blue/green. This shows the "after," not a plan. Shades are on the lighter/brighter end of what seems to works well on me. </p> <p>[RIGHT SIDE] For Fall/Winter 2010, I continued buying in the same range, ending up with some overlap but also colors that were a little deeper/darker.</p> <p><strong>Photo 2</strong> Sometimes my two core color-color palettes overlap, as in the pink scarf-worn-as-overdress. The blue dress is from Spring 2011, the scarf from this summer.</p> <p><strong>Photo 3:</strong> Bear with me...The fabrics you see are the blue-green purchases I made in about a 1.5 year period a few years ago. The outfits close-ups go through this spring. </p> <p>What was great about buying in these colors for multiple seasons is that I had lighter-weight things to pair with lighter-weight OR heavier weight items...and I could wear more or less color-color as the climate transitioned from summer into fall then spring into summer. </p> <p><strong>Photo 4:</strong> This Spring/Summer I went way outside my usual streamlined silhouette when I feel in love with a voluminous, wear-it-multiple-ways silk periwinkle blouse. [I had a YLF thread on it to help me figure out how to wear it...in real-life I've found it's a love-hate piece!] </p> <p>I knew I wanted a slimmer print version in a dress, so after much looking and vetoing I found a fabric I loved (note print contains deep reddish-brown core color) and had it custom made.</p> <p><strong>Photo 5:</strong> My first Fall/Winter 2012 purchase, made yesterday. Sometimes you have to wait to find something that calls to you AND that's in your colors AND that is somewhat different from what you own AND is either flexible or a stand-alone statement piece AND that's what you want to pay. </p> <p>This long-sleeved stretch silk charmeuse blouse hits all those points (and works with my denim, black, and charcoal stuff).</p> <p><strong>Photos 6 and 7:</strong> Again, several years of purchases here to show you how my core pink/purple/red items sometimes pair up, and sometimes are worn with neutrals. </p> <p>BTW, in Photo 6 the very left-most fabric in the top left shot -- the one that kind of clashes with the other colors? That was a scarf I ended up donating. I will go brighter in bottoms, but need to not do that for things near my face.</p> <p><strong>Finally, the end of more than you wanted to know....</strong> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-716417 Sun, 09 Sep 2012 18:20:49 +0000 Vix 716417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi again Astrid --</p> <p>Re my use of "deep" instead of dark: completely unofficial! Looking at the SSummer palette above, I'd use it for a color like Row 5 Column 4...while I'd use "dark" for the one next door to it (R5, C5). Hope that helps a bit!</p> <p>Moving on....</p> <p>I'm happy to try to help you understand how I started buying for/building "color capsules" starting in Fall/Winter 2009. The photos I'm including go from that time forward.</p> <p>I won't lie: when the budget is tight and the closet empty, it takes longer to do this! [I've shopped with friends who had a nice chunk of money saved up and it goes lots faster, sigh.]</p> <p>Some seasons I've bought 4/5 pieces total, all in a single "color-color" palette, in order to be able to have the sweater that worked with the top/the top that worked with the bottom.</p> <p>But you are really thinking about ALL the pieces -- your personal style, your flattering colors, your lifestyle -- and honestly that gives you such an edge. </p> <p>To condense things, I've shoved a lot into my photo collages -- as I know we share that "less visual noise please" thing, sorry for that! </p> <p><strong>Lots of the shots are duplicates of the one Suz asked me to do re my 3 style personas (how 1 item goes from sorta classic to barely boho etc). You'll find some larger versions there, plus links to blog posts that get into the color capsule thing in more depth:</p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-by-request-my-style-personas-the-items-they-like-pics" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-like-pics</a> </p> <p></strong><br /> <strong>TRADITIONAL NEUTRALS </strong> </p> <p><strong>Photo 1:</strong> My core colors (cool tones). </p> <p>I FIGHT to not go overboard with these shades every season...and cheat by adding prints that have a bit of color-color...and sometimes lose and have no money left for color-color. The greys and dark browns tend to pair up better with the colors I like.</p> <p><strong>Photos 2-3:</strong>I actually do wear my dark neutrals together -- probably several days out of the week. Greys/black, brown/brown, grey/grey, grey/brown, black/dark navy...and sometimes there's not a single print involved. ;)</p> <p>When I buy prints I often look for ones that contain my hair, skin, lip, and eye shades. </p> <p>I try to make sure the ones that are mostly in my core neutrals have some lighter-toned blobs so that they look "right" with bare skin/arms...and layer up with dark tights/boots/sweaters/jackets.</p> <p><strong>Photo 4:</strong> I analyzed 373 days of my shopping and this photo shows the neutral purchases -- plus some ways I wore them.</p> <p><strong>continued with the COLOR-colors</strong></p> <p>ps I'm not much of a colored shoe person (or a shoe person at all!). Sandals tend to be metallics or skin-toned, cool-weather shoes black, brown, or eggplant-y. Boring, I know! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-716054 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 23:55:33 +0000 Astrid 716054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vix, thanks for your long answer! I'm pretty sure I'm not hiding a bright season anywhere, muted is definitely better. And I'm also fairly sure that cool colors look better one me, which means SSummer or DWinter. Brights don't look that bad on me when they are cool, but I always feel a bit overwhelmed when I wear them. They might me too much. But I don't like too greyish or pastel colors either, at least not completely or as solids. I have to experiment a bit to see if the SS or DW might be better. I suspect I might be a SS who is able to wear some of the DW colors as well, though not all. You said "perhaps you can go deeper/warmer/[X] near your face than you think", what exactly do you mean when you say deep? I know what to think when I hear a color is cool or warm, muted or bright, but what's deep? I definitely would say that warm colors don't work well next to my face. My skin instantly looked yellowish when I held my camel colored shorts next to my face, I've tried it. They were the warmest color I could find in my wardrobe. Could you also explain more about your color capsules? I agree that tying colors together with patterns is a good idea, that's a great way to go about it. I definitely will test this all some more. As for the blues, I can say that almost everything seems to work well on me, as long as it's a bit toned down and not too dark or warm. Very dark navy is still fairly harsh on me, better than black but still not the most flattering color. Lighter navy or greyish navy looks better. Btw, I love your examples, Vix! Great pictures.</p> <p>Thanks Suz! Yes, it's too bad I have to take my pictures in this bad light. But I have no way to take them elsewhere, this will have to do. It's true that color preferences change a bit with the seasons, but I find that it doesn't make a big difference for me. Sure the light, but at least for me getting a tan is not an issue. I get a very slight hint in comparison to my winter coloring, but mostly I just become burned if I don't watch out. It's definitely a good idea to buy your core wardrobe in your neutrals, even if it will take time. I think I want to have a wardrobe made of up of my colors in the end, but of course that will not be in the near future. I don't have the money to replace all my stuff (never mind finding the right new things), but I think color is an aspect I will pay way more attention to from now on when I decide if I should buy something. I wonder if it would make sense to choose my core colors too, like you did? I'm not sure what they would be, though. The connection you made between coloring and visual noise is really interesting. Maybe it's because we summers are the most "overwhelmed" in comparison to the other seasons when we wear the wrong colors? As a teen I dreaded to wear color and all the black and other dark neutrals I wore really dragged me down. I always felt mousy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-715470 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 04:04:23 +0000 Suz 715470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating conversation here! </p> <p>Astrid, you are beautiful in your pics! Loved seeing those, and seeing the actual tone of your hair which always looks so much more reddish with the flash. </p> <p>Your photos of your preferred colours are also SO congruent with your style! It is a lovely, harmonious blend. I think tan works beautifully for accessories with many of those colours and your hair can bookend. </p> <p>We're quite close in colouring AND in our preferred colours. I was pegged as a "cool" summer, meaning I look better in summer's deeper tones (and some EVEN deeper ones from winter's palette) but of course, as Vix points out, it's all a subtle continuum and you can blend, mix, match quite a bit if you have the dominant idea in your mind of what you are doing. </p> <p>Also, it depends a bit on the ACTUAL season, I have found. I do get a bit tan in the summer, despite sunscreen, etc. And summer's LIGHT is different - so as Vildy pointed out in a recent post, what looks good in summer doesn't look as good in winter, and vice versa. </p> <p>LOVE those examples, Vix! </p> <p>My plan is not to buy all my clothes in my neutrals. It's just to buy a "core" of clothes in those neutrals - over time, I mean - not all at once. I WISH!!! </p> <p>But as I can afford it, I will aim to add some taupes to my already pretty full closet of blues (mostly denim). I'll aim to add a navy coat (I don't have one) and a little navy dress (to replace my black one) and from there I will focus on my key accent colours - looking for dresses, tops, jackets, scarves - whatever - in those colours alone or blended with my neutrals in patterns. </p> <p>I know it will take a long time. Maybe a couple of years to develop - but at least I have a PLAN now. I did have this idea before but, like you, got distracted by the need to wear something.</p> <p>I wonder if this preference for a small closet without much visual noise goes along with being a "summer" (i.e. the "softer" season). Somehow it seems consistent. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-715465 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 03:42:51 +0000 Vix 715465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi again Astrid --</p> <p>The pics of younger you definitely show a low contrast between skin/hair/eyes, but in theory you could be any "season" depending on what the color did for your skin and features.</p> <p>In all likelihood you're on the right track with the muted seasons, though, which in Sci/Art is SSummer, DWinter, Soft Autumn, or Dark Autumn. Seems like you think the cool muted tones are better on you, which would mean SS/DW.</p> <p>[Maybe you're hiding a "Bright" season, though! ;)]</p> <p>Before I forget: a) thank you for the nice comments! and b) Imogen Lamport just posted the below as part of her recent post on one's personal colors:</p> <p><a href="http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2012/09/colours-through-the-seasons.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.insideoutstyleblog......asons.html</a></p> <p>&gt;Some colours do look better in the hotter months, and others are better in the cooler ones. So how do you use your colour palette to still look great but work around the seasons?</p> <p><strong></p> <p>&gt;Within each palette there are lighter and darker colours. Your colour palette is only a small selection of the 50 000 colours (0r so) that would look great on you. It’s a tool to help you find colours that work, not a definitive prescription of the only colours you can wear. A bit lighter, darker, brighter, more muted – these are all options for you. Your palette is just used to identify the kinds of colours that you’re looking for.</p> <p></strong></p> <p>As others have mentioned, what's in the store does limit our choices (another reason I sneak around and have some custom pieces made) so sometimes I opt for "damn good" vs "probable best." </p> <p>Don't forget you can choose Color A and Color B for key colors, and shop for items that let you create different "color capsules." </p> <p>[This has worked so, so well for me the last few years -- can't believe it took me so long. Ditto to realizing prints/patterns can tie 2 sides together...for example a rose/brown/black print works with my purple-reds bottoms and tops as well as the neutrals that I can't do without.]</p> <p>Without pro analysis, the best I have for myself is "cool" reigning as most important. Different color systems would place me differently -- and some allow for cross-seasonal flow/blend, so I try to test my boundaries and see how light, how bright, how deep, and how muted I can go with cool colors. ["Not too" is the shortcut answer....]</p> <p>You might want to do the same...perhaps you can go deeper/warmer/[X] near your face than you think!</p> <p>It's a little controversial in some arenas, but I pulled a couple of the cool 12 Season Sci-Art based palettes together and put some photos of my clothes against them. </p> <p>(disclaimer re online colors blah blah)</p> <p>You can see some clothing seems to fall right on a palette color, some "in between" the palette colors as we've been discussing, and other colors REALLY seem to have minute variations in shade from say, True Summer to True Winter. </p> <p>Put me in mustard and bright olive and it's bad, but there's a lot more leeway in certain areas, especially when a print or pattern vs solid is involved.</p> <p>You could definitely test yourself in a variety of muted blues, see how warm you can wear greys, etc.</p> <p>Let us know how you progress! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-714942 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 19:29:39 +0000 shiny 714942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ruth, thanks -- that is helpful! And makes sense to me, especially the idea some people are neutral. I am pretty sure I'm probably a soft summer too, because I do often gravitate towards colors that have a gray undertone, and most of my wardrobe falls into the colors on the palette posted by Vix. But, I also like the occasional pop of a color on the Deep Winter chart too! Interesting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-714932 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 19:23:47 +0000 Astrid 714932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Julie. I don't think I would get bored with it, I have no problem with not having much variety. I don't have that now either, because I just don't have that many clothes. I think of color as another way to define your look. If you have signature colors, why not? Yes, I definitely love the berry tones! I'll see what I can find in the next months. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-714928 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 19:16:42 +0000 RoseandJoan 714928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a repeat outfit offender Astrid, so whilst I have my key neutrals and accent colours I am happy to veer away from those shades if I can safely build an outfit. I can see the appeal of having the co-ordinated mix and match wardrobe but I would be concerned that I may over time become bored by my choice of palette. </p> <p>However, the colours you have chosen are very appealing and on trend. I would definitely stock up on those berry tones whilst you can. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-714925 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 19:14:38 +0000 Astrid 714925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Missvee, I thought so. I like the higher ones, the Swope? But they sure are pricey.</p> <p>Thanks Shiny. Cohesiveness, that was the term I wanted. Like Suz said, she had too much 'visual noise' - I feel the same! I think that my colors are fairly common, at least some of them, so it should be possible to find the right things with a bit of searching. Of course you're right, as soon as you're considering style and fit it gets even more difficult. I'm borderline petite, but we have absolutely no petite sizing here in the stores. So sleeves are always too long and I often need to shorten skirts or dresses. I don't think I would get bored with it, there's enough variety in a palette like that to keep it interesting. </p> <p>Ruth, thanks so much for that great summary! I didn't know the 16er system, but soft summer deep might be what I am, with my mix of soft and more vibrant colors? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-714913 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 19:03:47 +0000 Anonymous 714913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There's color intensity: Bright colors are pure, saturated and intense. Soft colors are toned down (muted). The best way I remember it is to think of the Claritin commercial (get Claritin clear) that first shows soft colors and then shows clear colors. From what I understand, Soft Summer's palette has mostly cool colors that have been toned down with gray, while Soft Autumn's palette has mostly warm colors that have been toned down with brown. I like to think of the Soft Summer colors as being grayed, and the Soft Autumn colors as being toasted. Maybe this imagery will help you. I hope so!</p> <p>Then there's color value: light, medium, dark</p> <p>Then there's color temperature: cool (blue-based), warm (yellow-based) and neutral (a mixture of both).</p> <p>The original 4-season color analysis system didn't take into account the fact that some people (like me) have an overall neutral look to them and are not strictly warm or strictly cool. Some people's dominant trait is not warm, cool, light or dark. In the 12-season system, these people fall into the "soft" color palettes: Soft Summer or Soft Autumn. In the 16-season system, there are 4 different categories for each main season. I haven't read much about that system, but can tell you that they split each soft season into two categories: Soft Summer Light, Soft Summer Deep, Soft Autumn Light, and Soft Autumn Deep.</p> <p>According to the 12-season system, I'm certain I'm a Soft Summer, as it is the only palette that works and that I feel completely comfortable with. Once I ruled out all the seasons I'm NOT, Soft Summer was what I was left with, lol. I'm not sure where I fit in the 16-season system, though. I don't know enough about it.</p> <p>I hope this helps. I don't want to confuse anyone. I spent many years being confused about my coloring. Sigh...</p> <p>Hope this helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-714888 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:39:03 +0000 shiny 714888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm pretty clueless about colors but the photos you posted are gorgeous and beautiful together. And I do like the idea of having a palette to discipline purchases and bring about cohesiveness. </p> <p>That said, in practice, what happens with me is that, being resigned pretty much to petite-only, I am limited by the choices presented. Have I complained enough yet about how the same outfit offered in a zillion colors in regular will only be offered in black? Or if I'm lucky, ONE other on-trend color? Frustrating! And then you have the seasonal trend factor: if your colors aren't in style you have to sit out the season. And depending on how specific your colors are, you may be sitting out a long time. And I get restless and need my fashion fix before then...</p> <p>Finally, there is the boredom factor. Do you know what my favorite color to wear is? It's burgundy. Yep! And, I can tell you the last time burgundy (and blue reds) was a big trend: 1997-1998. How do I know this? Because I went bonkers for burgundy! I bought up so much burgundy, worried it'd go out of style again and I'd be without, I got sick and tired of it! So a few years later I purged perfectly good classic items, save for a few things, which languished because I was still bored of the color. And now... it's back! Will I do a repeat and go bonkers again? Well... it's been so long ... what if it goes out of style again... etc, etc... you get the idea!</p> <p>Overall I still think sticking to a palette is an excellent idea. </p> <p>I had my colors done in the 80s too -- I was told I was a Summer. I don't know what a dark or soft color is, that must be new. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-714851 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:57:02 +0000 missvee 714851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me again! Stif and Swope were the 2 styles that caught my eye. Pricey though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suz-got-me-thinking-about-my-colors-again#post-714849 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:55:42 +0000 Astrid 714849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, I didn't know that brand before! I'll go and have a look, thanks for the tip. </p>