https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:42:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1414757 Tue, 23 Dec 2014 12:18:14 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1414757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been mulling this one over for a day (not all the time). I have trouble comprehending the bookending concept. &nbsp;I went back and read a few blog posts about it and it now makes much more sense to me. &nbsp;Bookending is just one form of color repetition that CAN be employed in creating an outfit. &nbsp;I equate it to repeating an accent color or pattern in decorating (I have a circle pattern that repeats in my home). &nbsp;I also found this blog post about black shoes/boots for fall 2013 that is on point and helped quite a bit.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2013/08/20/black-footwear-big-for-fall-and-winter-2013/">http://youlookfab.com/2013/08/.....nter-2013/</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1414479 Mon, 22 Dec 2014 20:49:48 +0000 sarah 1414479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly what Suz said. I have a hard time wearing black footwear, because I am blonde, and thus have to figure out how to bookend my black&nbsp;footwear with something other than my hair. Therefore, I most often wear bone-colored booties with my grey trousers. Burgundy and navy, as Suz and others have said, just go very nicely with grey! So, I often wear my grey trousers, bone booties, and a navy or cranberry sweater. But I don't own footwear in those colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1414474 Mon, 22 Dec 2014 20:28:38 +0000 unfrumped 1414474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I would not overthink it too much.<br />Black will look fine if the shoe or boot style is fine.<br />Other colors can add interest and richness but again, would not do just based on color alone, but maybe at some point if you find a great shoe and it comes in a color other than black, could consider it. <br />Deep-colored. almost-but-not-black shoes, or my new dark red&nbsp;that can almost look brown, &nbsp;are something I'm drawn to. So far I only have a few shades of dark red or burgundy, gray, and some browns i wear with specific pants because I've got some toffee and brown-black tweed&nbsp;things going on, and some variations&nbsp; of "nude" for summer. But I still have a lot of black footwear!</p> <p>When I think of other shoe colors, I'm not as big on a "pop" of bright color, in my more conservative environment, and for my goals, so that is why to me it can add interest to have one color in the top and one in the shoe, but they are not bright candy colors, you know? Also it just depends on the shoe and the fabrication.<br />You might like Bridgette Rae's blog posts because she makes a lot of combinations with the shoe, top and bag in all different colors, often, but maybe with similar tone or depth. She is big on not-black shoes but does a lot of nude shoes with dark pants, and I have not been successful liking that combo on me, though it seems to look great on others. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1414455 Mon, 22 Dec 2014 19:35:29 +0000 christieanne 1414455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with most of the comments but also want to add that black footwear may not photograph as distinctly as a blue/burgundy/lighter shoe and that it may look better in real life than in pics. There is a definite contrast between a grey and black that may be teasing your eye as well. I wear black with grey but prefer lower contrast pairings (peter, silver, a black and white/grey snake. grey suede) for the leg lengthening/lower contrast look.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1414420 Mon, 22 Dec 2014 17:20:50 +0000 catgirl 1414420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear black shoes and boots all the time because they bookend my hair and fit with my wardrobe, but I try to avoid default black shoes by picking interesting styles or textures. Once you see bookending it's hard to unsee it! But I think the real key is to consider the deliberate overall outfit effect and not just shoes to pants. That is a skill and the reason I don't wear much colored footwear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1414415 Mon, 22 Dec 2014 17:12:36 +0000 Alassë 1414415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(Waving at Zapotee - how have you been?) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1414405 Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:50:26 +0000 Anonymous 1414405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Thistle, it's been a long time. I hope all is well! I think that grey pants are super versatile. You can wear them<br /> with any of the colors mentioned, plus if the pants are a true PPL, the portion of the shoe peaking out is rather immaterial. Do you wear necklaces? I do have a variety of black pendants to bookend my black shoes. As you, I don't think it is really practical to go about slushing in the snow with light shoes - especially because most of mine are suede- and I don't do the red shoe thing in winter, unless it is for a party. It looks too princessy to me in winter. I don't know why. I still bookend with black on top, eventhough my hair is dark. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1413805 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 17:58:00 +0000 Aziraphale 1413805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>abc and Thistle have said this already, but I'll repeat: there's nothing inherently wrong with black shoes and grey pants (I do it!), but with your lighter hair, it might look less 'intentional' unless you add black somewhere else in your outfit.</p> <p>Here's my take. Style is all about looking intentional. Colour is a part of that. I really think you can wear just about any colour combination and look stylish, as long as it fits with who you are (authenticity again!) and looks intentional. It doesn't mean that everybody is going to like it. We can never get everybody to agree on everything! But I think we all recognize style when we see it. Don't you?</p> <p>Back to the shoes. Navy and burgundy are both less expected than black -- so they look more intentional, like you've chosen the colour thoughtfully --&nbsp;and softer, which works better with your low-contrast colouring.</p> <p>I popped over and looked at your other thread (sorry, I missed it the first time) and I'll add <i>red </i>footwear. You probably won't take me up on it, because red makes a pretty loud statement -- but oh my, red shoes + grey pants looks smashing to my eye! Especially if the top is neutral too. And red shoes ALWAYS look intentional.&nbsp;:-) </p> <p>Burgundy is a more muted version of red, and also looks fab, while being a little less flashy.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1413782 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 16:45:04 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1413782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would put a black shoe with grey as well (and have often). &nbsp;I love a monochrome outfit with black, white and shades of grey. &nbsp;I also see the benefit of adding a color for accent but if you are looking to add a basic shoe/boot to your wardrobe, a neutral is a good start. &nbsp;If you plan to have multiple pairs then you can add more interest with colors and interesting details. &nbsp;Having said that, I have black, blue, green, cognac, brown, taupe... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1413763 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 16:11:35 +0000 Anonymous 1413763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have worn black shoes or boots with gray pants, but lately I've started wearing dark brown shoes or boots instead. Dark brown is the same color intensity as the grey, and bookends my brown hair.</p> <p>Grey is a great neutral. A lot of colors and neutrals go with it.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1413734 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 15:02:22 +0000 Jules 1413734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also think black footwear is just fine with grey pants. On the other thread (without going back to reread), I think I was just making other suggestions for your consideration, not rejecting the idea of black. I'm personally not that into black footwear in summer (despite last year's trend), but in winter, in a cold/dark climate, I consider it pretty essential. For example, I bought brown (tall, leather) winter boots last year and enjoy them but ended up realizing I really do need black boots too as they function as my "dressy" footwear for any winter events. They were in fact the only must-have on my fall/winter shopping list. In fact, I think I consider black so essential that I'm rarely going to suggest it because I assume it's already been considered and the poster is looking for other ideas :)<br /> All that said, I do personally currently prefer warm tonal looks, and brown and burgundy boots are current faves. And I do wear my dark teal bag with these colours and enjoy the look. The key with 3+ colours for me is same/similar colour value.<br /> Finally, I get not bookending. My natural hair colour is also taupe-ish and not easy to match. I loved the bookending idea and went so far as to (temporarily) dye my hair to match some beloved burgundy booties But I really do not find bookending has the same impact for me that it might for people with darker or lighter hair. To me it's more fruitful to focus on what I like and overall outfit cohesiveness.<br /> You seem to be curating a more minimal wardrobe using elements that you know work for you (pants, comfort, etc). And I believe you have some black cardis? Then black footwear is probably a good choice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1413667 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 07:05:13 +0000 Marley 1413667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't see your other thread Thistle - but I wear black shoes/boots with my gray jeans/trousers all of the time. &nbsp;I think that they look great together! &nbsp;Burgandy or navy may add more interest, but usually I'm not looking to add interest to my outfits&nbsp;by putting a different color on my feet. If I had gray shoes/boots I'd wear them with my gray bottoms - but I don't, so I go with black and feel just fine about it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1413655 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 06:24:49 +0000 Deborah 1413655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree totally with the other comments. What I would add is that a black shoe with a mid to dark grey pant will continue the leg line in a way that I find flattering. As a petite, and I know you prefer a flat shoe, this continuation can create an elongated look that I like as a shorter girl. Too much contrast at shoe level can have a shortening effect:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1413640 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 05:05:07 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1413640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Burgundy could work as an accent color in a way that black doesn't. I think black shoes would look like a default choice, not in a bad way, but as a basic neutral. It's just not always the most inconspicuous neutral, depending on one's coloring. <br />I think black is a perfectly fine color of shoes to wear with gray pants, especially if the pants are a very dark gray like charcoal. (Black is pretty much my shoe color of choice to wear with my charcoal pants.) <br />Only since coming here to YLF have I discovered, though, that wearing shoes that are more akin to one's hair color can be more cohesive looking with an outfit. The shoes don't have to match one's hair. They could be in the same value--i.e., medium toned if one has medium-toned hair; light if one's hair is light, etc. So perhaps the suggestions of navy or burgundy were made more in that vein. <br />You could go with cordovan, another classic neutral--a reddish shade of<br /> brown that is cool, rather than warm (as opposed to a cognac). But that is a very hard shade to find lately; doesn't seem to be on trend at the moment, unfortunately.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1413612 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 02:55:16 +0000 Suz 1413612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>MG</b>, you have dark hair so black shoes always look cohesive. You don't have to worry about adding black elsewhere in your outfit.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Thistle</b> has lighter hair. So black can look heavy or unintentional --&nbsp; particularly if it is just plain flat black. If she has to add more black in, the outfits get darker and darker...and she fades away in comparison.&nbsp;</p> <p>That said, I wear black shoes with my grey pants all the time, <b>Thistle</b>, and my hair is similar to yours. I do try to "lighten up" and add interest elsewhere in the outfit if I can.&nbsp;</p> <p>Black works perfectly well with grey -- but burgundy and navy add more interest, as <b>abc </b>said. Plus, they just look so terrific with grey -- like good friends!</p> <p>And yes, you can wear burgundy and teal together (esp. separated by grey) but you might want to echo at least one of those colours elsewhere in the outfit to tie it together. Like a patterned scarf that included both those colours plus grey.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1413606 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 02:44:03 +0000 MuseumGal 1413606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear black shoes, grey pants, and colored top all the time - I don't understand why you think that would be a bad idea?&nbsp; If you are keen to bookend the black, how about a piece of jewelry like necklace or earrings with a black stone, or black enamel or something?&nbsp; Or a print scarf with some black in it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1413560 Sat, 20 Dec 2014 01:33:23 +0000 abc 1413560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok I will take a stab then go back to your other thread as I haven't checked it in a while. </p> <p>I don't think navy or burgundy works **better** than black, but they certainly can add more interest and appear less predictable / boring. Not fair to black but I think that is what people may have been suggesting. </p> <p>If taupe doesn't work for you, next - as Angie says. </p> <p>Yes, technically any color can be a 3rd but the color itself can add to/detract from the whole vibe. As can the toe shape of a shoe, cut of a top or topper, etc. It's like comparing a cardi to a blazer. Both are toppers but each can give a different vibe. Same thing with color, I think. </p> <p>As for burgundy "matching" teal - a lot depends on color saturation. They go together and compliment each other. Others are way better versed on the color wheel than me but there's contrasting and complimenting colors. I do think burgundy and teal go well together as long as they're similarly saturated. Like a deep wintery burgundy won't look good with a summery pool color turquoise but loops fab next to a deep teal. </p> <p>Hope this helps. Off to see your other thread and awaiting more eloquent replies on this one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/trying-to-understand-color#post-1413535 Fri, 19 Dec 2014 23:59:31 +0000 Thistle 1413535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am reposting this from my thread on grey shoes as I am really curious.</p> <p>This is going to sound stupid, but it is a learning opportunity for me: how is it that navy or burgundy works better with dark grey pants than black? </p> <p>I get taupe bookends my hair, but with the dirt and slush tracked indoors, taupe is a really tough color for footwear in winter. And, frankly, I don't have the time to care for it.</p> <p>Wouldn't any of the other colors just add the same third color as black? And if I went with burgundy, how could that match teal? </p>