YouLookFab Forum » Topic: WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:45:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Aida on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast/page/2#post-1918297 Thu, 10 May 2018 22:12:16 +0000 Aida 1918297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hah! I think I've just gotten good at tweaking around what the curls are doing to make it look like controlled chaos (which is my goal, so lofty ). Easier to do with shorter hair IMO. The weather and humidity changes are the toughest; I find dry muuuuuch harder to deal with than humid! Vix on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast/page/2#post-1918167 Thu, 10 May 2018 17:41:13 +0000 Vix 1918167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jumping back in with belated thanks! Aida --  Yes, "soft high contrast" is a great descriptor. Glad you liked the linen dress/tube skirt (I added one more of the dress with baby bootcuts and pink booties since we got cool again). And technically I know you must feel my pain re curls but your hair always looks so well-behaved I don't believe it, ha! We've had cool wet, very hot dry, warm humid, and about 10 other variations this week.... Beth Ann -- HI -- have missed seeing you around! I'm not sure I can live up to your vision of me bossing my clothes around but I do try, so thank you! We have so much overlap in our color palettes and tastes I look forward to (hopefully!) seeing what you get up to this summer with combos and trends. CJH -- I'm not much for white and generally avoid pales in big chunks so this has taken a bit of getting used to, so thank you for thinking I've pulled it off! I'm feeling much more ready for when those baking temps come and STAY. cjh on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1917711 Wed, 09 May 2018 13:37:40 +0000 cjh 1917711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow! That’s about all I can think when I see your sharp but sweet color choices. How sophisticated yet feminine and unique, and so suited to your coloring. Love all the pieces and outfits. Beth Ann on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1917709 Wed, 09 May 2018 13:35:29 +0000 Beth Ann 1917709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Vix, you are such a master at being the boss of your clothes, and editing trends to suit your style!  Love the color palette you're using -- it's perfect for you, and is so visually pleasing.  The bold kimono is also peaceful, with it's simple color spectrum. Thanks for sharing! Aida on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1917529 Tue, 08 May 2018 21:24:49 +0000 Aida 1917529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lovely! I think of this type of pairing as "soft high contrast" (versus a "bright high contrast") -- there's still drama from the contrast but with a much softer secondary effect with the pale colors. Really loving that last outfit in particular, clever! (Totally feel you re hair calling the shots. I dress depending on what my hair is doing on a given day ^^ ) Vix on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1917215 Mon, 07 May 2018 21:47:18 +0000 Vix 1917215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lynn and Bonnie -- Thank you, glad you think I can pull of somewhat "sedate" colors! I can see I'm going to have to keep up with my blush and charcoal laundry this summer. ;) Angie -- Yes, my hair calls the shots so I just try to placate it with the right prints, ha -- thank you! Cardiff girl -- Seems like the line between ingenue and sophisticated gets more fine every year for me so I appreciate your thoughts. I even gave away most of my skirts with ruffles but OOPS I did it again with sleeves, ha!  CocoLion  -- I know you share my love for dramatic boho pieces and wish I could pull off your stylings but OTOH it's fun to see the differences! Hope your lilacs are giving you that spring feeling (another beautiful-with-green color!) Check your PMs and thank you so much!  Toban -- Thank you! Yes, those bridge prints with low-med-dark tones save so many outfits for me, too. I'm going to have to keep an even closer eye on your outfits for inspiration! Runcarla -- You're among the best at finding beautiful natural-fiber items so I'm glad you approve of the linen!  Column -- Thank you! Shevia -- Hello hair sibling! Congrats on having great instincts...I hope you're not resisting them! Please do hurry up and try this whole mostly-pale thing so I can steal ideas. And thank you (though my face is certainly Selfie-Proportioned). Joy --  That repetition must have been so beautiful to see, almost like a movie! I'm loving seeing the range of blush has grown wider this season -- now I'm really seeing it on men around here in casual wear. Thank you for sharing that memory and for the compliment. Sal -- Thank you; given your climate I think fishnets would come in handy on those lovely legs of yours!  Lyn67 -- I always wish we could share closets as we have so much overlap in our preferences! Thank you for the very kind words! Christina F -- Glad you found this useful and thank you. I love my deeper shades but when it's hot out sometimes they feel like too much. Will look forward to seeing your ideas/outfits! Suz -- Go big or go home when I get in the mood to do colors and prints considered traditionally feminine, right?! Thank you for the compliments.  La Pedestrienne -- Thank you so much! I was going to poo-poo your "magic" remark but that (silk) floral scarf was on clearance for $11 and rang up for 1 CENT (real price). That felt pretty magical so maybe I've found my superpower. ;) But mostly I just look for organic prints in a small range of colors, ha!  LaPed on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1917158 Mon, 07 May 2018 18:23:05 +0000 LaPed 1917158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love these colours on you! Gorgeous softened contrast. And you have a way of finding prints, textures, accessories, etc that suit you so well it seems like a form of magic.  Suz on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1917152 Mon, 07 May 2018 18:05:59 +0000 Suz 1917152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beautiful! You've picked perfectly for yourself, not only with the level of contrast but also with the shape and size of the patterns. These are lovely on you. So feminine.  Christina F. on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1917097 Mon, 07 May 2018 16:02:31 +0000 Christina F. 1917097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These outfits are beautiful! Thanks for sharing--it's informative because I have a high need for contrast as well. Vix on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1917094 Mon, 07 May 2018 15:53:46 +0000 Vix 1917094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi again all! The last time "my" blushes were easily available I did a lot of pairing with black -- that classic ballet class look -- but trying to see how low I can go (with contrast!) is really working my style muscles, ha! Brooklyn -- I love greys with blush and that's a gorgeous inspiration picture! Thanks for the pendant rec and reminder to check Etsy, which I love for jewelry. I tend to go looking and get easily distracted!  ps I know linen softens up when it breaks in so am hoping this dress gets a little droopier, ha! Efbegen and Dottie -- Thank you both for the votes of confidence! Gotta push our boundaries, right? I agree with Jussie --  preferring the higher-contrast looks -- but trying to get ready for those 90+ degree days!  UmmLila -- Thank you! I was very pleased with my originality re the green/pink then discovered similar Pantone 2018 shades often paired together...assume I registered subconsciously haha! I have so many mixed-contrast prints but reallllly want to wear all light outfits when it's hot but geez, harder than it seems! Jessikams  -- Glad to have another contrast experimenter around, and thanks! Sounds like the light accents will be beautiful without disrupting your medium needs...will look out for them!  JAileen -- Trial and error, error and trial! Thank you, I'm so happy to finally have tops to match my pale warm-weather shoes. I think you and I may have inverse contrast needs...should we encourage a "mirrored outfit" challenge, ha? Jenn -- Yes, you and I have such similar coloring that I always checking your combos! The mostly-all-light look...eh. I challenge you to try it so I get more ideas to steal! Oh with these stupid selfie shots I look like a different person/body to myself. Very elongated face (hey I only have a 5-head not a 7-head!) and big ole eyes. At least I remembered to make sure the skintone "perfector" was turned off for the for the first few. lyn67 on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1917005 Mon, 07 May 2018 09:13:39 +0000 lyn67 1917005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love blush with black accents! Very dramatic your nr 1 look, and  congrats Vix, you nailed the so  wanted contrast within the pales, too-very clever and always so stylish! Sal on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916969 Mon, 07 May 2018 03:17:08 +0000 Sal 1916969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great post with lots of ideas there.  I like them all but the last one wins my pick with the fishnet tights!! Anonymous on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916968 Mon, 07 May 2018 02:49:25 +0000 Anonymous 1916968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I fell in love with blush a few years ago on a springtime trip to Japan.  Everyone and their grandfather and baby were wearing blush with black or charcoal and looked fabulous. Blush skirts and tutus with black tights and shoes, blush ties with black shirts, blush scarves with black coats, blush shirts with black suits.  You can wear pales with contrast. Jaime on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916963 Mon, 07 May 2018 02:35:03 +0000 Jaime 1916963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beautiful and inspirational! I am always attracted to black and blush prints and now I see why. I especially like what you did with the pale blush top and beads in the last picture. That is something I must try! And lovely to see your beautiful face ! Column on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916921 Sun, 06 May 2018 21:57:32 +0000 Column 1916921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Super smart! Carla on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916905 Sun, 06 May 2018 20:54:32 +0000 Carla 1916905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have landed on the right pink/blush for you. Love the linen dress! Bonnie on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916890 Sun, 06 May 2018 20:09:59 +0000 Bonnie 1916890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lovely outfits - I like the blush and charcoal palette you have chosen. Vix on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916888 Sun, 06 May 2018 19:58:47 +0000 Vix 1916888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi all -- didn't mean to post and run but am unexpectedly out and about...promise to chime in later! For now a group thank you for all the suggestions, compliments, and offers! Toban on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916861 Sun, 06 May 2018 17:48:53 +0000 Toban 1916861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These look great! Thank you for bringing up to the topic of contrast. It makes the difference between a great and so-so outfit. I need low to medium contrast, so I struggle with bringing in light colors except under toppers so it’s a small amount or within a print with a variety of low/mid/darker tones. CocoLion on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916860 Sun, 06 May 2018 17:30:22 +0000 CocoLion 1916860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are the master or should I say mistress of color, I always learn from you.  You are so correct that the pale spring shade needs grounding and I've never thought to combine these two shades which look fantastic on you.  Love the linen dress!  And the Winter Kate shawl.  I have a WK cropped kimono jacket from the same era it is a faded black and an orphan as I do longer wear this color.  It's a great layer over dresses (silk, lined).  If you are interested, PM me, I'll send it to you. Cardiff girl on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916850 Sun, 06 May 2018 16:45:31 +0000 Cardiff girl 1916850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You look trim and stylish in all these photos and I love the pale with the darker contrast it makes it so much more sophisticated and stops it being overly girlish. Angie on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916840 Sun, 06 May 2018 16:00:27 +0000 Angie 1916840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Vix, I love your kinky, salt & pepper hair, and adore how the patterns you wear echo the vibe of your locks somehow. You look dead right in contrast. Rock on.  Lynn on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916838 Sun, 06 May 2018 15:52:14 +0000 Lynn 1916838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beautiful Vix. I really like the pale tones with the charcoal on you.  Jenn on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916828 Sun, 06 May 2018 14:54:28 +0000 Jenn 1916828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love this, Vix! You’ve made me think, because I’ve always thought I didn’t like contrast because I’m not a fan of stark black and white. But, of course, I have dark hair and light skin, so, like you, I always have contrast built in. I think I’d feel uncomfortable in head-to-toe skin tones, too! It’s amazing what a difference something as simple as a pendant can make. Btw, fun to see pictures of you without the sunglasses! You almost look like a different person. JAileen on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916824 Sun, 06 May 2018 14:50:16 +0000 JAileen 1916824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is so interesting. The contrast and pale pink look fantastic on you. And lucky you know what works! I tend to want low contrast. I think because my hair and face have low contrast. Jessikams on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916795 Sun, 06 May 2018 13:21:39 +0000 Jessikams 1916795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I admire the consistency of the palette and approach to proportion- you really know what you like and what works for you. Congratulations! And thanks for bringing up this important idea of contrast. It’s something I’m thinking about a lot too. I figure I look best in low contrast medium tones, but I’m adding blush and white and metallics as summer accents, experimentally. UmmLila (Lisa) on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916791 Sun, 06 May 2018 13:14:08 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1916791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm definitely agreeing with your approach. Since you have a high-contrast look yourself, with the pale skin and dark hair, it looks best to carry it over into your outfit choices. I"m really loving the pale pink and green combination. Dottie on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916780 Sun, 06 May 2018 12:08:47 +0000 Dottie 1916780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fantastic!  You've nailed it. jussie on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916727 Sun, 06 May 2018 05:51:43 +0000 jussie 1916727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes I love the pics with a little more contrast. Looking good! The lighter outfits are reasnoble too. Anonymous on "WIW: How I'm doing pales when I need CONTRAST" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-how-im-doing-pales-when-i-need-contrast#post-1916713 Sun, 06 May 2018 04:13:33 +0000 Anonymous 1916713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow VIX- what a terrific job on all the looks. Personally i think you nailed each and every one. The care and thought that went into each look shows big time. Well done.