anyone else not feeling bright and patterened? - YouLookFab Forum

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anyone else not feeling bright and patterened?

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

I have to admit, I am not very excited about the color trend this season, although I do sort of like the mint green.

I love these colors on many but not for me. I do not ,and will probably never feel like myself in them. I will be sitting out this trend (I think). Sometimes I do surprise myself but brights tend to sit in my closet. I feel as if I have to wear more makeup and be more out there in these clothes. That feels exhausting. Do you feel that some colors are just too speedy or energized for your personality and/ or coloring? I do not feel confident in the way I look or feel in bright color.

I bet some of you feel quite the opposite and would feel just drab in colors that I am drawn to. Luckily I have seen some lovely neutrals hanging in there.

General

28 replies

Latest reply was from

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This makes complete sense, Jean. Brights are not for everyone. Although I have to defend retail by saying that there is lots of blush, earth tones and nudes in stores too. Your colours - look at today's blog post if you missed it.

For many seasons, jewel tones have been the order of the day - and all that was available. I had to refresh my wardrobe with black, grey and white because I don't wear jewel tones. Now it's my turn to buy up a storm!

Claudia

Veteran

Raising my hand. I will be happily passing on much of what's out there currently in retail.

This does not mean I don't like/enjoy high energy color or lack an appreciation on how beautiful it looks on those it suits, and most importantly when it's well executed.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Jean, I was thinking along similar lines the other day, but about the head-to-toe colorful looks. Angie so wisely pointed out to me that even though it's fun to try new things, don't work too hard at putting a square peg in a round hole!

I am feeling some of the prints and colors very much! But many of the colors that are tending right now are not easy for me to wear, so I may include them in a print, or pass on them. I am loving all the shades of green now, and I'm snapping up green items I love now, and you can bet I'll be wearing them long after the trend has passed and you can't find anything green in the shops.

Isabel

Veteran

Yes, I completely agree. I am definitely wearing more color. But I am not a primary color person or a pastel person. My idea of a print is dots ( and that is new ) and stripes. Though every year since I can remember, I have worn red pants in the Spring/Summer. I do like secondary and tertiary colors ( like teal and olive and saffron ) allot, but generally "grounded " with jeans, a neutral jacket or black/grey pants. I am not enjoying the neon trend at all.

Your idea of it being just waaaay too much energy is very interesting. I like that thought. I think that it is also to high voltage for me.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

You do look so beautiful in blush and nude tones Jean - I can totally get where you're coming from. I would look like the walking dead in colours you look stunning in! I'm afraid I'm on the Yay For Colour Team.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Jean, I tend to feel and look best in mid-tones rather than clear brights. But I do love red (though a blue red works better than a true red). And I like the combo of navy and white or cream, which sort of qualifies as a bright in the sense that it is high contrast. And I am thinking maybe some bright bottoms and accessories. Where it's not near the face, it might work better. But it will definitely be an experiment for me. See my WIW thread from yesterday for how I am trying to play it...at least for now.

rae

(website)

Veteran

If I looked as good as you in soft colors, I wouldn't wear brights, either! Yes, some colors are definitely too energized for me - fuschia, for example. Something about the energy of bright pink chafes, even though I think the color looks good on me. Citron, lime, orange, and lemon probably feel too energized for many people, too, but to me the best description is "sour." I feel like I can still be cranky and sarcastic in those colors, lol.

Your look is amazing, Jean. There is no need to try trends that don't float your boat - your personal style is locked and loaded!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Yes Jean! I just posted about this in my thread about the Flea Market. I'm really not drawn to the bright colors, crazy pattern mixing, etc that is all the rage right now. It's just too busy for me. Luckily for me, I am having to do lots of flea market/thrift/vintage/antique shopping and I am finding lots of inspiration there. I am wearing an outfit today that I could see you in- I will post a pic of it later.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Jean, I forgot to say that your muted and earthy colour palette is KILLER perfect for you. Don't change a thing! It would not work for me - but it's ideal for you :). The same way that my sour colours work for me, but would make you feel awfully unstylish.

Meredith1953

Veteran

I personally love some of the colors that are out there right now! Cobalt blue, orange, yellow, green. I do find I like switching between days of neutrals and days of brights. I don't want to limit myself to one or the other. Some trends like patterned pants don't appeal to me personally and I will probably not choose to wear them. But I never say never, because there may be a subtle pattern out there that I would wear. What's really important and it is obvious that you are already doing this, is to evaluate each trend to see how it looks on you and how it makes you feel and then choose to follow or not follow.

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I am with you. I like a lot of the silhouettes this season on me, but I find all this color and pattern exhausting. Most days I want my clothes to be soothing and minimal.

Anonymous

Your post makes me think of the bright orange Vince Camuto blazer I bought recently. It got 10 ratings here but I've still not taken off the tags and worn it out. As much as I like orange, I'm wondering if this one is just too intense for me. Color is so powerful in how it makes one feel.

taylor

Veteran

Thanks jean !! I also wanted to comment on khris 's thread but hadn't a chance. I have almost felt alone . I am over all this bright patterned frenzy. I hardley wear all black , I always add color somewhere but honestly ... This head to toe pattern mixed with brights is just too much visual noise for me. Looks chaotic and unrefined to me .
Txsarah had a photo on her blog yesterday of all blush with accents of tomato red!! Absolutely stunning . I thought wow that is how to add color to an ensemble !! Let the outfit speak , not scream . It was refreshing to see , you and khris would love the color combo.. Angie too . So elegant and classy.

Claudia

Veteran

Taylor, I saw Sarah's post and thought the same thing. So beautiful and easy on the eyes.

http://www.thedailysophisticat.....o-red.html

Suz

(website)

Veteran

That's gorgeous. And yes, that's what I was thinking...although I can't do the nude (don't think).

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Me too... brights don't work on me ... and mint green is ghastly. Oh well; florals make me happy!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It's a good thing that there is a sea of pastels and neutrals alongside all the brights! There is something for everyone

Taylor, I'd love to understand what you mean. Do you mean that wearing pattern mixed brights in one outfit is an unrefined look - or wearing mixed up solid brights in one outfit is an unrefined look? Or both? And you know you are NEVER alone sporting black and white - one of my all time faves:). I will always have tea with you in the Kingdom of Black & White!

I love tomato red mixed with blush! I am trying to find a gorgeous soft blush blouse to wear with my tomato red trousers.

Heather

Veteran

We are all unique and appreciating those differences makes a happy world.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Heather! It would be boring (or awfully hard on the eyes) if we all followed the same trends.

I admire those of you who can wear those beautiful blush tones and pastels, earthtones, and also those who can wear neons and acidic colors. But my coloring simply does not glow in those kinds of colors for the most part, so I stick mainly with jewel tones, but it's fun to mix things up a bit sometimes too, while favoring colors that don't make me look ill (i.e., pretty much any shade of yellow).

I can admire a lot of color combos on other people -- I love TX Sarah's post too -- but I would look like washed-out death in most of those looks. Oh well.

And mint green is awesome. Sorry, Lyn!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Yep, me! I wonder where the slippery slope is between opting out of trends you don't like and becoming static in your style and slowly dating yourself, season by season.

taylor

Veteran

Oh , to clarify Angie , bright hectic pattern mixing head to toe looks unrefined to me. Don't think I have seen it here. But thAt same hectic pattern mix in neutrals can look very elegant.
I am not sAying I dont appreciate color and pattern and different style choices that is not my point , I love and Admire all fashion choices. I just sometimes feel like the uninvited guest at the color pattern party ... We are all different .. I respect that:)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for chiming back in, Taylor. You are very accepting and appreciative of styles that are polar opposite to your own and that's key. I love that about your fashion perspective! Know that you are ALWAYS an invited guest at the colour pattern parties - wearing solid head to neutrals makes you just as welcome

High five, Heather!

catgirl

Veteran

Jean, I hear you - it's how I've felt the last few years about the lack of brights. Just couldn't get on board. Other than grey and black, neutrals just do not look good on me. White, tans, beige, khaki, blush, all make me look dead.

I think it is FAB that you stick to your style guns and know what you love. One day it will be feast for you again and famine for me!

dottie

I hear what you're saying. I love colour, but I'm more (okay, a lot) subdued in the pattern mixing. I tend towards classics, and too much pattern doesn't feel comfortable to me, and then to combine it with a lot of colour, nah-uh. But, I do admire those who can pull it off and wear it with confidence.

Anonymous

I love color, but I look dead in brights. I also have to be careful with prints. Some look fine on me, but others don't. Since I finally have a wardrobe full of colors that look fab on me, I'm prepared to ride out the trend for bright colors and bold prints. I'm glad this stuff is available for those who look good in it. It's just not for me, and I wish more choices were available so there'd be a little something for everyone. Also, I can firmly state that I'm not into pattern mixing. That's definitely not for me.

Mochi

Veteran

Jean, in this sea of stylish and fab women here, you have one of the most flattering wardrobes that's so suited to your coloring and lifestyle, unique and artistic, gorgeously fitted, etc. I wouldn't worry one minute over a trend that doesn't fit your look.

Travelgal Nicole

Veteran

I'm with you Jean. The colours and patterns this season are a bit exhausting. I'm into the neutral/earthy tones. Every blog I check out I look at the outfits and items and think they look lovely on that person but just not for me. I haven't bought a thing this season and I'm not sure if I will. I'm thinking I might splurge on a handbag with all of the money I am saving.

Anonymous

I would wear any color, if it is grounded by either black, white or cream. I am not a big fan of pattern, unless it is black, white or cream with another color, or simply black and white.

I do have some patterned tops that fall outside this description, but they are more of a texture pattern, i.e my polka dot PB blouse from BR. I do love crazy patterned scarves, however.

I am struggling with patterned bottoms at the moment, just because they all tend to look like PJ's to me, unless they are an exaggerated silhouette.

In that sense, I am very much like Janet, I need the bright color to be grounded by something. I can appreciate the look in others, however. It is just too chaotic for me.

I mostly wear blues, reds/pinks and creams and lots of black and white. I don't have any item of clothing in orange, yellow or green (The Zara blazer was given away to my sister), and only a couple items in brown tweed. I have no chocolate brown at all. I do have yellow shoes, however.

In conclusion, I do incorporate pattern and color in small doses and I don't see that changing.