Ask Angie: High contrast versus low contrast - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: High contrast versus low contrast

Anonymous

I understand what high contrast dressing is as opposed to low contrast dressing. I was wondering if you could explain why an individual would favor one or the other. I ask this because I have noticed some people prefer one over the other (i.e., two different camps of dressing).

I for instance favor high contrast (dark bottom paired with light or vibrant top/topper). I don't know why I favor this though. It just "feels" right.

Is one considered more traditionally flattering then the other?

Dressing

34 replies

Latest reply was from unfrumped

Alassë

Veteran

You'll see a number of articles about this on Imogen Lamport's blog, Inside Out Style. Basically, you're trying to match your personal colouring (same as seasonal palettes of Dark Winter, Bright Spring, Soft Autumn, etc.).

If your hair/eyes/skin are high contrast, the general thought is that it will be more flattering if your outfits are high contrast. It harmonizes with your inherent style.

If you are low contrast, a high contrast outfit would overwhelm you; the viewer would see the clothes before they saw your face. That's the less flattering choice.

Of course, individuals can also decide that low or high contrast outfits feel better to them due to personality/style preferences.

Anonymous

That is most helpful, Alasse!! I am high contrast. I have never felt "right" dressing in all one color. I always wondered why because people I know dress in low contrast and they look fine.

Ginger

Veteran

Such a good question, Sterling! Alassë, thank you for explaining it that way! Would you say I am high contrast? I think I am more on that side. It would definitely explain why all black gets me down. As do color combinations that are all dark, even if there's no black. Ooh, and that's probably why I'm drawn to tone-on-tone, and pairing darks with a light but saturated contrast. I've got a collection of brighter-than-pastel Charming Charlie pashminas that I always want to reach for when wearing a dark. Like that yellow with the dark purple. I guess I've answered my question... I just always thought I was a Summer, because I don't have dark hair.

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Anonymous

Hi Ginger. I am not the best person to answer your questions, but I wanted to say you look stunning so you are obviously doing something right when it comes to contrast.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

This is interesting. I'm a low-contrast dresser, but I couldn't tell you why, exactly. When I wear high-contrast outfits, I feel like I should be rooting for a sports team.

Beth Ann

Veteran

In discussions like these I think it's always good to treat any rules as general guidelines, and to feel free to apply them in a way that makes you happy!

Ginger: I'd call you a medium contrast, but there's a sepia tone to your photo. IRL you might have more contrast between hair and skin.

From Imogen:
http://www.insideoutstyleblog......trast.html

A helpful pinterest page on the topic:
https://www.pinterest.com/jane.....-contrast/

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

FWIW, I have low contrast colouring and wear high contrast colours and outfits ALL THE TIME. I don't feel it overwhelms me. In fact, it makes me look more alive! But I do think that wearing make-up helps - and my strong brow line helps too.

Sterling, think of high and low contrast outfits as both a style preference and a trouble shooting tool. You might find this post interesting:

http://youlookfab.com/2011/04/.....m-outfits/

I wear both types of outfits - in both light and dark versions. Like Ink-Out and White-Out for low contrast. I wear lots of black and white, and wear clashing brights together with pleasure.

Personally, I don't prescribe all that seriously to the guidelines on complexion and contrast (or colour theory for that matter) as I find them a little inhibiting and inaccurate. If a client wants to wear high contrast and she or he "shouldn't" according to the guidelines, you can manipulate the outfit so that the result is flattering. You cannot see colour in isolation as there are too many variables that come into play that the guidelines ignore.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

After reading through the links, I've realized I was wrong. I dress closer to mid-contrast. This is really interesting, Sterling, and something I never really thought about before. I like when instinctive ideas get articulated so we can more easily find what works for us and why.

Alassë

Veteran

Ginger, you look medium contrast in the photo, but natural light would be better. I agree - I don't feel right in all darks or all lights, and it's because of my natural contrast levels.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Alasse, you often wear all darks! Do you wish you didn't?

shedev

Veteran

I'm high contrast and prefer low contrast outfits.

Ginger

Veteran

Beth Ann, I read through a bunch of links, and I think I'm more accurately medium-to-high contrast on both value and color. The photo is definitely yellow, and dark: that paint on the walls is regular builders' off white. So my skin is a lot lighter and whiter - it veers towards "pasty" as my makeup wears off during the day. Darker (and pinker) than the White Witch, but that's about it.

Angie, I feel the same way! It's funny, because I was definitely low contrast as a child; my hair has darkened considerably. (I think my eyes were always deep blue.) But I've always liked colors, and started feeling dissatisfied with muted, too bland, and too smokey shades a long time ago. For me, tools like this don't actually limit me, but they give guidelines and help at the decision point when I'm undecided. Especially with questions like, "This color is okay, but in [this other color I know about now] it would be MUCH better. So I'll pass.]

Alassë

Veteran

Angie, I'm least happy with winter dressing because I have to wear a cardigan, sweater, skirt, tights, and shoes - only the sweater can be a pop of colour. I run too cold to leave off the topper.

Ginger, your colour determination sounds right. You looked too "lively" for medium contrast, if that makes sense.

Ginger

Veteran

Alassë, I feel too lively for medium contrast! The hardest part was figuring out the value of my hair. It's in that wide no-man's land between blonde and brown, never been colored, and lots of natural blonde and reddish highlights. (Plus a bright silver streak right in front that's getting wider.) I was quite blonde as a child. There's so many of us, but even Imogen doesn't address if we're blondes or brunettes.

I agree that your value contrast is high; is your skin rosy or neutral? I also really don't enjoy all darks in the winter. I've worked on getting brighter other layers. Colored skirts are hard for me, but I've experimented with colored tights and shoes. I tend to grab brighter cardigans when I find them, so I've got a collection now. And I've been getting fairly brightly-colored dresses from eShakti. Oh, and I can't recommend those bright scarves highly enough. All of that helps keep winter from being so dull.

Ginger

Veteran

On the wider subject. I think analyses like this are the most helpful for those who are already feeling lost or unhappy with the colors/contrasts they tend to wear. It's really difficult when you know something is off, but don't know what else to try. Imogen's provided a lot of tools and ideas that can provide the fastest assistance.

Shedev and Angie have established what they like to wear, and it makes them happy. The tools are worse than pointless for them, because they don't need help, and the tools might point them somewhere else. That "somewhere else" might be helpful for others with similar coloring/contrast but who don't have an established aesthetic.

As for me, and possibly Sterling, Alassë, and Jenn, over the years I have come to an instinctive grasp of the colors/combinations/contrasts that please me the most. Those aren't set in stone, and they aren't necessarily clearly defined. So these tools are fun and helpful for me. Particularly since my instincts have already pointed me toward those conclusions. Like as a medium/high color contrast person, complementary (opposite) or triadic colors are supposed to be best. I have literally applied that principle multiple times when picking out colors to combine. Like purple with yellow, in the example. AND I really like to vary the value of the colors; so I don't want to put lavender and pale yellow together. Those are too close for me. But aubergine and pale yellow is awesome. So it's actually pretty neat to discover that there are some color theories why this is a good choice for me.

Alassë

Veteran

Fun conversation, Ginger. I'm not sure if my skin is rosy or neutral. I know I'm warm-toned, and I tend to be quite pale unless warm or recently exercised.

I have a bright tops capsule and a dark tops capsule, with contrasting skirts. That way I can wear dark colours on top or bottom.

I haven't gotten into scarves yet, but that's why I wear cowl neck sweaters; it's like a built in scarf.

Count me in as a partly instinct-dressing person who likes knowing the rules that explain why I dress the way I do.

JAileen

Veteran

Ginger, if you're not sure about your hair's contrast, would it help looking at a B&W photo? I do this with yarn when I'm planning a project and I'm trying to figure out how the colors will work together.

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Bonnie

Veteran

Great question Sterling - I am learning so much from the YLF team and members. I think I'm a Spring but I don't like to wear pale colors, but I think I can dress in medium colors with a low contrast and look OK.

Diana

Veteran

I think you have to remember also that an outfit can be low contrast on its own but high contrast with the wearer. So for example, an all-black outfit is low contrast with itself (like on a hanger) but is high contrast next to my skin. A black-and-white outfit, on the other hand is both high contrast on its own and with my skin tone.

I like both of the above personally. What I don't love is outfits that are low contrast next to my skin (for example, head to toe camel). BUT I can easily make that high contrast by adding some black or a bright color, which speaks to Angie's point that if you like something you should wear it! I could wear a long camel coat just fine if I added a bright scarf.

Sal

Veteran

I find it interesting and know more a few types of contrasts I do not like on me- and mostly work to make the others look acceptable. I am in that blonde brown hair range too although mine is highly coloured!!

I do not like to be all dark on the bottom and all light on top. If wearing a light top and dark pants I always prefer light shoes. I also don't like to wear all pale or all mid tone neutral. If wearing cream or white I like some accents of a darker colour, and if wearing khaki or beige I add in black or a clear colour otherwise I look very muddy. I avoid beige all round now though!!

Sterling, maybe you need some bright pants to get use from your black tops? I have a pair of black and white patterned pants that I love with a simple black top.

K. Period.

Veteran

Thanks for posting this question, Sterling. I love this topic!

I read Imogen's posts on contrast and thought they were interesting, but they haven't made a huge impact on how I dress and this thread helped me put a finger on why. I'm low, maybe low-medium contrast based on appearance. But I don't usually find that style of dressing comfortable, although I have in the past. Why? I think the concept has to be modified by season and personality, at least for me.

During the fall and winter, I feel okay dressing lower contrast because my environment is lower contrast. During the spring, I'm drawn to higher contrast, and in the bright sunlight of summer, I'm highest contrast. So season affects my contrast level. I've also noticed that personality makes a difference. If you are an outgoing, bold personality, you probably prefer a higher contrast. (cough) Angie. And as I've gotten older and bolder, my comfort with higher contrast combos (colors and prints) has definitely increased. They are more "notice me!" and I'm okay with that.

Fun to think about, isn't it?

LaPed

Veteran

Well, I fall into the high contrast colouring and high contrast dressing categories. I can't do column-of-color to save my life! If I'm wearing black tights, something in the back of my mind *begs* me to wear grey/white/red boots. I love bold stripes, raglan-sleeve baseball jerseys, anything with a contrasting cuff or stitching. Etc, etc.

However, I don't think this is directly related to physical coloring. If I had to guess I'd say it's as least as much a matter of personality. I'm not terribly outgoing, but I am lively and energetic, and I like there to be a distinct sense of movement in the way I dress. *Not* a feeling of busy-ness, I dislike small/busy patterns, but a feeling of directed movement.

I *suspect* that people who opt for low-contrast outfits like to feel very calm and composed, although maybe I'm going out on a limb there. I just know that low-contrast usually makes me feel toned-down and serious.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Diana makes an excellent point. You can wear wardrobe items that are high or low contrast to each other. You can wear wardrobe items that are high or low contrast to your complexion. AND your complexion can be high or low contrast. So mix it up in which ever which way makes you feel fab!

Alasse, you have high contrast colouring and for the most part wear low contrast outfits. At least, that's my impression. Do you feel the same way?

Jenn, you have high contrast colouring and wear medium and low contrast outfits.

Ginger, if the guidelines are helpful, by all means use them.

Sally, you are naturally bookending that outfit with light shoes because of your light hair - and I tend to do the same.

K.Period, you have a low/medium contrast complexion and dress medium/high contrast outfits. It suits you - and I heard your little cough!

La Pedestrienne, I haven't noticed feeling calmer and more serious in low contrast outfits. I am as energized in whatever I wear - but wearing certain colours makes me happier than wearing others.

Anonymous

I think that is it. High contrast wardrobe items make me feel happier. I am happier getting dressed. I am happier throughout the day.

Alassë

Veteran

Low contrast to my complexion or low contrast outfit, Angie?

Aida

Veteran

Alasse I'd say low contrast in the outfit. You are similar to me in that, regardless of what you wear, our hair/skin is going to be high contrast with each other. A little built in contrast no matter what the outfit is! So I personally enjoy wearing low contrast light and bright outfits most specifically for this reason: it really highlights my hair! And when I wear low contrast dark outfits, my face and skin are highlighted. The location of where the contrast occurs (neck, waist, hips, legs, feet, etc.) is a big part of the deciding factor for me.

I'm with others that think that there's a lot that goes into what we prefer. Personality plays a big role for sure. Sharan and I were talking about this this past weekend; in her younger days when her coloring was higher contrast she felt best in more muted or lower contrast looks because it suited her personality (don't mind me speaking for you, Sharan ).

EDIT: Sterling I am a little surprised to read that you prefer high contrast outfits since you've said that you're really into gray right now. Gray is tough to "contrast" unless it's very dark or very light. Works really nicely for mid and low contrast, in general.

Meow

Veteran

I've had my colors done (I'm a soft Autumn), I've read about contrast (I'm low- depending on my current hair color - haha) and have tried to apply all the "rules" and wear my colors with my low contrast level. It's a struggle to balance all this since technically I'm not
supposed to wear black - but really - how to you not wear black?! The conclusion I've finally come to is that wearing your colors/contrast levels is to make people see YOU but wearing higher contrast also has it's place. It can make the focus on your clothes and your fashion style. Higher contrast also can project more authority -as in a business setting (or the car mechanics :)). I get the most compliments when I wear higher contrast. Hmmmmmm....

Alassë

Veteran

I see, Aida. I was applying the high contrast principle to contrast within outfits, so a "cheerful muted" top with a dark skirt or a dark top with a light neutral bottom. (Now I know why you love light outfits in general!)

I think I dress medium contrast within outfits a lot, but I don't know how to wear those cheerful muted colours any other way (than medium-high contrast with a dark). If you have any ideas, fire away!

Anonymous

Hi Aida. This past season I have started to accumulate a lot of heather grey. It is a completely new color for me. In fact, I reworked my color chart to make grey a primary color in my wardrobe. I do pair it with black so it is much less contrast then I typically have worn in the past, but I think I am evolving style-wise and I will be wearing more grey/black this fall and winter. I fully expect to return to my rich saturated colors come summer and fall.

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