Oh sorry -- I just say "color-color" to distinguish from neutrals. And given my black on both sides history, to remind myself there is another category besides neutrals, ha.

I know that both subsets are colors, pinky swear.

I see deciding on some key neutrals and colours as freeing vs. restrictive. It is the way that artists use constraint to make a stronger piece. That is how I understand your wish to narrow things a little bit, Sveta. As the decision to concentrate focus for greater impact and drama, which, since you require drama to look your best, is a really good idea! So, maybe it would just be best to pick the ones that make you feel happiest! Maybe four or five -- whether they are related or not -- but then see if those ones work together.

And figure out your neutrals, too. As you see, both Vix and I have a lot more neutrals than two. The way I see it, you can actually have as many neutrals as you like! I think the old advice for two (one dark, one light) was when people believed women would be buying shoes and bags in those neutrals and would need one for winter, one for summer. But there is no reason not to have more than one per season.

I didn't read all the comments, although I will cause it looks like an interesting read, but I just wanted to say my initial reaction to your post was along the lines of Jonesy. It seems like color mixing is a kind of signature for you. At least in my mind it is.

I think the two neutral limit was popularized by Janet Wallach in her couple of books on building capsule wardrobes. One is Working Wardrobe. People credit her with popularizing the idea of capsules. Usually one would be a darker neutral and one a lighter. She would show a broad selection of two color themes from which to choose, the better to mix all your pieces. Though she did allow as to how some women will prefer to have dress capsules, which seems to throw the whole idea out the window.

Sveta, I've not read all your replies but want to say that more than once I've tried to limit colors to streamline the wardrobe but have mostly failed because I've discovered that I can be energized by introducing a new color, like blush or the yellow raisin skirt.
One thing that may be helpful is to think of neutrals in terms of light and dark and pick a couple of favorites in each area to concentrate on. Example: My best dark neutrals are charcoal, navy and chocolate, but I'm leary of navy because there are so many shades and they don't work together. My light neutrals are soft white, silvery light grey and maybe blush.

Sveta it is so interesting to me that you have these concerns when you always look so fabulous.
I have been wondering about this myself, see a nice idea and then think of looking in my closet and realizing it would bore me to death. This is shocking to me as my wardrobe is still mainly black.

I love all the advice you have been given and look forward to seeing what you decide to do.

I just wanted to chime in to say that I have been on a journey of figuring out "my colors" for a while now, and for me, it's been freeing rather than restrictive. I used to have a closet full of black. Literally - nothing but black. Today I'm wearing a light pinky peach. Unheard of!

I am actually considered neutral - I am warm, but not very warm. I need softness with my warmth (no mustard yellow or bright orange) and I can't go too dark or the color overwhelms me. For me, having a prescribed palette makes it incredibly easy to get dressed. If I follow my palette, I can literally reach into my closet and pull things out and know that everything will "go" together because they all fall within the same range of warmth and saturation. (I think of it as my color version of Garanimals!) For someone like me, who doesn't have a natural eye for color, these boundaries/guidelines really help.

Also, I do believe that there's a version of blue, or red, or pink, or whatever color you're looking for that works for everyone. Some blue has a lot of black in it - too dark for me. Some blue has a lot of red in it - too cool for me. Some blue has a lot of green in it - this makes it warmer and that's better for me. I would have a hard time finding these differences on my own, which is why I rely on a "system," but you certainly can do it on your own.

Suz, I completely get what you are trying to say. It is funny but I really have a problem deciding what are my "signature" colors. Amethyst purple of course, and cobalt, and clear red, and emerald green, and deep teal - I cannot really choose, I love them all!
Scarlet, it may be very much so
Vildy, this is interesting to know.
Joy and Freckles, this may be very reason why I could not limit my colors - afraid to get bored?
Tara, thanks for sharing your experience. Pinky peach - wow, I remember that fear of color and "black only" wardrobe...:-)

Sveta;

Don't amethyst, cobalt, red, and emerald pretty much go with each other, except that red + green brings up Christmas associations and are hard to wear in equal quantities? You could probably get at least three to work together most of the time.