Missey, I am so glad that you are able to intuitively know what works! Not everyone is able to do that. I for one, am not particularly intuitive when it comes to color, style, contrast, or my clothing. I have had to work hard at this and am learning. I accept your way of doing things and am so happy for you. I hope you will be happy for me as I sort out my "color confused" ways. It seems to be working for me. I certainly can laugh at myself, and do this all with good spirit and humor. I know from much experience that before you intuit something, you must have a general understanding, a knowledge base. That plus experience is where intuition comes from.
I haven't really thought of it before, but Missey has helped to clarify my thinking and I truly thank her for this! I am really working towards being able to become an intuitive dresser. Someone who just knows what is right or wrong for myself. I know that this is possible to learn. This entire process I am going through, learning my body shape, getting my colors done, deciding on words that describe my style, etc. All of them help to define what will eventually be a knowledge base. I will then gain experience using it and eventually it will all become intuitive.
This exercise and these guidelines are yet another part of this process. I am learning so much from everyone's feedback and hopefully but experimenting with using these guidelines I will learn something more and eventually become free and fashionable!
E, That is so interesting, I am not surprised by what you discovered when looking at your pics. I think you have a natural ability to know what works well for you. Of course you should always wear what you love. The guidelines are only guidelines and not there to be rigidly followed!
Bettycrocker, I would love to know what you have concluded? Maybe try out another ensemble and see what happens? I think you may be correct about the stripes part by the way. Depending on how the stripes are spaced, it could effect the contrast level.