Your thoughts - color and outfit simplicity - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Your thoughts - color and outfit simplicity

Helena

Veteran

Since my goal in life seems to be to create as many rules as possible and then follow them without deviation (ha!) or drive myself nuts trying, I am always pondering what new rules I could create

Wondering what if you think this is true or not - it seems to be that the simpler/more minimalist the outfit, the more impactful the color needs to be. The more fussy and complex the outfit, the softer and less contrasting the colors should be. (particulary for those of us without celebrity budgets and stylists) I'm visualizing someone wearing a simple shell and slim pants, vs. someone wearing a layered boho look; for example:
http://www.stylebistro.com/loo.....CCHX8P3VDY
vs.
http://www.celebritystyleguide.....a-hudgens/

Of course I am oversimplifying, but what do you think? True? Off-base? Stating the obvious? Always love to crowd-source these bits of wisdom!

General

15 replies

Latest reply was from Helena

Summer

Veteran

Hi, torontogirl. I've been tying myself in knots trying to articulate my thoughts on this, but here goes:
I believe that a simple/minimalist outfit needs something special to make it stand out. I definitely think it needs polish eg. luxury fabric, perfect fit, sophisticated colour, good grooming, maybe one statement accessory.
A boho look could be based on any colour/pattern-mix, multiple accessories, softer hair , layering, casual fabrics.
Looking at the examples you've given, I agree that each achieves the desired look very successfully. The strong colour of the shell and pants outfit gives the necessary drama, while the low-contrast colour in the boho outfit lends it a soft, casual look. But each interpretation is only one of many possibilities.
I hope this makes some sort of sense!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

IMO there are no universal rules - except this one So my answer would be it depends on the person.

I understand the need to codify things, it's part of being human BUT so is the need for creativity & change.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Yes, I see what you're getting at here and I agree. If someone is wearing just a couple of simple pieces with no texture or other visual interest, the pop of color should really POP. If you've got a lot going on with layers, textures, accessories, etc. a whole bunch of contrasting colors would be too much. Of course, I'm sure there are examples where people can pull off the opposite of this theory, but in general I like this approach myself.

carter

Veteran

I don't agree either. I think a simple pewter shell and slim pants with pearls can be just as stunning/impactful (much more so in my opinion) than black pants and bright red or cobalt top.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It depends on the person wearing it.

But often contrasting colours or neutrals provide drama in a simple outfit. And if the wearer does well with a bit of drama, that can be a good thing.

E

Veteran

Have you read the posts about French 'strict' style on the blog Passage des Perles? I think it's the type of thing you're aiming for, so you might enjoy them: start here and then there are some ones where she explores the concept further:
http://passagedesperles.blogsp.....urces.html
http://passagedesperles.blogsp.....trict.html
http://passagedesperles.blogsp.....style.html
http://passagedesperles.blogsp.....se-of.html
http://passagedesperles.blogsp.....ntilo.html

You have to take her writing style as it comes, and be amused instead of offended by her strong opinions, but I really love the concept she's talking about. Obviously it's not one I go for much now, but I can see myself pursuing it in another decade or so (it must be my shadow style, hehe), especially the version shown in the bottom part of that last post.

Anyway, I don't agree with your colour idea; I can see how keeping the colours similar tones down boho if that's what you wanted, but I don't think you need to up the contrast when you're doing a simpler look.

DonnaF

Veteran

I tend to think in terms of Angie's Color - Pattern - Texture - Shine. If an outfit has only three of the four, at least one or preferably all three need/s to be amped up.

Sal

Veteran

I agree with Summer....

There are days that a very simple outfit feels right, maybe a black sweater, jeans and ankle boots. I think this can look great, but to lift it to an exceptional outfit I would make sure the jeans are a perfect fit and length, the sweater is quality, and the boots are modern in style. Grooming can also add to the final touch.

Meredith

Veteran

I think these rules could be true for your classic, polished, casual style, although I don't think the rules would apply to me. I wonder if you like the simple outfits with a pop of color and the fussy outfits in similar colors because both represent ways you can explore new directions with your own style. You wouldn't wear head to toe color, but you'd feel comfortable in neutrals with a bold color. You might not wear boho or busy, but the look might read effirtlees, polished, and casual if it's done in neutrals. I don't know you very well, so take those thoughts with a grain of salt.

Helena

Veteran

Hi everyone, thanks so much for your thoughts - wise and thoughtful as always. I appreciate everyone weighing in and challenging me too - that's how I learn, and believe me, I KNOW that I don't know

Summer, that's a great point and I like how you articulated it - thank you.
Caro, you are right of course - however my personality does not like that state of affairs and thus, ironically, rebels against the lack of rules! I hate being overwhelmed by choices and thus constantly seek the "right" way (which I do realize does not exist!!)
milehighstyle, thank you! It does work on Julianna, doesn't it? Seems like perhaps something to consider when an outfit is falling flat a little.
Carter, great point - the visual you create is quiet and sophisticated - a different but equally beautiful vibe.
Suz, good point about the contrasting neutrals.
E., thank you for the links; I've looked over a few and they look really interesting - I'll be reading more tonight!
Donna, I'll have to read more about that approach, thanks for referencing it.
Kiwigal, I think you are right.
Meredith, I was thinking more in generalities than my own personal style, but your idea is very insightful and I really appreciate you sharing it - I will have to explore this - it's true I enjoy layering more with lots of neutrals, for example, whereas if I wear something bolder, I tend to minimize everything else entirely. Will analyse that further!

Thanks everyone for chiming in - much obliged, as always!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I understand - too much choice often leads me to bad decisions. I'm not against rules per say, just universal ones that don't take our differences into account. If we need fashion rules then they need to be our very own imo

Helena

Veteran

Yes Caro - to be clear any rule I make i only mean to ultimately apply to me. O would rather someone give them to me but alas, people are not so invested iny fashion rules as I. Plus I break them all the time, then change them, then change them back. It's not a great system really

Zibbets

Veteran

Interesting theory, but I think the ubiquitous little black dress disproves it.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Roxanna

Veteran

I actually prefer minimalist outfits in subdued colours, letting the textures, luxurious fabrics and cuts take centre stage. I just posted a minimalist outfit in all blush...

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Helena

Veteran

Thoroughly disproved ladies, at least as a sweeping rule. Well done!!