Not Feeling Neutral
I am a neutral lover thru and thru. Yes, if you’ve been here a while you know that I’m also that woman who had no less than 4 virtual color analyses last year. Obsessive? Yes. I was curious to test the viability of virtual analysis, (not very accurate) and looking to try new colors. Throughout the process, I did discover colors I’ve never worn before that I’ve wholeheartedly embraced and they happen to be, you guessed it, neutrals. Today I’m chatting about wearing colors you love.
Related – Personal Color Analysis: Is It For You?
There’s no question that color lifts our spirits but I’m seldom drawn to an outfit with color the way I am by an outfit made up of neutrals. It’s a personal preference for me, but it’s also part of my personal style recipe. I find neutrals elegant in a way that I don’t find colors and elegance is a big part of my style formula.
While walking the seawall in False Creek yesterday, I passed a young man dressed in a camel overcoat, gray crewneck sweater, deep navy pants, and black shoes. I tried to not stare but don’t think I succeeded because he gave me the stink eye:) The color combo was arresting in its simplicity and totally inspiring to me.
As always, you can click the red text for more info and to shop the item.
I looked down and realized my dog walking outfit, wasn’t that far off the mark. It wasn’t anywhere as crisp because my jeans were a mid-wash and my sneakers were…well, sneakers. The neutrals were similar but the entire effect was downplayed by texture and saturation of the colors.
I ditched the sneakers and heavier jacket when the weather got milder but that did little to add polish to my look because of the faded denim and rustic suede booties.
Now I’m thinking about what I have in my wardrobe at home to recreate his outfit. I think I have a lot and it will be dead simple. Have you ever used a man’s outfit as inspiration to create a look for yourself?
Wearing Colors You Love
Our personal style recipe needs to feel authentic. Forcing ourselves to wear a style, shape, or color simply because it’s in our pallet or “flattering” can be a recipe for disaster. The colors that flatter our personal coloring is only part of your style equation. Pay attention to your instinct and wear what resonates with how you want to feel. If you’re tagged a bright spring but prefer to wear quiet colors that don’t draw attention, listen to yourself and dress for your comfort level.
That said, I have an in-person color analysis scheduled for Saturday and another one scheduled in January. Both practitioners are trained in the Sci-Art method which I’ve long been a big fan of. We can stab in the dark doing a color analysis online, but to see your skin react, you must be draped in person. I’ll let you know how it goes. To be honest, the only season I would be surprised to be typed at this point is a winter because I’ve been called everything else…several times.
One final note…I was shopping yesterday, big surprise, and a saleslady oohed and awed over how a canary yellow coat looked on me. Her exact words were, “oh, that’s your color!”. In truth, I looked sick as a dog in that yellow and she has no clue what she’s talking about. Her opinion is just that, an untrained opinion so beware of where compliments come from. Listen to your instincts. How do you feel in the shape and color? Is it sending the message you want to be associated with you?
Thanks for reading my ramblings this morning ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident because that’s all that matters.
Jennifer,
Many, many years ago, (I’m 84) a colorist told me “Anyone can wear any color as long as it’s the right hue. Winters can wear any pure color – no additives. Think of a child’s new box of colors – like pure red. Summers would add white as in watermelon red. Springs would add a shade of yellow, introducing coral, and Autumns would add a shade of brown, bringing rusts or brick red. Tiny tints of grey or black could be added to deepen shades depending on the season and climate of the year.” It made sense to me.
It makes total sense to me and I agree.
I walked the same seawall just a couple of days before you! I’m trying to remember what I wore that day, but it was likely neutrals too as they make up the majority of my wardrobe and especially the contents of my suitcase when we travel. So easy to mix and match!
It’s such a gorgeous spot to walk:) We love it there.
I try so hard to keep my opinions to myself when someone starts talking about colour analysis but this time I am going to add something here for everyone out there who wonders what they should be wearing. Colour analysis is a great starting place for people who need guidance but I run for cover when they become hardline inflexible because it is just not that simple. Most of the companies/people who do the analysis use some type of synthetic fabric when they “drape” in person…..and mostly that works OK. It does not take into account how dyes work on different fibres. I look like he[[ in black polyester because the black dyes has a weird gray or yellow effect. Drape me in cashmere/wool/silk (natural fibres) and the black can be just fine especially if my scarf near my face is one of my best colours. A wool black coat is a good idea because it goes with everything, wear well and does not show the dirt.
It does help to have a friend who is good with colour and will be honest with you about what your skin tone does when you hold the colour up to your face in natural light. My Mom was a Fibre Artist so I grew up with a Colour/line/Form education by “osmosis”….and then I became a Spinner/Weaver/Dyer so I understand what fibres are like, how they are processed and dyed. Your colour analysis person may have just learned a system and not actually be good with colour and have no clue about fibres so be careful when you choose your person. Or better still find a friend who is good with colour and hold items under your chin and have them tell you if you go yellow or grey etc. And, if you are not what is called a “Winter” in many systems wear your black pants with a best for you colour on top. You need to feel good in your clothes.
I really enjoyed your column and the thoughtful responses. I was white-haired by my early 30’s; then I colored my hair brown (but lighter than my ‘natural’ color) for decades. During the pandemic, I let my hair grow out, so pure white again. (No, not gray, but pure white!) My colors have changed with white hair: red is a good color again — and saturated colors all look better b/c they don’t wash me out. Pastels have never worked, and white can be problematic although ivory and cream are good as my skin is somewhat sallow. The colors I like are those that make me look better, so I don’t have a favorite neutral. Virtually none of the colors you choose would look good on me, but your commentary and style advice are terrific. Looking forward to your color analyses!
Thank you for commenting on the accuracy of online color analyses. I’ve been tempted since my hair has gone silver, wondering if my winter coloration has changed as far as intensity but have hesitated because I can’t imagine it could be a valid reading.
I am sugned up for your e-mails. Your site is the best I have seen for ideas, proportions and inspiration. Rarely dies one see ideas for a shorter, thin person. thank you so much!!!!
I’m a neutral-lover, too, and I love camel and gray together! So sophisticated. When I wear color, it’s almost always in deeper shades and paired with solids. I wear very few prints, but the few I do have are also in darker tones. I feel like neutral colors are understated and classic, which I personally prefer. My house is decorated the same way. And all of these things match my personality: in other words, I’m definitely not a flashy, “look at me,” person!
i sometimes shop in the Mens department as it is cheaper. I buy my cashmere jumpers in small Men size and they are basically $30 cheaper upstairs than down in Womens area.
Not to be unkind to salespersons, but they are interested in making a sale. Like you, I have been told by salespeople how flattering a color, piece of clothing, jewelry, coat, or entire outfit was on me. Sometimes I agreed, but sometimes I shouldn’t have listened to the salesperson!
Yes, they mean no harm but can inadvertently cause it because women tend to see them as experts.
Of course, I immediately went to my closet and lay those clothes out on my bed. I do love neutrals but I’m finding as I get older I really need the blue or pink or some light color in a top that reflects upon my face. The only neutrals that look good next to my face now are light navy or white. I consider burgundy a neutral in my wardrobe so it looks good.
I agree with you Jennifer. I also think that our color pallet can change as we age and our skin and hair tone changes.
To be honest, I love seeing you in brighter colours. Ive noticed you in paler colours and Im not sure they are your best colours. But Im no expert.
I love Sage green as a neutral color.
Yellow is the most difficult color for me to wear, but when I find the right yellow, it’s magic.
I was typed as an autumn because of my red hair. That was wrong, and I knew it. I was correctly typed as a spring and wore the beautiful bright spring colors. These were the colors I loved as a child. Now I’ve moved to more of a spring/summer, as my hair and skin tones have changed over time. The brighter colors are a bit much now. I’ve always been able to wear silver and gold jewelry, but never the deepest gold. Black and navy aren’t my best looks, but I’ll wear them in combination with other colors. I don’t like to be boxed in. Clothing is like a painting. Every day we can create a new one.
You’ll find a lot of sharp-dressed people of both genders in Vancouver. As you know, it’s a fashion city. There’s the casual west coast look, too, and edgy, experimental style. Don’t forget vintage shopping while you’re there.
Just dropping in to say thank you, Jennifer, for the excellent recommendation of HB (Hair Biology) Thickening Treatment. It is amazing. I am always wary that hair products over promise and under deliver when it comes to thickening fine, thinning, post-menopausal hair. However, this one actually works. I ordered it (Target $9.99) after reading your review and have used it three times on my wet hair after washing. My hair is noticeably thicker after blow drying. Many thanks for mentioning it in your blog!
I tend to like sophisticated color combos also. Especially since now I am of a certain age. I do want to look dignified, but I also have fun with colors when it is summer at the beach. Or when I am with family, and when we are just hanging out, I tend to dress in plaids and flowers. I love your neutral color palate for this blog!
Could not agree with you more! I am drawn to neutrals like I’m never drawn to colors. I certainly wear colors, a pop here in a pop there, and they do make me happy but they don’t call me like neutrals do.
I had my colors done years ago by an artist. She thought I was a winter, and I found that to be very accurate–jewel tones, black and whites, olive greens and dark browns. I look washed out in pastels, except for lemon yellow, and horrible in oranges, golds, and the wrong tans. Everyone looks good in aqua. It’s skin tone, not hair color. It has made my shopping much easier.
Timely post as I’ve just started playing with combinations of neutrals that I used to keep separate…and I’m liking it! Camels and taupes used to go nowhere near greys in my world but combining them sure adds a bit more interest to my preferred non- patterned neutral wardrobe.