How do you wear dark, subtle colours without looking drab? Are there any rules I can follow?

[IwantaPetFox]

Due to my colouring (cool-toned, pale skin, dark hair and eyes) I look best in dark, wintery colours - greys, navy, black, deep dark purple. But it can look quite drab I think - I tried to find a scarf to lift the overall look, but most of them are really bright and make me look ill, or are too patterned and don't suit me either. It doesn't help that I'm rather skinny and small and big accessories, even scarves, can overwhelm me. Where am I going wrong?

Ditto re lipstick, but a bit of gloss does me no harm. From what you've said about the contrast being good I'd say winter. I think a key thing about being a Winter is being able to pull off make up shades that would make someone else look ready for the slab. I think that's why I look back fondly on my goth years - as a look it really worked for me.

That's so funny Travelin, I HATE cardigans (except for cropped ballet wrap style ones). They make me look really frumpy - I thought I was mad for thinking that, so glad to hear you feel the same!

Travelin I love your hair. Are you a Summer then?

Yes I haven't found any online tests to be remotely helpful!

My HoC friend (after I forced information out of her by dastardly means, and got two of my friends to go and have their colours done with her) did say that Winters are the easiest and quickest to diagnose, so I assume she and the rest of you are right about me being a Winter. I just need to step out of my comfort zone with colours and this thread has been v v helpful - thank you :)

this is fabulous gamine coat. It is a very true red irl.

Fox I know two winters, both of whom are very 'non-typical'. They took a while - one of them wouldn't believe it - determined she was a summer. She's loving being a winter now. She came out as a spring when she did her own on-line quiz. Think it just goes to show that you can't beat a full draping. (no, I'm not a consultant, just an evangelical bystander)

Good grief you are all mindreaders! I was thinking yesterday that I'd love a red coat Itsafineline - even thought about starting a thread for recommendations!

The coat has a quilted lining - it is toasty, apart from the knees!

Tempting Itsafineline I will have to think about it :) It is lovely.

I have a big red face, due to my being angry. Luckily, this is offset by my naturally thin frame which is got by eating porridge.

Um...what?

You sound like a paintbox Spring, Edmund.