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Coordinating colours to build a wardrobe around?

12 replies

AllAtHome · 13/09/2018 18:58

I’m sure 'wardrobe' is the wrong word, but I can’t think of the one I mean.

I fail with a capsule wardrobe because I need clothes to do so many different functions. I struggle to look put together, though.

I’ve had an idea based on a comment on another thread about buying clothes only in certain colours that 'go'.

Obviously, my ultimate aim is to look put together, classy and stylish. Colouring-wise, I think I’m a 'soft autumn'... (light brown hair, can be ashy or reddish depending on the light - lots of colours in my hair, but can look awful at its worst. I have pale skin with freckles and blue/ brown eyes - brown in the centre, blue on the outside.

I have a lot of black (have to as it’s uniform for one part of my job). I’m aware that it’s not my best colour, but this is where colours in my wardrobe start to go wrong!

I also have navy, greens, browns and reds. I think I need to hone in the colours.

What would you suggest as a base colour to build my wardrobe around? (When I wear black, it’s all black, but it means I tend to have a lot of black).

Accent colours? (I like dark red, but is this classy/ classic?)

I not know where to start!

OP posts:
sleepismysuperpower1 · 13/09/2018 19:21

dark red or maybe grey?

AllAtHome · 13/09/2018 21:00

Would you say grey as a base? I’m not sure what colours go well with grey.

I’m thinking of a base colour that I can add toning and accent colours to, but I’m not sure how to put together a palette of colours like this.

OP posts:
Tatapie · 13/09/2018 21:06

Navy suits everyone, is always around and you can accent / accessorise easily.
If you are soft autumn stay away from grey!
Orange, purple, mustard, coral, would work as accents. True red and teal also universally flattering. Gold jewellery and brown leather boots etc. Would work for you.

AllAtHome · 13/09/2018 21:21

I’m quite similar in colouring to this lady, but not exactly...

OP posts:
AllAtHome · 13/09/2018 21:22

@Tatapie thank you. I do have some navy. I’ve fallen in the trap of black trousers with colour and I want to break away from that.

OP posts:
AllAtHome · 13/09/2018 21:38

I’m having a problem because 'soft autumn' doesn’t include grey or black, yet my uniform (for job 2) is all black. Plus I don’t want to wear brown trousers, which seems to be the mane neutral colour!

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MelanieCheeks · 13/09/2018 21:45

I find the problem with navy is that there are so many shades. You can buy navy trousers in one place and a navy jacket somewhere else, and they don't match.

If you have to wear black, keep that as base, but make sure you have an autumn colour near your face- olive green turtle neck, bronze orange scarf, aubergine sheer shirt, gold knit cardigan. And get some big statement jewellery that tones -amber pendant, olive Perspex chain, chunky brown beads.

PaulHollywoodsleftbollockhair · 13/09/2018 21:54

Here you go...

Coordinating colours to build a wardrobe around?
AllAtHome · 13/09/2018 22:26

Good advice MelanieCheeks

Thank you!! PaulHollywood I needed that chart!

OP posts:
pumpkinyael · 13/09/2018 22:40

"Neutrals" combined with a few colours you look good in and or you happen to particularly like.

I’m having a problem because 'soft autumn' doesn’t include grey or black, yet my uniform (for job 2) is all black.

Not every piece needs to be in the most flattering shade. Well, unless it's close to your face... Picking a colour that suits your skin tone is (imo) pretty useless if you don't actually like the colour.

buckeejit · 13/09/2018 23:02

It's marmite on here but 'get your colours done'

I did it a few years ago & was great. Right shade of Lippy is useful too.

I've just bought the book 'colour your style' by David Zyla & it seems a very clear way of honing in on your colours

crochetmonkey74 · 14/09/2018 12:12

I have a wardrobe built around Navy, forest green and burgundy. It works really well for the autumn / winter. I have accents of gold (lovely sort of citrine coloured silk shirt) and a brighter red tweed skirt, I've been really happy with this colour palette and similar colouring to you

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