tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post3742404416921759624..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: Color Talk: What's Your Neutral?Gertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-65824547295286418242010-03-09T16:33:13.520-05:002010-03-09T16:33:13.520-05:00"Would you wear it head to toe?"
Seems m..."Would you wear it head to toe?"<br />Seems my neutral is beige in different shades - by this rule, but by other ones as well. I do wear it head to toe often (if you leave out shoes, that is). And I'm quite happy with it that way, and especially happy combining it with other colours as well. http://www.flickr.com/photos/marmota-b/3621797426/in/set-72157607302069175/<br />Plus, it's the colour I'm able to combine with no regrets as a headband worn together with a rather bright green sweater, the brightest, most standing-out thing in my wardrobe currently. That goes to prove it's my neutral, doesn't it?Hanahttp://marmota-b.blog.cznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-81994304529006663962010-03-07T18:57:09.693-05:002010-03-07T18:57:09.693-05:00Thanks Gertie I am lovin' this thread! I have...Thanks Gertie I am lovin' this thread! I have been pondering this for some time wondering what I can use as a base color or neutral in my wardrobe now that I'm getting older. <br />Years ago I made the decision to use cream as my base color not that black, the usual, didn't look good on me but because everyone always wears black and I have to be different. Often I would go monotone cream with a splash of color. I have always worn lots of scarfs so that worked well for me.<br /><br />Now at my age, and with the lightening of my hair, black is much to harsh and cream makes me look fat. What's a girl to do? I would love to use tans and taupes to go with the oranges and golds that I like to wear but If those colors are not in style it's very hard to buy ready to wear in a color that you choose if the "Powers That Be" have not designated them to be the in color for the season. It's a delema. <br /><br />~ ~Ahrisha~ ~~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~https://www.blogger.com/profile/11345454060454954640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-38162423969413683982010-03-04T22:05:57.107-05:002010-03-04T22:05:57.107-05:00This conversation fascinates me because I get chid...This conversation fascinates me because I get chided by my friends (lovingly) for only wearing neutrals. One of my colleagues whom I like alot will make a comment if I am not wearing a neutral, and I've been following certain bloggers advice about "pops of colors" as a scared New Yorker's attempts to add color to my wardrobe.<br />That said, I think that black, grey, white, brown and cream are neturals. I've been told navy, green, and red are neutrals too (also denim is considered a neutral?) But I think that anything not black, grey, white, brown or cream is a "bright" for me, since it's so difficult for me to incorporate it confidently. I think my fear of color comes from some irrational fear that I am trying to draw too much attention to myself (ironic, since I put my outfits on the internet). <br />Maybe though to consider the question if purple is a neutral, I think it can act like one. For purposes of the dress, the purple can serve as a background for additional colors. No matter what, I believe that it will look amazing on Gertie!Radhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01946279879863336523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-50355223416813742412010-03-04T18:45:53.845-05:002010-03-04T18:45:53.845-05:00I don't particularly think neutrals are person...I don't particularly think neutrals are person specific. My own definition of neutral would be that it doesn't clash with anything. Add ivory or white or navy or black to another bright colour and they generally rub along quite nicely, throw an olive green and a tangarine orange together and that almost makes your eyes water! This is the case whether the colours suit you or not. Personally I feel that black makes me look a bit dead, and I would certainly never wear an entire black outfit... but I do think its a neutral. My black jeans go with pretty much everything, so for me, that means black is neutral!Vickleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11902724836110150965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-31790010843847032592010-03-03T23:58:27.167-05:002010-03-03T23:58:27.167-05:00I say neutrals can be whatever you want them to be...I say neutrals can be whatever you want them to be! Your clothing is personal to you and if tan, black, gray, etc. don't work for you, then there should be nothing keeping you from coloring outside those lines!<br /><br />I'm all about white, medium blues and navy, and chocolate-y browns.reillyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12776283905130149324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-36741957981661428892010-03-03T21:19:43.937-05:002010-03-03T21:19:43.937-05:00This discussion is so fascinating! I've been t...This discussion is so fascinating! I've been thinking a lot about what my preferred neutral (or, base color) is as my goal is to sew a few wonderful wardrobe staples. I know it's fun to sew special pieces, but as a beginning (and very frustrated) sewer, I'd like to put all of my effort into something that both fits perfectly and will have major mileage. <br /><br />So I keep going back and forth on fabric color: navy? gray? black? I love them all, but I'm leaning toward black. Black (wardrobe-wise) sometimes feels overly formal but it's classic and mingles well with others. I'm likely to change my mind tomorrow, though. :)Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15575104493258544397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-13654372941199036542010-03-03T21:10:02.551-05:002010-03-03T21:10:02.551-05:00Plum has become my new neutral. I wear it with bl...Plum has become my new neutral. I wear it with black and gray and patterns and brights and somehow, it always seems to work. And...my house is plum!Michelenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-11060160539040089692010-03-03T19:38:33.063-05:002010-03-03T19:38:33.063-05:00I've been pondering this very question since y...I've been pondering this very question since yesterday. Red is a colour I wear with many other colours (black, purple, green, brown, white, pink and sometimes even orange). I also do wear it head to toe (lots of red shoes in my wardrobe). It's also my go to comfort colour when I'm feeling fat, old and ugly.Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11274649006496918800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-35052978989543609952010-03-03T19:13:30.862-05:002010-03-03T19:13:30.862-05:00I don't really agree with calling any colour &...I don't really agree with calling any colour 'your neutral' on the basis that it suits your skin tone best. I believe in the traditional description, similar to what Meghan said: "neutral is whatever stops registering as a color when you wear it", and hence, goes with everything. Sure, purple could form a good background for certain colours, but I'm sure not all of them would go together ideally. Black, grey, and flesh-toned/tan are counted as neutrals because they can be worn with just about anything.<br /><br />Perhaps another word is needed for your preferred base colour. It may be what you typically build an outfit around, but I don't think it can rightly be called neutral.Miss Emmihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07251628463640473391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-34073592027511841802010-03-03T17:39:33.016-05:002010-03-03T17:39:33.016-05:00Ava: What an interesting point. Yes, it's fun...Ava: What an interesting point. Yes, it's funny to think that something like what colors go together, which you would think would be based on the inherent qualities of colors themselves, is really just...custom.<br />In terms of fashion, I mean. I understand that color theory is different, and does have actual rules.<br />-SandraAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-80232964354435438982010-03-03T15:57:18.072-05:002010-03-03T15:57:18.072-05:00I live in a part of the country most people consid...I live in a part of the country most people consider color to be a sin. I see more jeans, blues, blacks and greys then any single color and forget bright.<br /><br />I wear whatever I want to, mostly oranges but I am just as likely to wear limes, teals and prints as I am to slip on a black skirt or navy dress. I wouldn't wear any one bright color head to toe, but I wouldn't wear any other "neutral" color head to toe. <br /><br />Blue (of all shades) seems to wind up being my neutral, although I don't like the color. I can wear it with orange or lime, I can wear it with prints, I can wear it alone...it pretty well matches everything. It doesn't wash me out like black does, it's not as ugly as brown and it tones down the wild colors...or accents them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-30803396627520287422010-03-03T15:19:14.352-05:002010-03-03T15:19:14.352-05:00Gertie,
Have you heard of colour analysis (eg the ...Gertie,<br />Have you heard of colour analysis (eg the winter-summer-spring-autumn thing)?<br />I have had my colours analyzed recently after having been interested in the theories for a long time and learning about colour, skin tone etc.<br />I'm far away from wearing the colours that are "right" with my skin, but I hope you don't mind it if I say I sometimes feel the colours you choose seem too harsh on you to me. I'm really curious to see what you would look like in softer tones!PrutsPrinseshttp://prutsprinses.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-82824942740972295682010-03-03T15:15:14.732-05:002010-03-03T15:15:14.732-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-68783734391268347532010-03-03T14:47:54.246-05:002010-03-03T14:47:54.246-05:00Having worked in the (home) design field, I've...Having worked in the (home) design field, I've seen it all when it comes to colors being used together - chocolate and blush pink is common now for girls rooms, and rooms of beige and blue are (thankfully) less popular now!<br /><br />Some of my favorite color combos, in no particular order (and mixed with liberal helpings of grey, taupe, white or ivory):<br />chocolate and teal or pumpkin or lime or raspberry<br />olive/avocado and pumpkin with mushroom <br />navy and celadon and/or lavender<br />turquoise and lime green <br />navy and lime green (my kitchen)<br />deep red with mustard yellow<br />clear blue-red with baby blue (it was a coat and scarf combo that I just cant stop loving)<br /><br />I think the same color principals that are applied to interior design can also be applied in wardrobes, but I'd be loathe to do it to MY wardrobe. I can't imagine anything more horrifying than matching one's living room!Binkydollhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03114235723389534329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-74108850694323392132010-03-03T14:47:19.598-05:002010-03-03T14:47:19.598-05:00Hmm... I'm wondering if there is some confusio...Hmm... I'm wondering if there is some confusion in terminology here lol That might account for some of the differences. :) <br /><br />There is a lot of blue, black and gray in my wardrobe, which I noted seems to fit in with the notion of pure and less pure neutrals that Bishojo Mandy mentioned... and my wardrobe is pretty much just blue based colours. Blue pinks, blue purples, blue greens, blue reds etc., like Cindy. So that makes me inclined to think that for the purpose of fashion, what one person considers neutral is probably what dominates their wardrobe & tastes. That is their base colour that all the others compliment and work around. Sounds as wonderfully unique as all of us.Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05487281083171155430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-18973179644711755812010-03-03T14:41:29.747-05:002010-03-03T14:41:29.747-05:00Fabulous points, everyone. It's interesting th...Fabulous points, everyone. It's interesting that there are indeed varying concepts of neutral. In color theory, it is a fixed and stable thing, as several people have mentioned. But does that mean that Tim Gunn is incorrect when he calls khaki a neutral? I don't think so, because he's using the word neutral as it applies to fashion and style, NOT color theory. Perhaps the more accurate term would indeed be "base color" but the word neutral has entered our popular lexicon in a way that makes its use flexible in some situations. I think it's really a matter of semantics, personally.Gertiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-7240914498848594302010-03-03T14:34:50.904-05:002010-03-03T14:34:50.904-05:00Neutral colours for me are black, white, red, purp...Neutral colours for me are black, white, red, purple, and chocolate. I have pretty much every colour on that chart in my closet already. I love colour - it makes me happy. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-88700126177992544132010-03-03T14:31:25.301-05:002010-03-03T14:31:25.301-05:00I don't think neutrals are colors that you can...I don't think neutrals are colors that you can where head to toe because the idea of wearing a single color head to toe is cringe worthy to me. Neutrals are colors that can serve as a background to other colors. They're the less dominant colors in an outfit. I frequently wear softer yellows as neutrals because they makes the other colors I wear like red or green or even black stand out more. White isn't neutral in my wardrobe because whenever I wear touches of white, they dominate the outfit because the rest of my wardrobe is so color saturated. Neutral is really subjective.Andihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08730751493958885456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-82445180799175550562010-03-03T14:25:04.988-05:002010-03-03T14:25:04.988-05:00Just like Toby, I'm also moving to brown as my...Just like Toby, I'm also moving to brown as my neutral over the ever popular black. I've suceeded in eliminating black in my home decor and am now trying to do the same in clothes Well, not all black! It's just black HAS to be paired with some great color or color pattern, though of course black tights will always be a staple. However, I hope to never wear ALL black again.lsaspaceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17058968076601943527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-1432686176088836852010-03-03T14:04:08.426-05:002010-03-03T14:04:08.426-05:00My wardrobe is, at this point, almost entirely bas...My wardrobe is, at this point, almost entirely based around red. Things are themselves red, or have red elements, or can go with red - because I don't keep an extensive everyday wardrobe, I like bright color, red is my favorite color, and I don't want to try to keep a bunch of different sets of accessories on hand. My winter uniform is an ivory wool/cashmere coat with vivid red beret, scarf, and lined leather gloves. It all stays together by the door so I can run out in a hurry and still look coordinated. Yes, I look the same every day, but I can get away with that here, and it makes my winter life simpler.<br /><br />There are very few things in my wardrobe I can't wear with that set of outer garments - I have a lot of black, ivory, and grays, and well as some brown-toned neutrals, and of course, red. Green and red are kind of awkward together because of Christmas associations, but I find that teal-toned greens and really saturated reds are easier to "get away with." Still - I don't actually consider red a neutral - it goes with many things, but it never disappears. I just love it enough that I use it as a consistent accent color.<br /><br />If you ever really want to throw your brain for a loop, mid 19th century color theory is quite a kick. It's all about complementary colors - opposites on the color wheel, and harmonizing colors - those next to each other on the wheel, and not matching any of your accessories. So it would have been quite stylish to run around in a hoop-skirted dress of scarlet wool trimmed with moss green braid, with white undersleeves and collar, with a chocolate brown bonnet lined in blush pink, and black kid gloves. And maybe a dark green shawl in case you get chilly! To a modern eye, that would look like chaos. To a super-matchy mid 20th century eye, it would look like, oh, you know, the apocalypse. But then, it would have been seen as very weird to wear all one color (except, to some extent, black for deep mourning or white for young girls or brides), or to match accessories.AvaTrimblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07351000089253459996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-86168787039225092812010-03-03T13:56:22.224-05:002010-03-03T13:56:22.224-05:00Just read Gaidig's comment & totally agre...Just read Gaidig's comment & totally agree! Should have read that before posting my bit.Fleurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11563619068883042433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-75930398528966358232010-03-03T13:53:14.358-05:002010-03-03T13:53:14.358-05:00I agree with Bishojo Mandy. We may all have our fa...I agree with Bishojo Mandy. We may all have our favourite base colours(whether they change according to season or not)however every colour in the spectrum shouldn't be considered a neutral. When it comes colour it will always be black, white & grey - see colour theory.<br /><br />If you have a favourite base colour and it suits your colouring then that is great, but it's not a neutral, it's just a colour that you love to wear that you use as a before 'accessorising' with other colours.<br /><br />I hope this doesn't come across rudely, but I feel there has been a fundamental misunderstanding of words here!Fleurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11563619068883042433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-49327863556723719142010-03-03T13:50:10.898-05:002010-03-03T13:50:10.898-05:00Now that I have read over the comments, I have a l...Now that I have read over the comments, I have a little more I would like to try to articulate. I think that people are talking about three different concepts when they use the word "neutral". I like what Bishojo Mandy said about neutrals on the color wheel as opposed to a background color in a wardrobe. Color theory has other precise terms that apply to this situation, like hue and saturation. I also think there is a third concept going on here, which is a person's most plentiful color in their wardrobe -- their go-to color. I think that these are all distinct concepts that can apply to the same garment.<br /><br />For example, aubergine is not a neutral color, but it could be a background to a red scarf, and it could be the most plentiful color in your wardrobe. Another example: tan is a neutral color, but I have very little of it and when I wear it paired with a dark brown pant, the tan is the focus of the outfit.<br /><br />- Neutral applies to color alone, not context.<br />-Background/accent applies to the color as used and the role it plays in context.<br />-Prevalence applies to how often a person wears a color, how it looks with their coloring, and how much of their wardrobe consistes of that color.<br /><br />I think our conversation could be more fruitful based on these distinctions. For example, a lot of us agree that there is no particular reason why your prevalent background color needs to be a neutral.Gaidighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11137796009019992269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-3363778634840043152010-03-03T13:44:05.687-05:002010-03-03T13:44:05.687-05:00Actually, Anon, among other things on the web are ...Actually, Anon, among other things on the web are dictionary definitions of "neutral." One of which says:<br /><br />--a. gray; without hue; of zero chroma; achromatic.<br />b. matching well with many or most other colors or shades, as white or beige.<br /><br />As those who've referenced nature and art mention, there are, in fact, many shades that work with most other colors. Certainly dirt brown, sky blue, and grass-green all make the cut. And going by definition "a" nothing other than gray does. <br /><br />I think I know which I'd prefer to explore.Vixhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08676924453001061927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-47148328396801295232010-03-03T13:19:29.493-05:002010-03-03T13:19:29.493-05:00How exciting that you quoted me! And thank you for...How exciting that you quoted me! And thank you for posting the Pantone preview. I've started shopping for fabric for Spring and the coral, purple orchid and lagoon are among the colours I bought. I'm making a black cotton sateen jacket as a base garment and plan to make lots of colourful dresses to wear with it. But the most interesting colour in that preview is, in my opinion, the chocolate truffle, which appears to be more of a maroon/plum than an actual brown, yet it does seem pretty neutral, doesn't it? ;) Unusual for spring as it's so deep, sexy and warm, but it really does combine beautifully with all those bright colours!saranoreply@blogger.com