This is- frankly- brilliant!! But more than the actual idea; your photographic prove of this formula in action is beyond impressive!! I vote this post as one of the most interesting color posts ever!!
Omg thank you!! Honestly the formula just kind of lives in my brain but seeing it come alive in photos made me believe in it more too 😂 So glad it resonated. Color feels like a mystery sometimes, so I’m thrilled this made it feel a little more usable (and fun).
Ahhh thank you!! That’s the best feeling. when something you’ve been sensing just clicks into place. I’m so glad it helped put words to what you were already feeling. That’s honestly the whole goal.
Ahh thank you so much, Danielle! That means a lot. I’ve always wished someone would explain color in this way, so I’m really glad this landed. And yes, you’re totally right, this really is just the beginning. I’ve got more coming soon!
so obsessed with this break down and every one of these looks, but i screenshotted the shoe guide. i ALWAYS struggle in that department and your bullets are perfect perfect perfect
The shoe color guide is universal and works with so many outfits, neutral or colorful. People often wonder "what shoe goes with this outfit" and this is a cheat code for selecting at least a color based on the functional need. Do you need grounding? Or freshening up? Playfulness? Glam? Pick accordingly!
So in awe of your eye for combining colour! My personal go-to formula is a dark + light + bright (think olive green + butter yellow + cherry red). I always feel my best in an outfit that plays with colour value and contrast. Can’t wait to test out your approach!
Yes! That’s the key. You said it. Varying value, contrast, and saturation adds interest to an outfit. I’ll give you a better spoiler, formula #2 is about doing that within the same family. So a pastel yellow and a mustard and a neon. That sorta thing. So fun!
Bloody brilliant!! You are the answer to my outfit dreams right now. I am feeling stale and contemplating using Indyx to manifest new ideas. The way you have articulated the formula and provided the proof with outfits is bomb! Also I think you might be the best version of Tibi's fashion and color wheel I have seen to date! Thank you, Sue
Sue!! This made my day. Thank you! Honestly, “stale” is exactly where I can be too when I started getting nerdy about formulas. Indyx has been such a good tool for bringing those ideas to life in actual, wearable ways. Would love to see what magic you manifest with it! And I’m framing your Tibi comment :P
A skirt I haven't found a great way to style yet. But after reading your post I came up with some fab options. But not sure how I can send the pics to you?
Hahaha yes that’s what chat gpt said lol. I see it now. So I can (must) move in or out any number of rings for my second piece, and must be to the left or right ? Lol. Clearly I’m trying to make an excel formula 🤣
These color combos are stunning, you have such an amazing eye! I especially love the way you use reds, pinks, and purples. My outfits lean neutral, but you're making me think that I need a tiny bit more color in my wardrobe. I'm excited for WGSN's 2027 Color of the Year Luminous Blue and think you'd knock this one out of the park.
Wearing color, especially Ring 3, feels aligned with my style, so I absolutely relished this beautifully articulated post on the subject. Brilliant!!!! Maybe you could mention hair color as a consideration? My curly hair is a copper red, so that has to be worked with or else everything is off. Also, I would love you to talk about bags because that is an ongoing outfit component of significant challenge when wearing multiple colors. Neutrals work, but still the wrong bag can throw off an outfit big time. Do you have favorites?
Excellent provocations. Hair color is absolutely a big consideration. I used to have pink hair, and my style looked very different then. The short version is this: if your hair is your natural color (whatever natural means for your hair), it doesn't need to be counted for colors. But if it has been enhanced in anyway, it counts as a color. I do not have scientific evidence to say this, but hold the opinion that the human eye can tell when something is an accessory vs a part of you naturally. This applies to hair color in that if I leave my hair natural (so dark brown it is black), it is just hair. But if I dye my hair black, now it counts as a color.
Bags is a great topic! I will add it to my list of posts to work on.
Whoa, Asta...natural hair=just hair vs. enhanced hair=accessory is a novel perception! Makes sense to me. Admittedly mine is enhanced thus it is most definitely a dominant accessory but works harmoniously with my skin tone and eyes. I studied seasonal color theory with a well-known pro in the field, and I can't unsee what my eye was trained to see. Even though I've strayed from my training which felt too constrictive, I still consider my coloring when choosing items. Thank you for being open to bags!
Oh I love that you studied color. I think there is absolute merit to it. And I always think it is better to know the rules, not to follow them to a tee, but so you know when and how to break them.
this is just genius! I had just started thinking more about pairing "washed" vs "saturated" thanks to one of Angie @thefoundjournal posts and this takes it to another level! Thank you!
I gotta find that because yes that’s exactly it. And expanding beyond washed and saturated to also muddy, grey-ish, neon versions of colors. Mixing them up from any of these buckets instantly add interest.
Wow, mind blown! This was so so good. I’ve been noticing pairings of saturated and desaturated colors lately but couldn’t verbalize why they look good. I’m a neutrals girlie but you’re inspiring me to start wearing more color!
Yes! Not that all same saturation isn’t possible to make look good but actually this way is a lot easier. The complexity of hue, value, and saturation variation gives the outfit so much interest inherently. I’m excited to see what you play with!
I’d also be curious to learn how this fits into the Tibi color wheel theory, because it seems like there’s a linkage between the murky hues and Ring 3 (but my brain cannot quite connect the dots)
Definitely a link! Ring 3 colors basically make this a whole lot easier because they lean into two colors simultaneously. So when something is reddish purplish brown like their plum shade, it can look purple when paired with blues, and red when paired with red, orange, yellows. It is a softer contrast between the ring3 color and whichever ring4 you paired it with. Much easier on the eye.
Love this post and explanation thanks. As I become more ‘fashion savvy’ I realise my closet is mostly ring 1-2 and dots of ring 4 but def not enough to play around. I’ve been craving colour so this will help be more strategic with planning xx
I’m excited to see how you augment. I hang clothes by color ring and even though you see a lot of color here, ring 4 is the one I have the least. But that might be coz I have so much navy, black, and ring 3 that 4 looks smaller by comparison 😂
I already good two things from TF’s 🙈 a yellow crispy T-shirt, a red nylon cocoon back and still waiting for the green crispy sweater with hole on the side .. so it’s coming . Not sure I know what to do with it all lol overwhelm
Ok hi you are NEXT LEVEL here with this brilliant formula. The color combos are SO good but honestly it’s the way you explained it and pieced it together that is inspiring bc you’re giving the framework for us to all give it a go. I can’t wait to put it to work!!
Ahhh this makes me so happy!! That’s exactly what I was hoping for, a framework people can actually play with. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it, right? Please share if you give it a try. And thanks for inspiring this.
This is- frankly- brilliant!! But more than the actual idea; your photographic prove of this formula in action is beyond impressive!! I vote this post as one of the most interesting color posts ever!!
Omg thank you!! Honestly the formula just kind of lives in my brain but seeing it come alive in photos made me believe in it more too 😂 So glad it resonated. Color feels like a mystery sometimes, so I’m thrilled this made it feel a little more usable (and fun).
completely agree, Asta you hit this one OUT OF THE PARK. I was feeling all this but you were able to put it in to words and made it all make sense!
Ahhh thank you!! That’s the best feeling. when something you’ve been sensing just clicks into place. I’m so glad it helped put words to what you were already feeling. That’s honestly the whole goal.
OH
Seriously! I have been yearning for a true artist to explain color theory to me, and especially color theory as it relates to fashion, FOREVER.
This is so uniquely intriguing and clearly explained. I also feel like it’s the tip of the iceberg and I would like more classes please.
Ahh thank you so much, Danielle! That means a lot. I’ve always wished someone would explain color in this way, so I’m really glad this landed. And yes, you’re totally right, this really is just the beginning. I’ve got more coming soon!
so obsessed with this break down and every one of these looks, but i screenshotted the shoe guide. i ALWAYS struggle in that department and your bullets are perfect perfect perfect
Thanks for picking up on that!
The shoe color guide is universal and works with so many outfits, neutral or colorful. People often wonder "what shoe goes with this outfit" and this is a cheat code for selecting at least a color based on the functional need. Do you need grounding? Or freshening up? Playfulness? Glam? Pick accordingly!
So in awe of your eye for combining colour! My personal go-to formula is a dark + light + bright (think olive green + butter yellow + cherry red). I always feel my best in an outfit that plays with colour value and contrast. Can’t wait to test out your approach!
Yes! That’s the key. You said it. Varying value, contrast, and saturation adds interest to an outfit. I’ll give you a better spoiler, formula #2 is about doing that within the same family. So a pastel yellow and a mustard and a neon. That sorta thing. So fun!
Bloody brilliant!! You are the answer to my outfit dreams right now. I am feeling stale and contemplating using Indyx to manifest new ideas. The way you have articulated the formula and provided the proof with outfits is bomb! Also I think you might be the best version of Tibi's fashion and color wheel I have seen to date! Thank you, Sue
Sue!! This made my day. Thank you! Honestly, “stale” is exactly where I can be too when I started getting nerdy about formulas. Indyx has been such a good tool for bringing those ideas to life in actual, wearable ways. Would love to see what magic you manifest with it! And I’m framing your Tibi comment :P
So i played around with a skirt i love that I
A skirt I haven't found a great way to style yet. But after reading your post I came up with some fab options. But not sure how I can send the pics to you?
You can share them in my chat here if you are comfortable with that: https://substack.com/chat/2771673
Great explanation and inspiration ! Thank you. I can't wait to read about rules # 1, 2 and 4 !
Thanks for the feedback!
Ok I love this. Love! But I’m an ex banker lol and I’m confused what each do these colour rings represent lol … I’m gonna ask chat gpt 🤣.
This graphic is simply showing a darker or muddier shade of each color with each ring :)
Hahaha yes that’s what chat gpt said lol. I see it now. So I can (must) move in or out any number of rings for my second piece, and must be to the left or right ? Lol. Clearly I’m trying to make an excel formula 🤣
Yes. Go left or right. And move up or down the rings. You got it!!
So fun, so well dressed! The plum sandal with the red + pink? Genius! Bookmarking for the future.
Thank you so much for your kind words!
These color combos are stunning, you have such an amazing eye! I especially love the way you use reds, pinks, and purples. My outfits lean neutral, but you're making me think that I need a tiny bit more color in my wardrobe. I'm excited for WGSN's 2027 Color of the Year Luminous Blue and think you'd knock this one out of the park.
OMG I just looked that up and STUNNING! So gorgeous. I am excited to play with that indeed.
I really enjoyed this approach. I love color and am always looking for ways to try new combinations.
Thank you for the feedback. So glad this resonated!
Wearing color, especially Ring 3, feels aligned with my style, so I absolutely relished this beautifully articulated post on the subject. Brilliant!!!! Maybe you could mention hair color as a consideration? My curly hair is a copper red, so that has to be worked with or else everything is off. Also, I would love you to talk about bags because that is an ongoing outfit component of significant challenge when wearing multiple colors. Neutrals work, but still the wrong bag can throw off an outfit big time. Do you have favorites?
Excellent provocations. Hair color is absolutely a big consideration. I used to have pink hair, and my style looked very different then. The short version is this: if your hair is your natural color (whatever natural means for your hair), it doesn't need to be counted for colors. But if it has been enhanced in anyway, it counts as a color. I do not have scientific evidence to say this, but hold the opinion that the human eye can tell when something is an accessory vs a part of you naturally. This applies to hair color in that if I leave my hair natural (so dark brown it is black), it is just hair. But if I dye my hair black, now it counts as a color.
Bags is a great topic! I will add it to my list of posts to work on.
Whoa, Asta...natural hair=just hair vs. enhanced hair=accessory is a novel perception! Makes sense to me. Admittedly mine is enhanced thus it is most definitely a dominant accessory but works harmoniously with my skin tone and eyes. I studied seasonal color theory with a well-known pro in the field, and I can't unsee what my eye was trained to see. Even though I've strayed from my training which felt too constrictive, I still consider my coloring when choosing items. Thank you for being open to bags!
Oh I love that you studied color. I think there is absolute merit to it. And I always think it is better to know the rules, not to follow them to a tee, but so you know when and how to break them.
Yes, exactly right!
this is just genius! I had just started thinking more about pairing "washed" vs "saturated" thanks to one of Angie @thefoundjournal posts and this takes it to another level! Thank you!
I gotta find that because yes that’s exactly it. And expanding beyond washed and saturated to also muddy, grey-ish, neon versions of colors. Mixing them up from any of these buckets instantly add interest.
this is the post, https://open.substack.com/pub/thefoundjournal/p/meet-your-unsung-color-heroes?r=1jgqru&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Yours and hers have unlocked something in my brain - like you said, putting words to something we may have some instincts on is so incredibly helpful!
Thank you so much!
Wow, mind blown! This was so so good. I’ve been noticing pairings of saturated and desaturated colors lately but couldn’t verbalize why they look good. I’m a neutrals girlie but you’re inspiring me to start wearing more color!
Yes! Not that all same saturation isn’t possible to make look good but actually this way is a lot easier. The complexity of hue, value, and saturation variation gives the outfit so much interest inherently. I’m excited to see what you play with!
I’d also be curious to learn how this fits into the Tibi color wheel theory, because it seems like there’s a linkage between the murky hues and Ring 3 (but my brain cannot quite connect the dots)
Definitely a link! Ring 3 colors basically make this a whole lot easier because they lean into two colors simultaneously. So when something is reddish purplish brown like their plum shade, it can look purple when paired with blues, and red when paired with red, orange, yellows. It is a softer contrast between the ring3 color and whichever ring4 you paired it with. Much easier on the eye.
Oh makes sense. That’s why they’re bridge colors 🤓 I gotta let this sink in!
Yes exactly!
Love this post and explanation thanks. As I become more ‘fashion savvy’ I realise my closet is mostly ring 1-2 and dots of ring 4 but def not enough to play around. I’ve been craving colour so this will help be more strategic with planning xx
I’m excited to see how you augment. I hang clothes by color ring and even though you see a lot of color here, ring 4 is the one I have the least. But that might be coz I have so much navy, black, and ring 3 that 4 looks smaller by comparison 😂
I already good two things from TF’s 🙈 a yellow crispy T-shirt, a red nylon cocoon back and still waiting for the green crispy sweater with hole on the side .. so it’s coming . Not sure I know what to do with it all lol overwhelm
We can chat through it if you would like :) fun additions
Sure I’d love that! Thx
I love this so much! I’ve always loved analogous dressing, but changing the saturation of one piece adds so much complexity!
Yes yes! Thanks for mentioning that. That’s key to make this formula work. So glad this resonated.
Ok hi you are NEXT LEVEL here with this brilliant formula. The color combos are SO good but honestly it’s the way you explained it and pieced it together that is inspiring bc you’re giving the framework for us to all give it a go. I can’t wait to put it to work!!
Ahhh this makes me so happy!! That’s exactly what I was hoping for, a framework people can actually play with. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it, right? Please share if you give it a try. And thanks for inspiring this.