I know it’s not easy to break out of the habit of buying neutrally colored clothing. You want your clothes to be versatile, to “go with everything.”
Pantone’s fashion color report for spring 2011.
You see a coral rose dress, or a blue curacao sweater, and you like it! But you always talk yourself out of it, calling it impractical. Next thing you know, your closet is a sea of black and gray and (the worst!) khaki.
My friend, I’m here to tell you that adding color doesn’t have to be scary. You can sneak bits of color (and therefore style and personality) into your look without too much trouble. You won’t even have to get rid of your black pants or white shirts!
Here are five easy and painless experiments for the color-shy, starring Pantone’s color of the year, honeysuckle. But you can use these suggestions for any color. Now might be the time to try out that color you’re not quite sure about…the one you’re afraid you “can’t pull off.”
experiment #1: makeup and nail polish
The great thing about eyeshadow is that you can achieve many different looks with just one color. Brush it on with a light touch for daytime, and a bit heavier for a night out. Even better, get a set of eyeshadows that some kind soul has already coordinated for you, and mix and match them.
Even a “normal” nail polish color like pink can be quite shocking. If your nails are usually bare, or if you’re not normally a pink girl, trying out a pretty pink polish might be a revelation! Nail polish is also a great way to experiment with wild colors, because a bottle is super cheap (well, not the Chanel bottles), and failed experiments are easily remedied. No reason to hold back!
experiment #2: jewelry and watches
Even the most color-averse among you can manage a brightly colored watchband! There’s no reason for plain leather or metal links to be your only options.
And what about that bold color you love, but that you can’t imagine covering a whole dress or top? Surely you can manage it in the form of a bright jewel. Perhaps on a pendant, in tiny stud earrings, or a bold cocktail ring? Jewelry is extremely well suited for bold, bright colors, and is a great way to make an old, neutral stand-by outfit into something interesting again.
experiment #3: the silk scarf
There’s a reason the distinctive Hermes scarf is so legendary. A colorful silk scarf is quite possibly the most perfect accessory! There are literally dozens of ways to wear it: in your hair, around your neck, hanging from the strap of your bag, as a belt…you get the idea.
Now, you may not want to experiment with an actual Hermes scarf (you better be sure you like the color at $300 + a pop), but there’s no law saying you can’t use their handy scarf-tying guide with a more affordable version. Find one you love, and it’s like having a dozen accessories in one!
experiment #4: handbags and wallets
The days when your shoes had to match your bag are gone. In fact, your bag doesn’t have to match anything! This is worth repeating.
Repeat after me: your bag does not have to match anything that you are wearing!
Your handbag (or briefcase, or wallet) is actually a perfect place to have a shot of color, especially if much of what you wear otherwise is in the brown-tan-black-beige-gray (et cetera) family. It’s a great way to make your look distinctive. Oh, there’s that lady with the gorgeous purple briefcase.
Nobody ever notices the lady with the plain black bag.
experiment #5: outerwear
Your outerwear is an area that shouldn’t be ignored when it’s time to try something new. Choosing a bold winter coat might be a big step for you, but spring and summer outerwear is a bit easier to experiment with.
The pink trench coats above are from Burberry’s spring 2010 collection (images courtesy of New York Magazine online). You might also try a brightly colored umbrella, rain boots, denim jacket, or hat.
Color adds interest and style to your outfits, and is a great way to let your personality shine through. I don’t believe that anybody out there has a khaki, tan, or beige personality. If you’re not ready for lime green pants or an aubergine dress, perhaps one of these experiments will help you ease into wearing color!
Have you recently experimented with color? Let me know how it made you feel! Would you do it again?
