You may be like me: you have a slight fear of color. Yes, you think color is great and can be really flattering…but on other people. Like me, you stick to neutrals and earth tones, sometimes adding a bright color for a special occassion. Yet when you look at your closet, it’s like a sea of black, gray, white, and brown rolling together into one big blur.
You may love your essentially monochromatic wardrobe, calling it “practical” and “streamlined.” However, you may be here looking for an answer to your most burning question: How do I add color to my wardrobe and still look like me?
Don’t worry, I’ve been there before. I still struggle through my color phobia, but through the years I’ve learned a few things. Let me fill you in.
First, don’t try to reinvent yourself if you aren’t ready. For me, I like the fact that my whole wardrobe is “practical” and “streamlined.” I don’t want to reinvent the wheel. I just want to add some new features to it. Thus, unless you are looking for a complete makeover, trying to change your true colors (heh, pun definitely intended) will inevitably lead to failure. You will walk away fearing color more than before.
What to do? Stick to your comfort zone for timeless pieces, but add color through accessories or to make a statement. This way, you can add color at a measured pace and not alienate your self image.
My second piece of advice is to add more color to your wardrobe through neutral hues of more adventurous tones. For example, want to add purple to your wardrobe? Try plums or mauves, which tend to go with everything. You can drastically change your wardrobe just by adding some more variety to your typical color palette. The key is to stick to this mantra, “I like all colors, as long as it is a neutral hue of that color.”
Ready to dip your toes into something new? Here I pick out some of the more colorful pieces I’m currently lusting after. Notice how I stick to the basic guidelines: 1) Add punches of color through accessories or a statement look and 2) try neutral hues of a new color. Follow these guidelines and you’ll be on your way to a new, improved, and vibrant you.
Think you’re ready to try your hand at some more bold looks? Check out the style guide we created as part of our weekly series over at Jenesequa.com.
1. Gucci Pleat-Detailed Silk Crepe Skirt – $640
2. Aldo Chango Necklace – $30
3. Isabel Marant Vargas Twill Pant – $420
4. Top Shop Peach Double-Breasted Blazer – $130
5. Top Shop Teal Sleeveless Tuck Detail Dress – $95
6. BeeGee Goldie Tulip Clutch – $82
7. Pierre Hardy Color-Block Canvas and Patent-Leather Wedge Sandals – $630
8. Asos Lowie Skinny Belt – $57.38
9. Madewell Perfect Racerback Tank – $22
10. YSL Rouge Pur Couture SPF 15– $30
11. Illamasqua Nail Polish – $14
12. YSL OMBRES 5 LUMIÈRES 5 Colour Harmony For Eyes in Lilac Sky – $56
