color

Reader Request: Working with a Limited Color Palette

by Sally on May 29, 2013 · 20 comments

color wheel_with text

An anonymous reader popped this question into the suggestion box:

A lot of advice on wearing color assumes that one uses the whole color wheel. People recommend choosing opposite colors for contrast, or choosing a triad of 3 colors evenly spaced around the color wheel. However, what about those of us who only wear colors from one half or one third of the color wheel? I wear green (cool green) to blue to purple to pink. I’ve applied the advice on contrasting colors in a limited way by pairing green with purple or pink (i.e., the opposite ends of my color range), but it seems difficult to wear more than one color at a time if choosing from the center of my color range. So if I wear blue, I’m stuck with only blue because my other colors seem too close to it. And then how many shades of blue to wear simultaneously?

Monochrome and near-monochrome looks have been trendy for several years running, and yet there’s always some pushback. Since each human eye perceives color differently, outfits that combine colors that are close but not exact may look lovely to some and jarring to others. If you’re working with a palette that contains only related colors – or even a very small subset of the available colors – it can quickly become frustrating to attempt assembly of outfits that work, color-wise. I can’t say as I have any foolproof tips – especially since I consider the whole color wheel to be my playground – but here are a few ideas.

Incorporate patterns

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If you’re worried about wearing colors that seem too close in value to work with each other, adding a pattern can ease the tension. Patterns that include the colors in question are fabulous, but even totally neutral patterns can work as bridging pieces. Black and white prints are huge this season, though they’ll work best with cool bright colors as shown here. Colorful prints and patterns with warm undertones will work best if you’re doing warm shades.

Do three shades to a monochrome mix

blues

There’s no one right way to do monochrome, but in my own experience I’ve found that three distinct shades make a mix feel intentional. Just two may look like the shades are mismatched, though more than three can definitely work. So if you’re going for blues, do bright, mid, and dark shades. Adding a print or pattern in your chosen color can liven up the mix.

Watch your undertones

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Most colors have warm (red) or cool (blue) undertones. Mixing colors with different undertones can work, but I find it to be challenging. The pairing above seems a bit off to me because the chambray has different undertones than the colors in the blazer: It is warm, while the blazer and pants are cool. (Yes, it’s chambray so may read as a neutral to some, but since it’s paired with other shades of blue here its blueness is hard to overlook.) Cool brights mix well with each other, warm dusty colors mix well with each other. Wedging cool brights and warm dusties into a single outfit can look not-quite-right.

Be on the lookout for pairing inspiration

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I adore color, and am constantly searching for new and different color pairings. Anyone who is wondering about how to wear color-on-color can rely on cheat sheets: Look at magazine photos, Pinterest (I’ve got a whole board dedicated to color pairings), existing patterns in clothing and cloth, logos, flowers and other elements of nature, home decor, absolutely anything that mixes colors. See if you can re-create those mixes using solids or prints in your own closet, and sticking to your chosen subset of colors.

If you’re interested in working with a subset of colors but not sure where to start, check Ashe’s fabulous post on developing a color palette for your closet.

What other tips would you share for wearing and mixing colors within a confined palette? Do any of you do this already? How do you make it work?

Images courtesy Nordstrom. Color wheel via HGTV

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Already Prettypoll: Your Colors

by Sally on May 21, 2013 · 45 comments

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Color is emotional. Very emotional. And wearing color can impact how you’re feeling, so I’m loathe to tell women that they should avoid wearing certain colors at all costs. If it makes you happy, does that outweigh the fact that it clashes with your complexion? I believe it does.

But many people disagree. And many more point out that looking good in a certain set of colors can help you feel good about yourself. Others feel that knowing which colors suit them best makes shopping and styling SO much easier.

How about you? Do you have a certain set of colors you know work best for you? Do you stick to them? Exclusively? Have you had your colors “done”? What was that like? Helpful? Confining? A bit of both?

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Developing a Color Palette for Your Closet

by Ashe on April 9, 2013 · 34 comments

colorpalettewardrobe

Sally had a reader request ages ago about limiting yourself to a well-edited color palette, and I wanted to share my experiences with doing just that.  If you’re like Sally and love all colors, this isn’t the path for you! But if shopping is overwhelming, you find it difficult to mix and match what you have, or you find yourself buying colorful pieces that sit unworn, then it may be ideal for you.

I love to shop, and I’ve always loved color. But in the past, I would buy certain items out of “necessity.” (Meaning because some list told me I needed them!) They’d sit in my closet, never worn. Brown pumps, I’m looking at you!  I’d buy a mint shirt and wouldn’t know how to style it. It looked harsh against black, washed out against grey. So it sat, unworn. I envy ladies and gents who mix and match colors like pros, but that yellow cardigan in my closet needs a new home.

One day, I decided to stop buying colors I wouldn’t wear and to focus on buying the colors I would wear. My color palette (or range) is far more liberal then some. I can’t imagine wearing only one shade of blue. Hell, I can’t even imagine limiting myself to black, white, and red. But I found a system that works for me.

Begin by breaking down YOUR colors:

I broke mine into three categories: neutrals, bases, and accents.

  • My neutrals encompass white, “nude,” navy, grey, and black.  No tans or khakis, no deep chocolate browns. I also consider patterns like stripes, polka dots, leopard print, and pinstripes to be neutrals, so long as they stay in neutral shades.
  • My base colors, which make up the primary shades of my closet range from jewel-tone to earth tone shades. You’ll find: dark pinks, ruby and rustic reds, vibrant to earthen greens, bold blues, and vibrant purples.
  • Accent colors are shades to use in moderation, but that complement the base colors for a little kick of color.  I like to give my accent colors a bit of flexibility each season (last spring it was a dash of coral), though they tend to be mustard and chartreuse.  These colors mix and match beautifully with bold shades, and I buy them in moderation.

eshaktiseychellescarriage(And once in a blue moon, if something REALLY piques my interest, like these burnt orange shoes– I’ll pick them up & try them out!)

How did you pick your colors? (Or: Other ways to develop a palette.)

For me, much of it is driven by intuition:  How do colors make me feel. When I’m getting dressed, when I try them on, when I look at them in other contexts (decor, art, the zoo–everywhere!).  I find, for most people, the colors we “look best in” and the colors we “feel best in” tend to overlap.

You may look at that list and think, “Where in the world have you scaled down?“  But here’s a short list of the colors you won’t find in my closet: Browns and tans, pastels, orange or yellow (except mustard), or even playful, bright, candy colors. This has knocked about 60% of colors and shades from my closet.

Refining your color palette doesn’t have to be about restricting the colors you wear. It could be about limiting the tones and saturation of shades.  Maybe pastels make you feel washed out and like a wisp against the wall.  I’ve known several women who’ve admired my love for bold, jewel-tones, but don’t feel comfortable in them themselves. I can’t stand wearing a white blouse! It saves me time and trouble to narrow these things down and eliminate them from my shopping scope.

If you’re like Sally and can’t part with any color but you’re still having trouble figuring out how to scale back, maybe it’s due to too many shades being in your closet.  Try a temporary closet overhaul – pull out all of the pastels and hide them. What do you have left? How do these items work together? How do they make you feel?  And if that’s not jiving, replace the pastels and take out the earth tones. How does it feel to see the pastels against the jewel tones? Does it feel more or less comfortable? Are you finding unusual pairings by seeing your closet modified this way?

 4 Years Later…

It’s been almost 4 years since I’ve taken on this challenge. While I’m constantly finding myself rebuilding my wardrobe, the undertaking is … easier. I don’t sit in a store plagued by which color shirt to buy: It either fits in my closet or doesn’t.  This system has provided me with more flexibility and creativity and improved my relationship with shopping overall.

Have you refined what colors you buy? I’d love to hear the experiences of ladies who’ve undertaken similar challenges — accidentally or purposefully!

If you’re curious for a bit more about my process, many found my original series useful. You can read more about my quest for a refined closet in these posts!

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Call her Ash, Ashe, or Ashley– she doesn’t mind! Already Pretty contributor Ashley began blogging in 2007 about fashion and style to fill a void in her life while living in the wintery tundra of Indiana. Her blog Dramatis Personae focuses on food, life & style.  Ashley’s love of fashion began at 10, when she bought her first issue of Seventeen magazine; this also began a life long battle with learning to love her body (she never looked like the girls who graced those pages). As a plus-sized woman, she loves promoting fashion for all women and shops that want to make all ladies feel beautiful.  She currently calls New Orleans home and share her little house with a wonderful fiance and two brilliant and playful Maine Coons kitties.

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Reader Request: Wearing Winter White

by Sally on March 11, 2013 · 16 comments

Jacket-Full

Roberta popped this question into the suggestion box:

Wearing winter white, in particular shoes. I think ivory looks elegant, but how not to look like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man? And what color shoes? Black seems harsh, and white or ivory seems nurse-y or at least impractical in the winter. Ack.

And now that winter is basically over, I’m finally getting around to tackling it. I have no idea how I missed this request for so long. Please don’t fire me.

Style rules are loosening overall, but the one I’ve seen get the loosey-goosey-est of late is the one that says “no white pants or shoes after Labor Day or before Memorial Day.” It’s your prerogative to continue following that rule if you’d prefer to do so – I did until very recently – but if you feel ready to flout it, now’s the time. Rather hilariously, white has been a “trendy” color for several years running, and it’s definitely fair game for year-round wear. If you don’t believe me, consult any fashion magazine you can lay your hands on.

Now, winter white is generally more of an off-white than a bright, and as its name indicates, has been worn during the winter for ages. But it can be challenging, as Roberta points out. So here are some tips.

Wear winter white in a neutral mix

See Angie from You Look Fab up there? She’s wearing LOADS of winter white, but has added a few touches of black. And she looks sharp. Winter white is still a white variant, which means it should be treated intentionally. It will look marvelous in neutral mixes, paired with patterns that include winter white/off-white, or as an accent. Neutral mixes are likely to feel the most natural, so consider pairing with black, gray, brown, olive, or tan. Burgundy and navy – both of which rest on the neutral/color border – also work.

Wear winter white in small doses

Roberta asked how to avoid looking marshmallow-y, and my suggestion is to avoid wearing winter white from top to tail. Angie does it beautifully, no doubt, and there’s nothing Stay-Puft about her. But many other people – myself included – would be hard-pressed to assemble such a chic-looking ensemble utilizing quite as much winter white. Go for winter white trousers with a black top, leopard belt, and cognac booties, or a winter white dress with a dark necklace,charcoal tights, and brown boots. In most cases, a little dab will do ya.

Wear winter white in structural extremes

To cash in on the inherent elegance of winter white, opt for very flowy or very structured pieces. Tee shirts, casual pants, and pullover sweaters might not cash in on the elegance potential of this color. Think structured blazers, sheath dresses, or skinny pants on the tailored end. Oversized scarves, billowy silk blouses, and maxi skirts on the unstructured end. This color can be surprisingly statement-y if you let it.

In terms of footwear, it all depends on the rest of the outfit. If you’re mixing with black, black shoes should work. In other neutral-heavy cases, cognac and burgundy are all good choices. Angie went all-out with winter white booties and since the shoes themselves are edgy, they don’t look “nurse-y” as Roberta feared. Gray is a solid choice, too, if you don’t happen to have shoes or boots in off-white, and won’t look as contrast-y and harsh as black.

Winter white can be transitioned into spring and summer despite its name. After all, it IS just a name. Once the sun comes out, call it “ivory” instead and pair with pastels, patterns, and denim for the warmer months.

Are you a fan of winter white? How do you style it? What shoes to you choose when wearing this shade? Would you ever wear winter white from head to toe?

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Power Clothes

by Sally on September 25, 2012 · 30 comments

Fashion, clothing, and style are often portrayed as frivolous interests. Wasteful of time, energy, and money. Vain and self-absorbed. Unimportant in the grand scheme of things.

Which is downright hilarious when you consider how important clothing has been to human culture over time. Clothing has served as a medium for self-expression, a way to quietly rebel, and a means of delineating power structures. Now, I’m no historian and I’m sure some of you ARE historians, so I encourage you to add further evidence in the comments. But from a non-historian’s brain come the following examples: Throughout many cultures, royalty and nobility will show rank and wealth by wearing certain colors, materials, and garments. Judges and clergy wear robes to indicate authority and set the tone in courtrooms and places of worship. Athletes associate with their chosen sports through accessory, shoe, and clothing choices.

Some of these examples show how clothing can support or subtly enforce classism, and clothing’s links to power aren’t all positive or admirable. But there are many ways that modern people – especially women – can utilize clothing to summon and broadcast personal power. Here are a few examples of clothing and dressing techniques that I’ve seen used to evoke various forms of personal power.

SUITS

Although many women have celebrated the decline of the suit as required business-wear, others continue to celebrate it as a source of reliable, instantly palpable personal power. Suits have long been the uniform of powerful men, and it could certainly be argued that the power women derive from wearing suits is borrowed from a system that encourages us to look and behave in masculine ways. But it could also be argued that women’s suits are their own class of garment, and that cashing in on a style that has commanded respect and attention for decades – and making it our own – is a marvelous subversion. Most women I know avoid suits for daily wear, but rely on them for occasions that require a show of confidence, maturity, and power. A suit that fits and looks smart makes its wearer appear undeniably in command.

BOOTS

There’s a reason the song is titled, “These BOOTS Are Made for Walkin’.” Certain styles are treacherously high and difficult to wear, but even heeled boots tend to be more stable and walkable than their pump and sandal counterparts. Shoes that look cool and sexy yet root their wearer to the stable ground allow for the subtle power of stylish confidence and the pragmatic power of physical stability. There’s something undeniably mythic about boots, something rough and raw that seeps up into the wearer.

LEATHER

Those of you who abstain for ethical/personal reasons may disagree, but I think it’s possible that many people view wearers of leather garments as “tough” because in the distant past, you had to kill something yourself before you could wear it. Gross but true. Leather is primal. It calls forth ancient power that we can harness for our own uses. Even leather look-alikes can make their wearers appear mysterious, edgy, and not-to-be-trifled-with.

JEWELRY

So, crowns. They’re pretty much the ultimate wearable symbol of power. Diamonds and precious gems are still used to subtly convey the power of wealth in many cultures. But other more common types of jewelry can convey personal power, too. Pendants come in every imaginable shape, and adorning your neck with a skull, a religious icon, or a fierce animal can imbue you with power. Cuff bracelets can call up images of ancient Goddesses. (And Wonder Woman.) And, perhaps more importantly, jewelry can hold personal and emotional significance, which means that merely wearing it can buoy and empower you.

COLOR

If you’re headed to a meeting or party or event in which you’ll be confronting an enemy or bully or competitor, you’re unlikely to wear seafoam or peach. Red evokes passion and fire, black evokes ferocity, gray evokes detachment and coolness, blue evokes calm levelheadedness. Simply selecting a garment in a shade that resonates with your personal power can amp up the power that you broadcast.

Clothes that make you feel present in your body, strong, even invincible are incredibly valuable tools to have in your possession. They can be your armor or your scepter, your shield or your sword. Power clothes can help you locate and direct your own power, then radiate that power outward from within. Those who declare the world of fashion, clothing, and style to be silly, wasteful, and pointless are dismissing a potential source of strength, a resource for crafting a perceived self, a means of expressing confidence. Our clothes can be imbued with power, and they can imbue us with power, too.

What are your power clothes? Are they certain styles, materials, or colors? How did you discover them? Have they changed over time? Do you utilize suits, boots, leather, or any of the other items on this list to help you feel centered or strong? Feel free, too, to share any other historic examples of how clothing has supported or figured into power structures over time!

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Reader Request: Complementing Navy

by Sally on September 19, 2012 · 33 comments

Keisha popped this into the Suggestion Box:

Sally, you’re amazing at color pairings. A post about what accessories (shoes, jewelry, bag) to wear with a navy dress (solid navy, so no pattern mixing to give a hint!)?

Ahhh, the real question, Keisha, is which accessories WON’T go with a navy dress! Navy spent years being derided as stodgy and difficult to style, but it’s had a resurgence in popularity. And I’m thrilled. Navy has all of the darkness of black but can be far less harsh-looking on many skin tones. And instead of sucking the life out of the colors around it (as black often does), it brings them to life! Can you tell I’m a fan? OK, let’s move on.

Keisha has a solid navy dress and is hoping to accessorize it with some color. I’m guessing at the dress itself, of course, but here are a few ideas for color pairings:

dress – scarf – pumps – bag – earrings – bracelet

Navy looks marvelous with jewel tones, so a solid navy dress would be a great platform for a berry-colored scarf, purple suede pumps, and an olive green bag. Since the bag has brass fittings, I’d suggest muted gold jewelry – a pair of pave studs and a sculptural bracelet would be fabulous.

dress – bag – pumps – necklace - earrings

For a more Tory Burch/J.Crew style look, go for punchy brights with your navy frock. A turquoise necklace will pop against the muted navy, and leopard pumps make everything seem sassier. (Yes, you can do navy and black, including patterns that include black such as leopard.) My high school colors were blue and orange, so the combo gives me the willies … but it’s a classic complementary pairing. Even without the orange bag, this outfit will look stylish and fun.

dress - belt – flats – bag – necklace – earrings - bracelet

I do pair navy with bright red on occasion, but the combo can look a bit nautical for my taste. Burgundy is a great substitute, and adding another muted bright like mustard yellow rounds out the color scheme beautifully. Add a neutral belt, silver necklace and bracelets to match the belt hardware, and amber earrings to mirror the warm, yellow flats. (You could certainly do burgundy shoes and a mustard bag instead.)

dress - boots – belt – bag – necklace – earrings

Navy is fantastic with colors, but also plays well with neutrals. Especially cognac brown, which is a major component of this mix in the form of some gorgeous boots. A black and snake-print bag presents a fabulous way to introduce black without feeling too dark, and an olive belt adds just a dash of color. Try a substantial necklace that hits above the bustline and stud earrings for balance.

What are your favorite colors to wear with navy? Which of these outfits suits your taste best? How would you accessorize a solid navy dress?

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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This Week I Love …

by Sally on September 12, 2012 · 29 comments

… burgundy. Wine. Maroon. Bordeaux. The family of rich, dark reds that has proven itself to be a remarkably versatile group of colors. This thrifted sweater got worn almost once per week last winter, and those tights got a real run for their money, too. I’m on the prowl for more burgundy-colored items these days, knowing that this color is both super trendy for the season and incredibly useful within my own wardrobe. Here are a few that have tickled my fancy:

J.Crew Pleated Crepe Skirt – $79.99

Oh, there are burgundy pencil skirts aplenty, but this is one of the few full/pleated versions I’ve found. At 19″ long it might be a bit short, but such a marvelously swingy style. (This Oasis Lantern Skirt is another fun option, but also looks short. Where have all the knee-length skirts gone?!?)

Patagonia Maha Smooth Flat – $109.95

I love that this flat has sleek, sporty details but is still classic enough to work with dresses, skirts, and business casual ensembles. And the footbed and insole are made from 20% recycled materials. Stylish and environmentally conscious!

Express Long-sleeved Essential Shirt – $49.90
(Buy one, get one 50% off)

Express button-fronts are probably my favorites. They are slim-fitting with just enough stretch, long enough to wear with pants but easy to tuck into skirts. (Not designed for busty women, however – Carissa Rose has a burgundy chevron shirt this season, though.) I bought this very shirt with a coupon code last week, though it’s back to full price now. The leopard print cuffs are easy enough to conceal if they don’t float your boat.

Hobo International Rockler Cross Body – $267.95

This sizable leather crossbody is as utilitarian as it is chic. There are scads of burgundy bags around these days, but many of them strike me as overly embellished. This simple, classic design will endure when flashier versions seem dated. Also I adore my Hobo bags for their quality and construction. Great brand.

Timberland Rudston Pull-On Boot – $100 – $220.00

These mid-calf boots are the perfect shade of rich burgundy. They’d look so fabulous pulled on over skinny jeans or paired with heathered tights and a cozy sweater dress. (Also shaft is 13″ from arch … great if you’re looking for a shorter boot to flatter your leg line!)

Mossimo Elbow Sleeve Ponte Dress – $29.99

I nabbed this dress for myself a few weeks back, and though I’m yet to wear it, I’m smitten. The waist sits a bit lower on my torso than I’d prefer, but I’ll probably belt it most of the time anyway. It’s a nice, thick ponte knit and I adore the deep pockets.

Hinge Mallory Pump – $59.90

Suede can be tricky to keep clean and dry, but it can’t be beat for delivering rich, saturated colors. This pump is so adorable with its top-stitched fold-over detail and chunky stacked heel. Description says that’s 3″, but it looks totally walkable to me.

Wolfmark Silk/Wool Pashmina – $39.99

If all you’re craving is a pop of dark red, how about a cozy pashmina? There are loads of infinity scarves out there in various shades of burgundy, but I find traditional scarves to be more versatile. Tie this one using the pretzel knot!

Do you wear burgundy, wine, maroon, or bordeaux? If you’re a stickler for detail, is there a shade in there that you love specifically? Why? What items do you gravitate toward in this family of dark reds?

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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Reader Request: How to Do Neon Now

by Sally on August 21, 2012 · 34 comments

Reader Jessica submitted this request in a comment:

Do you have a post on how to wear neon without looking ridiculous? If not, I’d love to see one!

I remember neon. I lived through the 80s. I never in a million years thought I’d don these blaring brights again but here we are in 2012, and I’m just as smitten with neon as I was back in 1983. I know that it’s not a color family that holds universal appeal, but if you’re curious about how to wear neon now and make it look fresh, here are my pointers:

Dabble in near-neons

Cop-out? Maybe. Great way to dip your toes into the highlighter-colored waters? Yup. Bright, light colors like this near-neon yellow and bold brights that appear to vibrate a bit in full light are great options for those who can’t quite handle true neons. Citron is a great option – a hybrid of neon yellow and a more citrusy one. Search for the color as you shop online and see if any options catch your fancy.

Create a modern color mix

Back in the day, neon was worn with black. I mean, if my feeble memory serves it was neon on black and that was just about it. These days, neons are thrust into all sorts of color mixes – with primaries, with neutrals, with pastels and muted tones. If puzzling that out feels daunting, start with gray. Modern neons pair beautifully with gray, and gray creates a softer mix than stark black.

Try accessories

This is another gateway to neon: If dresses and sweaters feel too overwhelming, try a bracelet, a pair of flats, a scarf. Something small that will serve as a chic neon accent, but won’t drown you in vibrant brights. Throw your neon tidbit into a mix of muted tones and watch it perk them right up.

Play with pattern

Neons are bold and bright, so throwing them into a mix that includes patterns might seem like a recipe for an Outfit Headache. But subtle, subdued, or colorless patterns can do amazing things to neons. Black and white patterns with some irregularity to them work well – zebra print, abstracts, and the like – whereas bold, regular black and whites may seem overbearing. Any pattern that has a color verging on neon can be amped up when paired with true neon, as is the case with the scarf in the outfit at the top of this post. Play around with patterns and see how they transform your neons.

What are your thoughts on modern neon? Are you still getting over their 80s heyday and loathe to try them again? Loving them with renewed fervor? How do YOU wear neon now?

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