How not to dress like a children's TV presenter
I have said it before and I say it again, while some colours will suit you more than others due to your complexion, this should not dictate the colours you can wear, colour matching (which is offered by some wardrobe stylists as a service) can help you find a wardrobe palette that flatters your skin and hair colour, which am sure is an enlightening experience particularly for people who perhaps have had a dramatic change to their appearance, for example if you have decided to let your hair go grey after a lifetime of being blonde or brunette you may find you don’t love the contrast of certain colours with your newly silver locks. Some colours are said to “drain” your complexion, but when it comes to what you “should’ wear and the concept of women confined to wearing colours (and shapes) that flatter them, I am not a fan, it feels dictatorial and limiting, you are free to wear what ever you want.
Let’s talk about colour. First of all there are no right and wrongs, I love colour, and while I don’t wear bright colours everyday or wear colourful clothes head to toe but I love how having colour in my wardrobe makes me feel. I have done the all black thing, and yes it was convenient, easy to put together an outfit, everything can be washed together, and it occasionally feels chic, more often than not it felt boring and repetitive, like a uniform. Black, while still a staple is now a wardrobe cast member as opposed to the main character, so how to add colour to your wardrobe without dressing like a children’s TV presenter?
As a starting point I think 3:1 is a good ratio when it comes to neutrals vs colour, pick 3 neutrals and 1 colour, especially if you are adding in a primary such as red, take the classic white, navy and red, add camel/beige to the trio or white, navy & red and it’s instantly chic. I would start with a white t-shirt or a white shirt, then build around that, if its a muted colour and you’re confident to start mixing them up, go for a 2:2, two muted colours with 2 neutrals, remember to count your bag as 1 colour and your shoes as another, and your coat if you are wearing one.
All great wardrobes have a good selection of pieces in neutral colours black, charcoal, navy, brown and burgundy, white, khaki and beige, which all live happily together in an outfit, no matter which combination you go for its impossible for them not to complement one another, adding an accent of colour to the combination you will start to build looks that are entirely your own, and that can only ever be a good thing, Am i right?
