Happy Valentine’s Day friends!
A day full of love, chocolate, roses and everything pink and red.
Speaking of red, I have really been trying to embrace more color, to spice up my existing wardrobe.
“Red is my cula” as my mother-in-law says in her best southern belle accent. Well, I am starting to think red might be, let’s say, my accent color.
When I started to slowly integrate more color such as red, I wanted to make sure I was careful with what other colors and patterns I paired with such a bold and vibrant hue.
I have collected some of my latest ensembles that may perhaps inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and introduce more color like red into your closet. I styled these according to things you could wear to work, to an job interview or even lunch with friends.
As I am still a newbie at this style blogging, so please be patient with me on the pictures and links. If you have questions, you can always message me.
I am loving a good red and camel color combo right now. It’s bold, striking and classic all at the same time. With red, you want to keep the balance, meaning styling it with things that complement the color instead of clashing with it. As you know, I love a good leopard print to add pattern to my simple outfits so of course I had to include my favorite clutch with this ensemble.
If you need another layer you can do a chambray button down or add a cognac color leather jacket to balance out your look, keeping the red as you accent color.
If solid red is a little too much for you, patterns are a great way to add red (or any other accent color) to your wardrobe. This Fall, I purchased this J.Crew red and white striped dress (sorry not available any more) and have worn it more than I thought I would. Here are a couple of ways I have styled this fun dress.
You can always add a leather or denim jacket if you don’t want to do something as dressy as this Draper James swing coat.
If a dress is too much for you, I found this fun Old Navy stripe top.
It’s super soft and I love the femininity it gives with the bell sleeves. Here are a few ways I styled it to give you some ideas…
This is styled with a light gray pleated skirt I got last summer from Vici Collection. When, I put my outfits together, I like to mix dressy with casual. It’s unexpected and fun too.
Here, I styled with my favorite cream color Zara dress pants to give a more sophisticated look. You could also do white jeans and taupe ballet flats if you want a more casual or every day look.
Finally, I styled this darling top with my dark rinse skinny jeans and leather jacket (for an edgier look) but you could also do a black dress pant or skirt for a dressier, classic look for the office.
Another example of how I added red to my closet was with this cool buffalo plaid jacket I picked up at Loft on a whim. I hate that it is not available anymore but I found one here that can give you somewhat of the same look.
Now, your pattern might not be buffalo plaid or stripe, it may be floral, or a different kind of red pattern like this gingham one, which I absolutely love too! Gingham looks so happy to me and this particular gingham is not too large where you may be mistaken for a Pizza Hut tablecloth. It’s the perfect size! Believe, I would not steer you wrong.
So this buffalo plaid jacket just happened to be something that really stuck out to me especially with as much denim and black I already own. When, I said I picked it up on a whim, I didn’t just get it because it was red or because I love this pattern, I got it 1.) Because it was on major sale (didn’t want to pay full price for something I may not wear that much). 2.) It could easily be added to my existing wardrobe and even multiply what I already have. That my friends, is how I shop!
Now, if you are not sure about going all out with the red attire, but you still want to experiment with the color, you could go the accessory route, like these Nickel and Suede earrings . You know how much I love a good statement piece.
If you don’t do earrings or you are not a big jewelry fan, how about a making a statement with a red clutch or wristlet . Just keep the rest of your outfit simple and understated.
Although adding color, especially a bold one like red, to my wardrobe was a little intimidating at first, in the end, I embraced it and actually had fun with it.
Sometimes, it’s baby steps like adding an unexpected accessory or two to get us out of our standard work wear or every day wardrobe boxes, to help us realize that it’s okay to spice things up every now and then. When adding just a little color and/or pattern, it actually enhances your existing wardrobe. Just be sure when you do it, you are staying true to yourself, what you are comfortable with and what is realistic for your lifestyle and wardrobe.
So what color or pattern have you shied away from or have been too intimidated to try? I would be glad to help you try it.
As a personal stylist, my goal is to help women find their own style, not what their best friend is wearing, not what they see in the latest InStyle, or on a mannequin in the store.
It’s what you like, what works for you and only you and I am here to guide you, support you and encourage you to redefine what style truly means to you.