A closetful of neutrals tries to welcome some color ...

... and I'm not sure it's gonna work out.

My tops are mostly white, gray, or black. Errr, what I meant to say was: I'm young and hip and can rock craazzzyyy colors like everybody else ... you know, navy and burgundy ... but my color variety is overall rather low.

To push my comfort zone, I'm trying to add a colorful skirt to the mix. Do either of these J. Crew "Liquid Silk Skirts" work with my existing wardrobe colors? I will add that I think the pinky/purpley one seems to look better with navy (giving me a few more tops to wear with it), but the blue is stunning and really tugs at my heartstrings.

As for the skirt itself: the midi length is very "me", but worry that adding silk AND a bright color is too much change in one go.

( L-to-R: navy blue blouse, navy-striped tee, black turtleneck, gray striped sweater, crisp white shirt, gray turtleneck, purple cardigan, gray herringbone blazer, cream polka dot tee, chambray shirt )

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

12 years ago

Sylvie

Veteran

I could see both of those colors working in your wardrobe. Each color doesn't work with every single piece but they work with at least half of them.

Why not take the plunge and at least style a few looks with these tops? Post some photos and perhaps the YLF approbation will give you the push you need to wear them out the door.

Suz

(website)

I agree with Sylvie. And I'd say if the blue one is tugging your heartstrings, try that one, first. Put it with the striped top and see what they have to say to one another!

Isis

What Suz says! Listen to your heartstrings, and give some tops a whirl with the blue skirtl!

Lisa

I like the greater contrast with the pink against the these tops. But you do have neutrals here, so either one will work.

Meredith1953

I like both tops really well. If you love the blue more then you should definitely get that but the pink is really attractive also.

rachylou

The pink is super sharp and will put you on stage. The blue is more subdued, but works equally well with what you've got. I'd go for the blue. There are advantages to wearing blue and it's speaking to you!

missvee

I'm going to say go with the pink! You've got lots of blue in your wardrobe already and the pink will work so well with navy, denim, cream, brown, white, black, etc.
Hope you have fun with your new colour journey!

nicoleb

Loving the blue! Color is fun! You can do it!

Amy

I think you need both

Vix

Hi Charmain --

Both those colors are gorgeous and leap off the screen. Love that you're just jumping into with both feet.

Have you actually tried the skirt on with every top and evaluated how things look together?

As Sylvie mentioned, color-wise it looks like half work better with the blue and half with the pink, so I'd see which outfits worked and decide that way.

If all the tops you've shown passed the outfit test then I'd just go with the one you like better -- the blue!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Good job, Hannah! I have personally seen you in colour and you ROCK it.

Vicki

Charmian, what an excellent job showing all your nice neutral tops. You've got a nice variety that will work with either color! I agree with Vix that maybe you could put them in with these various tops and see what speaks to you. On first look, I thought the pink/fuchsia easily works with your selection, but so does the blue and if your heart is reaching for that color, I think you'll be happier with it. I haven't seen your photo, but if Angie says you can rock color, believe it!

cheryl

You have a wonderful selection of neutral tops and i think they would look fantastic with either of these colors. Pick the one that jumps at you and have fun with it.

Charmian

Thanks ladies! As usual, I needed a dose of your sensible advice.

I thought about returning both skirts last night and, while the thought of returning the blue one made me pause quite a bit, I didn't bat an eye at the thought of me handing over the pink one to the SA. So, if I keep either, it'll be the blue. I think wearing a skirt -- a silk one! -- will be enough to push my style boundaries; no need to throw pink on top of it.

I took a crack at styling a few outfits, and the blue-on-blue combo was not as bad as I thought it was. That having been said, here are a few of the "riskier" combos for your consideration. A few questions: does a dark wool blazer work with a bright flowy skirt? How about blue-on-blue? And, lastly, here's the navy-on-pink; while I'm not planning on keeping it, isn't it adorable?

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

CocoLion

I like them both! Pictures 1 & 2 & 4 are great. I like the pink skirt with the cream belt but with the blue one maybe a black belt?

1 & 2 are cute! Re. #3, I think the belt is too "stiff" for the blue skirt, although for some reason it works with the pink.

But ok. The pink has got to go, now that I see it on. It's too campy.

@rachylou, I think you hit the nail on the head about the pink putting me on stage; that's not my personality, and that's why the pink will be going back.

@Vicki, I'm wearing a purple frock in Friday's post (http://youlookfab.com/2011/12/.....adventure/), which -- on reflection -- is much closer to the color palette I aspire to: rich, a little bold, but not center-stage.

@CocoLion + @rachylou: great suggestion! I'm stealing my husband's belt for these photos, but I'd be wearing a different belt in real life. I'll try it again with black when I get home.

All: I just realized you can see my printout of the academichic color wheel in the background. Can you tell that my current challenge is colors?

Kappy

I think the blue is a great choice. I also think you could wear bright colors closer to your face; you would look great!

Aida

Before seeing the outfits, my response was going to be "having met you in person I vote blue". And after seeing the outfits my response is "having met you in person I vote blue". That blue looks lovely on you! And if you're still concerned about your dev coworkers it may be less of a shock than the pink (kidding of course! shock those engineers!!) Have you tried it with those cute heels you wore to the Everett meetup?

Oh sheesh, I forgot to tell you ladies about our quarterly Formal Friday event! Let's hope a crepe de chine skirt goes down better than a silk chiffon dress ...

Thanks, Aida! I'm inches away from cutting the tags; the rest of my closet really ought to meet this skirt!

*chants* cut those tags!

Category