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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Are you craving accent colors?

unfrumped

Veteran

I’m much happier with
my more focused colors and am finding more things go together, so I get more
use from things. Neutrals still include a lot of black (especially pants),
gray, and cooler camel, and dark burgundy (swings either almost-neutral or
color) , main colors are a range of berry tones and some teal , some forms of
mid-range blue, sort of denim that is not denim.

But, I find some outfits more interesting when there is some
other unexpected color, what may be called accent colors, and I’m trying to figure out how to work more
in. I really like for there to be some unexpected less matchy contrasts, and sometimes like
juxtaposing warm with cool.

I’m thinking a couple of the colors that I like in small
doses include something in the cognac-orange-mustard family, and the perhaps
some kind of brighter blues or greens. These are not usually main colors or "face" colors for me, but
contrast with the others.

I have trouble figuring out where to use extra color in work outfits, due to no fashion topper and no handbag. Belts, of course; scarves in winter; prints that include the accent color; and really, I like short necklaces that add some color, or a mix, but is hard to find not too costume-y.

Out-and-about outfits are easier, since there are more components to work with.

How about you--do you have any plans to fit in unexpected color combos, or still feeling monochromatic or tonal?

14 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I've been enjoying a mostly blue capsule this year and lots of columns of color but am now craving raspberry and deep red and turquoise. I wore out my items in those shades. Those aren't unexpected, really, though.

Thistle

Veteran

I always love the bright pops of color I see in some fabbers outfits, or item like the orange purse Angie had featured in an outfit combination.

I have not really figured out how to incorporate them, though.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I've always had olives, jade & turquoise in my wardrobe, mainly as accents, but I'm using the olive as a neutral now & I'm loving it with denim & mid-grey.

missvee

Veteran

What about adding a couple of pairs of shoes in the accent colours you like?
Say you started with a green pair - they would work with most of your neutrals don't you think?
I'm fond of colourful gloves too, but they don't add much interest indoors :-).

Staysfit

Veteran

Unfrumped, I definitely use scarves for color and that works well in the winter. I also use them in the summer. There are ways to tie them so they don't hang around your neck and make you feel warm. You can look online and find some creative solutions. I don't know if you like the look of linen scarves?
Also, you can find some nice colorful jewelry that does not look too cheap. If you like mustard/cognac colors, you could wear topaz, or citrine, or even garnet, and you could find some that are not overly expensive. Just a small amount makes a big difference. Even a small necklace with one stone can add a subtle pop. The same goes with the blues.

If you wear bangles, you could possibly find some sort of beaded bangle to add to a metal bangle to add a subtle pop. That is often how I add some color in the summer.

One thing that I have done to avoid jewelry that looks to "costumey" is I purchased one nice gold chain in a length I like. Then I went to the Etsey website and I purchased some pretty glass beads in colors/patterns that I liked. They can be fairly sizeable, striking and pretty, and not overly expensive. Then you can string the bead you want to wear that day on the chain. People complement them all the time, and ask where i got them. I also purchase them sometimes at art fairs (which I love).

I hope these ideas are helpful! You have been so helpful to me! Good luck!

Anonymous

I'm thinking along similar lines, unfrumped. All of a sudden realized I had weaned all colour out of my wardrobe and now am trying to figure out what to add in . I find it's too easy to get carried away with it and junk up an outfit , so I too am proceeding carefully. Admittedly not finding lot of colour in stores right now though .

Staysfit

Veteran

I'm adding a picture of some of my glass beads so you can see how they could quickly and simply liven up an outfit with color, but still be fairly small and look nice. In my opinion they look artistic, and maybe a bit funky, but not costume-y.

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fathenry

Veteran

Staysfit, what a clever idea. My colors are fuschia, ink blue, cobalt,camel, black, cream, yellow, citron, white. A bit of blush. I find it helps to pick a color adjacent on the color wheel to add to what you have. It really blends that way. I pick what I'm naturally drawn to. For example. When I added cobalt, it automatically coordinates with all the same things that the ink blue goes with. If I had added red, it wouldn't coordinate as easily. I hope this makes sense. It really does make dressing easier in the mom when everything goes together.

unfrumped

Veteran

These are good ideas!

missvee, I am doing a little of that, probably in a very conservative way but one that works. Kinda the opposite of "pop", because for work I don't really want "look at me" footwear.I have few pairs of shoes that are not black or gray tones--so, burgundy or camel, say. I can go matchy-matchy with a top, or I can choose a top in another color then I've got some interest going on, and depending on the outfit, could still add add the sharper accent color (say a brighter color) in the jewelry or in a print.

Then, thanks to fathenry's comment, I might use the color wheel idea to see how to keep coordinated and not too distracting or ALGO.

Staysfit, that is right on track with what I'd like to do. Thanks! I have tried to collect some items from local shops that give some display space to independent jewelry makers--things made with different materials but that may contain some color. But, some of those items are pricey, unless it's really versatile, so i love your idea of having interchangeable jewelry items. That also allows me to pick the length--sometimes the whole issue of where the necklace or pendant falls. Your idea is so great because it would be easy to have a few diffferent length chains and add either delicate or chunky bead item. Cool!

Gigi

Veteran

I like the occasional pop of color too. However, I don't wear much jewelry, because like you mentioned, it can be very costumey, and I don't like that. I do like scarves, but it gets so hot here in the summer that I don't think I could stand to have *anything* around my neck—I would just sweat all over it, ha ha.

So far, all I have done is buy the odd piece of clothing in an accent color. I have one bright yellow cardi, a pair of purple pants, a deep rust shirt, a red-orange t-shirt, a mint-and-maroon skirt, a coral cardi, and leopard-print booties. I find that wearing one of these at a time (usually with something white, to create lots of contrast) gives me enough color. I did discover that the purple pants go well with the yellow cardi, so if I were more careful (and used the color wheel, like you noted), I could probably pinpoint the best colors for future purchases so that they would mix and match with the accent pieces I already have.

Marley

Veteran

All of the above suggestions are great! Just one more that I can think of: nail-polish (if you wear nail-polish?!) - adds a very small pop of color in a very non-committed way! Fun!

happy psycho

I love bright colors but I find it easier to put them on me in summer. I've got T-shirts in various colors, one coral skirt and pale blue heels. In winter the colors I wear tend to be much cooler such as black and white, gray, camel, burgundy--mostly dark colors, anyhow. I just don't know how to perfectly apply bright colors to my heavy coats, haha/

Orange Crush

How about hats? I find that bright hats in colors that I would otherwise not readily wear, are easy to carry off. And it doesn't have to be matchy with your outfit - either in color or 'vibe'. Raspberry beany with office wear - works just fine. Teal fedora with casual jeans - that's good too. And then I have seen people change the color of the band on their panama hats as the mood strikes them. I haven't gone down the road, but I can see that adding color to an outfit.

Of course, just like gloves, your hat might come off indoors, so there's that.

ps: Staysfit - what a great idea! Also Marley - yay for non-committal pops of nail color.

Aida

Veteran

I'm a full on color gal, so I'm always craving color Other little ways to add in color are in outerwear, e.g. scarf, hat, gloves, purse. Can look really nice with neutral outerwear and a great way to liven up dark coats especially. Doesn't have to be bright colors if that's not your thing.