Bright-color anxiety

April

Being mainly a neutrals person in the past, I have been trying to branch out a little and add some color to my wardrobe. I bought this sweater a while ago from ATL:
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....ory=Misses

They only have it now in "Pomegranate" but mine is something called "Moss Olive." Moss Olive is a hot, bright aqua-turquoise (you can see other things in this color if you search its name on the site). I haven't worn it yet because I just can't decide what other colors to put with it. I love the shape of it, but when I put it on, I feel that the color is so intense it needs to be toned down, and I don't quite know how to do that.

Is anyone else uncomfortable about bright colors? Is it something you just have to get used to, or should I resign myself to the fact that I am more at ease in neutrals?

17 years ago

Dressing

7 replies

Latest reply was from shiny

taylor

Veteran

I know what how you feel. Adding brights is a slow progress. I prefere neutrals as well , however a POP of color is fun. Start with just one bright. For example try all black with one red item..purse....shoes....scarf...or coat. Or any other bright color . The key for me was just ONE at a time to start.

Then if you become more comfy try a bright red scarf with perhaps red patten shoes.

Another thing that made brights more comfortable for me (and this may just be me) but, they had to match ...as close as they can be.

So if I had on all black with a Bright green jacket....my purse would have to be a perfect match. I don't think that is YLF rule of thumb but... for us who shy from bright colors , it added a layer of comfort for me ...

17 years ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

I have the same advice. If you are not comfortable wearing bright colors, start with one color at a time, stick to black,white and gray or brown tones for the rest of the outfit.

17 years ago

Antje

Veteran

That's a cute sweater! I'd try pairing it with cream, navy blue, or cheetah print.

17 years ago

shell

Active Member

very cute sweater! i like the suggestions of making that the sole print color in your outfit. adding several bright colors at once can go from cute to clowny very quickly! perhaps try adding another bright accessory? maybe a purse, necklace, or shoes.

i could see this color looking lovely with yellow, fuschia, or hot pink.

17 years ago

April

Veteran

You all are the best! This advice is very helpful to me.

I don't own anything yellow, pink, or navy, but I do have tops in cream that could go underneath. (My question then would be what goes on the bottom, since I have no cream skirts or pants -- I have black, charcoal, brown, camel, and deep loden green). I am trying to wear this to work, where jeans -- no matter how dressy -- would not be an option.

I was thinking that if I have one "pop" color, the rest of the outfit should be all one color, to act as a backdrop, but maybe that's not the case. Anyway, the only color I have that I could do that with would be black -- and what do you think of all black with this aqua-turquoise color? Would it look too much like a 1950s kitchen?

Yes, the obvious thing would be to post a picture. I'm working on it! My camera is having some problems. When I get them sorted out, I'll put a photo up.

17 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Hi April

It's a lovely sweater and a great colour! I think I would prefer it with charcoal or brown trousers, the contrast with black is a bit harsh in my opinion.

If you want to keep the rest of the outfit fairly neutral you could, like you said, just wear a cream or white cami or button-down shirt underneath it.

Other (neutral) ideas:
- a charcoal or lighter grey turtleneck top (if you wear the charcoal trousers)
- a striped or patterned cami
- cream or white cami and a chunky wooden necklace with some 'olive moss' detailing, e.g. (the colour is not a match, I know)
http://www.greenwithglamour.co.....ucts_id=58
- cream or white cami and a scarf that picks up the colours in your outfit (or a totally different colour if you're feeling brave;-)

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

For work I'm seeing this with a navy blue top underneath and paired with charcoal, brown, or camel trousers. I suspect the navy will tone down the bright (whereas often white makes brights pop even more). Then tie it all together with a navy and white scarf, navy shoes, and cream purse.

17 years ago

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