WIW: playing with patterns and brights

Here's a few outfits from the past week - I've been playing with pairing brights with black in search of the perfect 'business casual' capsule (note: in my company 'business casual' means black jeans. I know, that's super casual, but it truly is what they expect us to wear.)

I've also been playing with pattern mixing just to have fun.

So here's what I've tried.

#1-2 black with lace, pearls and a floral scarf (in #1) The shell under the lace is purple, but I don't think you could tell even in real life - so much for adding that bright.

#3 Instead of black jeans, how about a black asymmetrical sweater with hot pink corduroys? I think it's just as professional looking as the black jeans, personally....

#4 This one was a brights-mixing failure in my book. The skinnies are too tight ( sad face ), and the mixed brights didn't look as intentional as I'd hoped.

#5-6 Valentine's day pattern mixing with floral pants and a window-pane sheer top. I liked it better with the cardigan (in #5). Pardon the tag showing in the picture.

#7 A bright pattern with black. I like this - does it actually work, or am I kidding myself? Is it worthy of putting in my biz-caz capsule?

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7 years ago

cindysmith

Veteran

I think the black makes the colors Pop and you.look great

Joy

An interesting work dress code. I like 1/2 best and think 7 works, especially with the sandals. Do you have to wear black footwear? To my eye, 3 and 5 also work.

amiable

I don't have to wear black footwear, just have closed toes. Thanks for helping me notice what works and doesn't

Jenni NZ

I like all looks except #4. Think the orange and green just too clashy. Nothing at all wrong with #7. I personally do that all the time ( not that that makes it right!) But the little bits of black in the print are picked up nicely in the black jeans and the jacket so YLF! Love your pink pants too.

DonnaF

1 & 2 are my favorites. I like the juxtaposition of the lace and leather, also the colorful scarf. I'm surprised that I would like an outfit with so much black on you, as I associate you with color. Maybe the purple under layer is sneaking into my consciousness? No doubt it is more visible IRL.

JAileen

I guess it's a good thing I don't have a job, because I don't have any black jeans. My favs are 1, 4, and 5. I really like the pants in 5. Paisley? Dragons? I can't tell, but I still like them.

rachylou

Looking solidly good. I don't think 4 is bad...just awful chipper

Thanks you all!

JAileen - they're floral pants. The flowers are kinda lost in the picture, I see. It's a weird affect there.

Bonnie

Cute outfits. My favorite is #1.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fabulous all round, Amy. LOVELY to see you post again. Missed you. Hair looks divine.

The scarf and your hair in #1 are a DELISH combination. And I'm going with #2 as my fave, because you had me with the lace and pearls. Killer combo.

Jaime

#1 with the scarf looks amazing on you. I also really like #3. I like 5/6 better without the jacket actually and I think it will be great for summer with lighter shoes. Love the colors in the last top but again see it in summer with cropped black pants or jeans. More skin to balance the black (I think).

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