Earth Tones and Bright Red

Michelle is a Modern Classic dresser who incorporates boho and Western influences into her style. Her beautiful red hair and accessory game add interest to every outfit. She documents her looks on her Instagram account, yourcolorcrush. An aptly chosen name, as our blogger is not afraid of bold colour combos, and rocks every colour in the book!

Color Crush - 1

The olive booties paired with the olive, burnt orange, and brown patterned blouse make this polished casual look. Michelle has tucked a silky cap-sleeved blouse with gorgeous abstract print into straight-legged camel trousers. A brown belt with Western-style buckle echoes the Western-y vibe of the footwear and hat, and accentuates her waist. The back part of the booties have a striking zebra pattern that subtly adds extra visual interest. Dainty necklaces and bracelets, and oversized hoops add subtle bling. Michelle’s straw hat and bright orange-red lippy finish off the look to perfection.

Color Crush - 2

This smart casual look has lots of romantic flair thanks to the combination of swooshy palazzo pants with an off-the-shoulder ruffled blouse. Michelle has tucked the deep rust blouse into white wide-legged palazzo trousers, whose tiers cleverly echo the tiered ruffles of the top. The rust looks stunning with our blogger’s beautiful red hair. A brown belt with gold buckle cinches the waistline, and the gold is repeated in her bracelets and the decorative chain on the block-heeled sandals. Michelle adds pattern with a leopard print clutch. Art deco-ish geometric-shaped dangly earrings and a bright red lip add extra colour.

Color Crush - 3

What a fantastic example of one-shoulder dressing! Michelle’s unique mock-neck sweater combines a solid cool-toned brown with a warm-toned leopard print. The buckle shoulder strap creates an edgy alluring effect. Tucking the sweater into relaxed-fit cropped white jeans lengthens the leg line from the hips up. Rust pointy-toe stiletto ankle boots bookend our blogger’s red locks, and emphasize the Fall vibe. Michelle finishes off the look with a black mini crossbody that matches the black in the leopard print, large bamboo hoop earrings, and glam oversized sunnies.

Color Crush - 4

The unexpected combination of bright orange-y yellow and coral screams Summer. Michelle is sporting an off-the-shoulder boho-style polka dot midaxi dress. She accentuates the high waist with an earthy brown suede belt, and has thrown over a chunky hip-length cardigan with raglan sleeves. The vertical knit and cable detailing on the cardigan create a vertical effect that draws the eye up and down. Dainty flat silver studded ankle-strap gladiator sandals add subtle polish. So do our blogger’s jewellery, trademark bright red lip, and glam sunglasses. Michelle’s wavy locks suit the romantic vibe of the look wonderfully. A canvas satchel in earthy beige and brown completes the outfit.

Color Crush - 5

Michelle is wearing a crisp white button-down shirt and relaxed-fit straight-legged jeans. She’s layered an eye-catching orange chunky knit V-neck sweater over the shirt, which makes both colours pop even more. Our blogger has wrapped a hair tie around the bottom of the sweater and tucked it under for a fun gathered look. She’s also created an accessory and footwear complement that suits the Autumn vibe of her outfit with block-heeled leopard print booties and matching shoulder bag. This adds punchy cohesion to the look. The stones in the chunky statement necklace complement the outfit’s colour palette. And, as always, Michelle’s hair and lipstick add striking visual interest.

Color Crush - 6

Michelle wears bright colours and earth tones equally well. Here, she dresses up distressed skinny jeans and a cream mock-neck sweater with a fabulous red wool-blend coat. Her unique square-heeled lace-up booties bookend the sweater and amp up the dressiness. Our blogger adds a touch of pattern with a wide elasticated belt with zebra print. The black is repeated in her quilted shoulder bag with chain-strap. Deep red lipstick, Michelle’s go-to bracelets and earrings are the polished finising touches.

I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of Michelle’s marvelous colourful outfits! Let us know in the comments and be sure to browse the rest of her outfits on Instagram.

Trend: Waistcoats

Waistcoats are having a fringe fashion moment. This is another nod to the oh-so-on-trend throwback to ‘90s fashion. To recap, a waistcoat is a short and formal tailored vest with front buttons that is usually worn over another layer like a shirt, tee, blouse, knitted top, turtleneck, or pullover. It can also be worn as a sleeveless top over a bra, camisole, or tank top. It’s a traditional menswear garment that forms part of a three-piece suit.

Waistcoats are generally solid and neutral, although you’ll also find pinstripe, plaid, tweed, and non-neutral waistcoats. They are usually fully lined, and some have interesting back detailing. Formal suiting fabric is popular for waistcoats, but you’ll find velvet, denim, jacquard, linen, leather, suede, faux leather, and cotton versions too. The collection below shows some examples. Retailers have often styled them as sleeveless tops, but layering is the more traditional approach. Maybe cast your mind back to how you wore them in the ‘90s, the last time they were a mainstream trend.

Zara
Tailored Linen Vest
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3
Eloquii
Suit Vest
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2
Zara
Halter Vest
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3
Zara
Short Fitted Vest
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2
Zara
Short Fitted Vest
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2
Zara
Classic Pocketed Vest
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3
Banana Republic
Islet Vest
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6
Banana Republic
Linen Vest
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3

Waistcoats are fab if you’re into wearing a tailored third piece that isn’t too bulky, constricting, and warm. Some have stretch which amplifies the comfort. You can wear some waistcoats unbuttoned, in which case they look less tailored, but still streamlined. You can wear them with matching bottoms or as an item topper. Waistcoats can look fab over skirts and dresses too.

Waistcoats can be tricky to fit if you’re after a perfectly tailored fit. You might need to err on the more fluid side, have the sides seams altered, or look for a version with stretch to create a comfortable fit over the bust. Or simply wear it open and unbuttoned.

Waistcoats seem more of an acquired taste in 2022. But in the early ‘90s, they were a HUGE mainstream trend in women’s and men’s fashion. I had several, and loved them. My favourite was a multi-coloured floral one that I liked best with a shirt, Levi’s 501’s, and boots. It had shiny buttons and I liked the glitz. There were also black lace and pinstripe ones that I wore for a dressier look over a fitted bodysuit and wide pleated pants. I remember wearing those waistcoats to work very frequently. And a tan one in linen that I liked the least and hardly wore.

This time round, waistcoats are not on my shopping list. I like the way they look, but not enough to get one for myself on this leg of my style journey. I’m more into wearing suits with matching jackets and pants. I will enthusiastically cheer you and your waistcoats on from the sidelines.

What do you think of the waistcoat trend?

Devyn Wool Vest Leeds Houndstooth

Trend: Dark Brown

As I mentioned in my trend report, dark brown is having its fashion moment and the trend is mainstream. We haven’t seen mainstream dark brown at retail for ages, and it’s quite refreshing. You’ll see it in just about every wardrobe item, including categories that are less typical for brown, like swimwear, workout wear, evening wear, jeans, and underwear. 

Dark browns range from a warm and lighter milk chocolate through to a cool and bitter dark chocolate. Take your pick. The dark earthy neutral is coming through in new Fall and Winter collections in solids and a handful of patterns. The collection below shows some examples.

COS
Regular-fit Wool Blazer
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4
Boden
Lace Cami Top
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1
Talbots
Suede Gloves
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4
Mango
Handmade Wool Coat
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7
Mango
Satin Pleated Skirt
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6
Shopbop
A.L.C. Tracy Skirt
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3
Talbots
Wool Fedora
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3
Zara
Puffer Vest
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4
Ann Taylor
Bubble Hem Top
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5
Mango
Leather Obi Belt
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1
Mango
Pocket Quilted Jacket
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4
Mango
Striped Knit Sweater
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3
Mango
Flowy Printed Pants
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1
Mango
Straight Suit Pants
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4
Mango
Ruched Detail T-shirt
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1
Mango
Houndstooth Miniskirt
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2
Mango
Straight Suit Pants
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2

Dark brown is a versatile colour. It’s an earthy fashion neutral that works well with other neutrals, pastels, mid-tones, earth tones, brights, dusty and murky colours, jewel tones, and brights. Dark brown also works well with black. It’s a question of choosing what’s to your taste, and wearing dark brown your way.

Plenty of my clients will be thrilled with the dark brown trend. They have been patiently waiting for the dark neutral to make a comeback, and will make the most of it. Some wear warm dark browns, and others wear cool dark browns. Some will wear dark brown shoes, bags, and patterns, but not solid clothing. Some will wear it as bottoms, but not as tops. Some will wear it as outerwear. Some will wear it as eyewear and leave it at that. And some won’t wear dark brown at all.

I think dark brown is beautifully rich, and looks incredible on those who enjoy it and wear it well. I’m thankful that it has made a comeback for those who don’t like wearing dark blue, charcoal, and black as a dark neutral. That said, dark brown looks as great worn with these neutrals if you like them all.

Personally, I don’t gravitate to wearing dark brown although I like it on others. Wearing dark brown as a school uniform for six years has somewhat killed it for me. That said, I’ve had a couple of dark brown items in the past that I bought by choice, and enjoyed them. I also have a great pair of old brown-burgundy specs that I keep as back-ups, and tortoiseshell prescription sunnies. I wear the sunnies regularly in the Autumn and Winter.

Over to you. Do you like to wear dark brown?

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Outfit Formula: Fun Colour Combinations

These colour combinations might inspire you if like to mix things up for Autumn and Winter. Or perhaps the silhouettes, juxtapositions, and use of accessories will inspire you more than their palettes. Either way, the looks provide a nice mix of pattern and solid. All outfits incorporate earth tones in some way. 

1. Floral Plaid

Combine a floral blouse with a pair of earthy checked bottoms. Make sure that the patterns match in palette in some way so that the visual effect is harmonious. The blouse is tucked into swooshy wide trousers to showcase some waist, which provides outfit structure. Black lug-sole boots bookend the model’s hair. A cognac bag complements the earthy palette of the pants. There are lots of ways to make this look more suited to your style. For example, I’d wear the outfit with dainty flat cream boots and a small structured red bag.

Floral Plaid

2. Toffee Lilac

Team Lilac is gaining momentum on YLF, and this one is for them. Combine a pair of toffee pants with a cream and toffee blouse or another type of top in a similar palette. Tucking the top and adding a cognac belt is optional. Throw a lilac topper over the lot. The tan sneakers add a Sporty Luxe touch. Their cream soles match the cream in the blouse. Note that lilac is not repeated elsewhere in the outfit. It’s a stand-alone colour, and this works well to my eye. I see the addition of a toffee and cream handbag too.

Toffee Lilac

3. Cognac Denim

Combine a pair of wide leg jeans with a cream sweater, knit top, tee, shirt, or blouse. Layer a blue and earth-toned sweater vest or gilet over the lot. Complete the look with brown boots that work with the palette. Here, a belt that matches the boots is wrapped around the sweater vest to create waist definition, extra polish, and interest. It’s optional. By all means leave it off.

Cognac Denim

4. Red Turquoise

Some brights for Team Bright. Combine a pair of red pants or jeans with a turquoise or teal sweater, shirt, or knitted top. Finish off the look with an animal print bag, and footwear that’s to your taste. Here, black lug-soled boots bookend the model’s hair and match the black in the pattern of the bag. This is my favourite combination, although I’d swap out the shoes and bag for white boots and bag. Or red boots and bag. I frequently wear bright red pants, and love them with solid turquoise tops. I also like them with solid navy, Dutch orange, and shocking pink tops. Make these looks work for you.

Red Turquoise

Fab Finds: Macy’s Dresses

More often than not, my clients and I begin looking for suitable dresses at Nordstrom and Anthropologie, and come out empty-handed. Dresses are either too skimpy, too short, too expensive, in need of a special bra, a bad fit, the wrong colour, or not machine washable. We head on over to Macy’s where we find a pile of fabulous, machine-washable frocks in loads of colours that are a fraction of the price. There are usually discounts available too.

Macy’s online assortment is especially good, and you’ll find more petite and plus sizes. Here’s a selection of recent winners on my clients. Follow the links to see fab unexpected sleeve, waist, neckline, and back detailing. Notably, the sleeves on the tulip-sleeve sheaths are gorgeously architectural. The faux suede is super soft and machine washable. The keyhole necklines create a lovely break in what might be a too high neckline. Fabrics are substantial.

Don’t forget Macy’s when you’re looking for dresses. The stores aren’t always well organized, but there’s often a lot of hidden treasure to be found.