Outfit Formula: Partly Purple

If you bat for Team Purple, here are some looks that combine light and dark purple in both bold and subtle ways. I like the interesting colour combinations and attention to detail in these outfits. Maybe they will inspire you too. 

1. Lavender, Tangerine, Chocolate and Cream

A patterned circular skirt in cream, tangerine, lilac and dark brown is combined with a lavender welted sweater that picks up the purple in the skirt. The fluid sweater is shortened by pulling up the welt. The shortened sweater works well with the proportions of the full skirt. The welt adds structure by showcasing some waist definition, which further streamlines the silhouette. Tall cream boots match the cream in the skirt. I see a metallic bag, or a bag that matches a colour in the pattern to complete the look.

Lavender, Tangerine, Chocolate and Cream

2. Lilac, Denim, and White

This outfit remixes casual with dressy. On-trend BIG cuffed jeans at an ankle length are combined with a classic and pretty lilac patterned blouse. A saturated lilac trench coat tops the outfit. It’s left unbelted for an architectural vibe. White sneakers with black trim add a sporty touch. The black bag matches the model’s hair and sneaker trim. Black shoes would work well too.

Lilac, Denim and White

3. Pattern-Mixed Plum

This is a good example of effective colour repetition. A pair of plum patterned jeans is remixed with two more floral patterns. The patterns create chaotic harmony because they share a common warm-toned taupe. This small and important detail is enough to pull the look together. Furthermore, the plum bag repeats the plum of the jeans, while the black shoes bookend the model’s hair. Silhouettes are fashion-forward baggy all over. The jeans scrunch at an extra long puddle length. The outfit is quite the work of art. The bits of bright pink in the shirt are my favourite part.

Pattern Mixed Plum

4. Black, Orchid and Chartreuse

Adding bits of brights to black can work well, and has an ‘80s vibe. Here, a Summery two-piece black dress is artfully colour-blocked with small components of chartreuse and bright purple. Black sandals with silver studs are the finishing touch. Note how the silver studs on the sandals subtly bookend the cascading silver locks of the model. Gorgeous! Add jewellery, a bag, watch, and eyewear as desired.

Black, Orchid and Chartreuse

Fab Finds: Accessories

It’s been ages since we prioritized accessories in our outfits. Many of them gathered dust during the pandemic as we focussed on simple, comfortable, and practical outfits that were easy to wear, style, and launder. I’m inviting you to hone your accessory style and wear them in 2024. Add to your collection, try a new-to-you accessory, create fresh accessory combinations, solidify your signature accessory style, or simply change things up.

Remember that the right accessories will complete a look, taking it from nice to fabulous. Jewellery, scarves, belts, eyewear, watches, hats, gloves, hosiery, socks, and handbags can add interest and pull an outfit together. They are also easier to fit than clothes and footwear, and often more affordable too.

On that note, feast your eyes on these accessories, some of which are discounted. Personally, I’m on a belt kick right now. After a hiatus I’m back to regularly wearing my belts and adding to my collection. Boden brought out a snaffle-trim belt, which I got on a flash sale in cream. Fab for my horsey capsule!

Last, I can’t stress this enough. If you wear eyewear regularly (specs or sunnies) and need or just want an update, make sure that they are a purchasing priority.

Boden
Trapeze Tote Bag
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Boden
Heart Charm Necklace
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Boden
Chunky Chain Necklace
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J.Crew
Gracie phone bag
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Shopbop
Marni Ring
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2
COS
The Sphere Ring
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3
Boden
Statement Earrings
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Boden
Chunky Chain Bracelet
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Boden
Statement Earrings
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Boden
Eyelet Leather Belt
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Madewell
The Essential Belt
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2
Mango
Logo Print Denim Cap
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Mango
Oval Buckle Belt
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Mango
Corduroy Baker Cap
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Mango
Mesh Metal Belt
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Mango
Stud Leather Belt
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Be Intentional About the Contrast in Your Outfits

There are many ways to create contrast in your outfits. Between the clothing items, between the items and your footwear or accessories. Between all of those things and your skin tone. And you can create contrast within the patterns on items. 

Control Your Contrast

White jeans with black shoes for high contrast. White jeans with silver shoes for low contrast. White jeans and black shoes look vivid, graphic, and striking with a black top. White jeans and silver shoes look pretty, soft, and streamlined with a pastel top.

When an outfit looks off, try adjusting the contrast between its components. Consider the items, footwear, accessories and your own colouring. Use high contrast to draw attention to components, and low contrast to blend them in.

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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Team Accessories or Team Footwear

You’re on Team Accessories if your affection for accessories runs deeper than it does for shoes, and vice versa. Accessories are items like belts, scarves, handbags, eyewear, gloves, hats, wallets, watches, and jewellery. Footwear is a separate category. 

I bat for Team Accessories. I have a deeper love for handbags, eyewear, necklaces, bracelets, my Apple watch, and belts than I do for shoes. I do like shoes, and I enjoy browsing footwear departments. But since my feet are hard to please, and I walk a lot in all kinds of weather, I am down to a handful of styles that suit my need for extreme comfort. I have a lot more fashion fun with accessories than I do with footwear.

Come to think of it, even when my feet were less fussy, I wasn’t a big shoe person. A small footwear capsule and a bigger bag capsule is typical for me. I swap out my eyewear regularly because I have many pairs of prescription specs and sunnies. I wear my pearls daily with joy, and have rekindled my love for belts. I am definitely more of an accessory person than a footwear person.

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Accessories or Team Footwear? Tell us why, and no batting for both teams. If you can’t pick a side, sit this one out on the bench where I’m serving spicy cabbage and edamame in peanut sauce, with green beans and brown rice, cucumber salad, and Belgian pralines for dessert. My guess is that Team Footwear will win this poll. Surprise me!

Fab Find: Vionic Willa Loafer

If you’re after a classic slipper flat with a sturdy sole and arch support, try the Vionic Willa Loafer. They are winners for me and some of my clients too. The footbed is cushioning and has great arch support. The footbed is removable so you can replace it with custom orthotics. The outer soles are hard so your feet don’t feel too close to the ground. Flexible, but not too flexible.

Zappos
Vionic Willa
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Zappos
Vionic Willa
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Zappos
Vionic Willa II
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Zappos
Vionic Willa II
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2
Zappos
Vionic Willa II
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5
Zappos
Vionic Willa II
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3
Zappos
Vionic Willa
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5
Zappos
Vionic Willa
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3
Zappos
Vionic Willa
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3
Zappos
Vionic Willa
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1
Zappos
Vionic Willa II
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3
Zappos
Vionic Willa II
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1
Zappos
Vionic Willa II
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1
Zappos
Vionic Willa II
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1
Zappos
Vionic Willa II
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3
Zappos
Vionic Willa II
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1

Some fabrics are more comfortable than others. The suede and super soft leathers are the most comfortable. Some styles come in wide widths, or extended sizes. Some colours are on deep discount. Clients with bunions have found the soft leather versions very comfortable. Clients with wider feet enjoy the style in a wide size. Some have found the regular width wide enough.

I have narrow, low-volume feet, and found the loafer too wide. Thankfully, I was able to make them fit better by adding an insole under the removable footbed. Not perfect, but not bad at all. Now they stay on my feet, and do not rub. They are comfy, and look classically sharp with jeans and pants at the new shorter full length that showcases the whole shoe. I got the toffee leopard, which is the first shoe in the collection. I have a leopard belt that is not a perfect match, yet creates a co-ordinated look when worn with the shoes in an outfit.