Wearing colourful bottoms is one way to reinvent the skinnies tucked into tall boots uniform. Here I’ve taken skinnies in two of the most popular colours for Fall and Winter 2013, burgundy and cobalt, and combined them with easy and on trend neutral sweaters and tall boots. 

My clients are often drawn to the idea of cobalt and burgundy bottoms, but worry about how to create outfits with pants that aren’t neutral. I suggest three “go-to” neutrals to wear with cobalt and burgundy bottoms: black, grey, and white. The shade of grey and white is whichever works best with your complexion. Sometimes I also suggest ink blue and taupe, but black, grey and white are usually more accessible.

If you want to pair more adventurous colours with burgundy and cobalt bottoms, think shades of orange, pink and green. Or wear burgundy with cobalt. Why not?

Here are the components of the formula:

Bottoms: Choose burgundy or cobalt skinnies in corduroy, velveteen, or denim that are tuck-able into tall boots. 

Tops: If you prefer to wear neutral tops with coloured bottoms, stick to black, grey and shades of white. Otherwise try some of the other colour options I suggested earlier. Choose on trend sweaters in fluid or oversized silhouettes, in chunky, semi-chunky, or fine gauge knits. Because last week’s ensemble was about chunky knitwear, I’ve chosen fine gauge knits this time round. An oversized V-neck with zippers, an asymmetrical drape-y tunic, and a fluid turtleneck. I kept the sweaters solid as a peaceful complement to the more hectic bottoms, but by all means choose a pattern. If it’s too warm to wear wool, wear an upscale sweatshirt, cotton knitwear or a big tee. 

Tall Boots: Wear just about any style of tall or mid-calf black boot with these combinations. Black boots work particularly well with black tops and/or black hair. Tall grey or taupe boots are another option. Go casual, tailored, rugged or sporty. Cognac boots tend to work better with burgundy skinnies. 

Coat: Top the lot off with a cozy coat. Grey, white and black coats are easy options in wool, wool-blends, tweed and down. I’ve chosen a chartreuse coat because it works well with both burgundy and cobalt, and brightens up a gloomy grey Winter’s day. 

Accessories: A burgundy and black bag, like a satchel or tote, is a fun and versatile Winter colour combination. Black, grey and Winter white bags are other options. Finish off the outfit with jewellery, eyewear, watch, hat, scarves and gloves as desired. 

Hopefully you can shop your closet for at least part of this outfit formula. It’s amazing how many options present themselves when you start digging around.

Blue, green, pink and purple hair has become quite the fashion statement. Although fringe, it’s definitely gaining popularity, especially in the form of “easier to wear” streaks as opposed to a full-on mop of long rainbow locks. I don’t want to sport rainbow hair, but I like looking at it on others because I enjoy the creative expression. It’s fun, daring, modern, visually shocking in neon shades, and can become the focal point of a person’s style. 

I’ve pinned rainbow hair across a variety of styles and colours that have inspired me in some way. Take a peek: 

• Long and polished jewel-toned locks with a matching set of eyebrows and nail art.
• A colour blocked bob in shades of neon worn with neutrals.
• A modern mod crop with streaks of pink and purple. 
• Geek Chic Pastel Pink and Blue Punk with a whole lot of girly polish. 
• Subtle pink and blue streaks in platinum hair with dramatic eye make-up.  
• Pink waves to match pretty lips and a soft sweater. 
• Turquoise curls, a sailor’s hat, ruffled skirt, and dainty shoes. 
• A rugged mop of teal curls to match teal nails and shoes. 
• Neon green hair to complement a neon pink skirt. 
• Cropped blue mop worn with black and blue. 
• Blue fringe fabness. 
• Turquoise streaked fabness. 
• A magical red and purple crop. 

Maintaining the brilliance of rainbow hair is hard because the colour fades, and the dye can run onto your clothing and bed linen. Furthermore, wearing rainbow hair in conservative office environments and across certain professions is risky because it can be perceived as inappropriate and unprofessional. 

A few years ago, I was close to adding a bright blue streak to my short blonde hair. But I decided against it because it would make my style too maximal when wearing colours and patterns. And since I strive towards a minimal style, my already two- toned hair, light and dark blonde, is enough for me. 

Over to you. Do you like the look of rainbow hair? Would you consider dying your hair blue, green, pink or purple? If not, why not? If rainbow hair is not your thing, can you appreciate the look on others?

We usually spend Christmas at home, but this year we decided to do something completely different and we’re in Las Vegas. We’re staying at the Venetian, where Greg took these photos earlier today. 

We plan to dress up, catch a few shows and eat at some nice restaurants. The weather is mild, the sun is bright, and we’re having a wonderful time. 

We will publish fewer posts between now and New Year’s Day as we relax, restore and refresh in preparation for 2014. We at YLF wish you a happy holiday season.

I must congratulate the retail industry for offering a greater assortment of sleeved dresses this Winter. While we’re still yearning for a greater assortment of hem lengths, at least we can keep our arms covered sans the extra layer. 

• Eliza J Leather Shoulder Trim Shift Dress: A retro shift with just enough structure to look flattering. Fab leather shoulder insets. 
• Calvin Klein Long Sleeve Cowl Neck Sweater Dress: A little fit and flare for those who prefer frocks that move as they stride. Excellent on a pear shaped body type.
• Eliza J Striped Colorblock Sweater Dress: This dress worked really well on a petite client with an inverted triangle body type, shorter neck and larger bust. Forgiving and comfortable. It’s a pity that the photos do not do this super cute dress justice. 
• Tahari Stripe Sweater Dress: Tailored, refined and ladylike. Nice for the office. 
• Old Navy Snakeskin Print Sweater Dress: One of our curvy forum members recently wowed us when she paired the grey colourway with sheer black hose and flat mid-calf lace-up boots. It’s quite short though, so consider yourself warned. 
• Eliza J Stripe Ponte Shift Dress: As retro as it is modern. A-line, yet streamlined and tailored. Looks even better in person. 
• Amanda Uprichard Ponte Knit Fit & Flare Dress: Excellent on a curvy petite with a shorter neck. 
• Helmut Lang Sonar Wool Asymmetrical Sleeve Dress: A little sheer, but forgiving around the midriff, tummy and hip area nonetheless. The diagonal sleeves are short, but still pretty covered. Wear shapewear if it’s too sheer, and enjoy its avant-garde integrity. One of my clients bought this in grey and looks like a million bucks. 

Match Winter dresses with hose and pumps, or tall slim-fitting boots to elongate the leg line. Wear booties or mid-calf boots for a more fashionable look. Wear dressy slipper flats if you bat for Team Flats.