You are on Team Scarf if you prefer scarves over necklaces and vice versa for Team Necklace. 

Ever since I started sporting my virtually jewelry-free style, I have been wearing scarves more often than necklaces. But I’m still hopelessly devoted to my assortment of pearl necklaces because pearls are part of my style soul. I don’t love them any less just because I don’t wear them as often as before. So I am sitting this one out on the bench with tea and lemon fairy cakes because the rules say I can’t bat for both teams. 

Over to you. Are you on Team Scarf or Team Necklace?

It wasn’t long ago that navy was associated with formal corporate wear, uniforms, old school preppy outfits and nautical themes. The traditional neutral was also sometimes thought of as conservative, mature and frumpy. 

Forget those negative associations. Shades of navy, from dark to very dark, have increased in popularity and are making a bigger fashion statement than ever. Dare I say that navy is the new black. 

Here are the top 4 reasons to like shades of navy:

1. Navy is softer than black. Black can look harsh and lifeless against certain complexions, and is generally a difficult colour to wear. The desirable softening effect of navy is especially appealing as you get older. Many of my clients are wearing more navy, and some have made it “their black”. 
2. Navy can complement black. Wear navy with black. Ten years ago, the combination was a fashion taboo. Today it’s chic deluxe and makes for a more interesting outfit than flat black from head to toe. Don’t think that you have to choose between the two neutrals. Instead, think of them as complementary shades in your wardrobe. 
3. Navy is just as versatile as black. This is especially true when the navy is super dark. It works with pastels, brights, muted tones, jewel tones and neutrals.  
4. Navy looks exceptionally good on brunettes. To my eye this is true of blues in general. And if you’re a blue eyed brunette, navy also brings out the colour of your eyes. 

I’m a relative newcomer to navy because I didn’t think that I could add it into my black, white, cream and sour brights style palette. I also thought that navy wasn’t as cool and strong as black. I was so wrong. Thankfully, I caught the navy bug about five years ago and haven’t looked back. I’m thrilled at the increased availability of navy wardrobe items and I’m consistently adding them to my wardrobe.

I love mixing all shades of navy with black, white and cream. I also like to wear navy instead of black. I don’t think that navy will ever replace black, but it’s becoming as important to me as my old time signature neutrals, black and white. 

Do you wear shades of navy? Do you prefer navy to black? Can navy be a replacement for black in your outfits? Does navy make you feel frumpy? Or do you think that black is better than navy no matter what?

This outfit is basic, casual, practical and comfortable. With the addition of a scarf it’s the type of look I’ll wear on a flight or sight seeing in mild weather. I’ll also wear it on a day jam packed with errands, or when I’m working at home. 

I find stretchy cigarette pants like these Real Skinnies from the Gap more comfortable than jeans because they are extra soft. They are ideal for traveling. I prefer to wear my only t-shirt as a sweater so that’s why I’ve layered it over a denim shirt. This particular tee is thick so it works well worn over button down shirts. No grinning effect of buttons and breast pockets. Surprisingly, my striped “sweater” gets lots of wear so I’m looking to duplicate it with a real sweater in a similar stripe. I think I’ve found just the right one, and will add it to my closet as a new wardrobe essential. I’ve come to enjoy a simple high necked striped sweater more than I thought I would.

The shirt, tee and pants are modern classics, but the bag and shoes are not. The shoes are on-trend slipper flats in an animal print. They have been my go-to shoe this Summer, which is why they are already worn on the toe tips. The bag is more avant-garde with its unique chain detailing. Although the non-classic parts of the outfit add an interesting element to the look, I’m also content substituting them for classic two toned ballet flats and a cream tote. That would amplify the classic integrity of the outfit, which is fine by me.

I couldn’t resist the matchy-matchyness of my black and white specs, complete with striped temples. Why not! Apart from a watch and wedding ring, the outfit is jewelry-free – although the chains on the strap of the bag are like a “body necklace”. My cream trench goes over the lot to keep me cozy when it’s chilly in the morning and evening. 

Apart from the shoes, these items are several seasons old. And I still wear them frequently. It’s comforting to like your old wardrobe items as much as your brand new goodies, don’t you think? It’s also satisfying to enjoy wearing a very basic outfit as much as a more dramatic, trendy and fashion forward one. Basic does not have to mean boring.

As much as I love fashion photography, I also have a huge soft spot for fashion illustration. From René Gruau‘s vibrant and bold illustrations for Elle, Vogue and Marie Claire to the whimsical and stunning work of people like Katie Rodgers, Kelly Smith and Danny Roberts, there are scores of talented artists who each have developed their own very recognizable style. From black and white drawings, minimalist sketches consisting of only a few angular pencil strokes to exquisitely elaborate paintings exploding with colour — I thoroughly enjoy them all for the brilliant works of art they are. But also because they add an extra dimension to my own creative style process.

For me both art forms spark the imagination in different ways. My brain seems to process the information on two separate levels, which helps me get more out of all the images I collect. I often pick up on other details depending if I’m looking at a picture or an outfit drawing: a certain colour nuance, the pleats in a skirt, textural accents, lines, shapes, proportions and silhouettes. So I like to rely on a mix of both to really get those creative juices flowing and to come up with a personal interpretation of the latest trends, or to put together my own outfits.

Do you have a clear preference for either fashion photography or fashion illustrations? And do you feel that drawings are just as helpful when you are in need of some outfit inspiration?

Now in YLF Books

Artist and fashion designer Lorraine Geiger became fascinated with the style trends that emerged during the second half of the twentieth century. To create a lasting testament to the creative and original individuals who started these trends, she decided to record them as they went about their daily lives during the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. The result is this book, Fashion: Fads & Fantasies, with sketches of real people in their true mode of dress. The drawings are accompanied by essays about these decades of “fashion revolt” and come with the original captions that describe the outfits in context.