stupid question: can burgundy be a light/spring color? *Now w/polyvore - YouLookFab Forum

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stupid question: can burgundy be a light/spring color? *Now w/polyvore

rae

(website)

Veteran

I'm probably reaching on this one, but I came across these shoes that make my heart pitter-patter.

http://www.endless.com/dp/B003.....B003QCK1DU

I've been looking for boots I can wear to the office in the warmer months without looking crazy, and I really like the height and details on these and think they would add a little of my personality. They're a bit more than I usually spend, so I can't get them just because I *want* them. If the burgundy is totally out, I am tempted to get the brown and dye to a tan or taupe color... opinions? wisdom? splash of cold, cold reality?

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

firefly

I can't claim to be an expert by any means, but I think these look great! When I read your post I was expecting a very dark, heavy maroon, but they're a lot lighter than I thought they would be. They would definitely inject personality into a work wardrobe.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Don't people still wear black shoes even in summer? Although they may not scream spring, I think they'd be okay. They make my heart pitter patter, too!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I just want to caution you about trying to dye a lighter color over a darker one- probably not a good idea. Dying darker is always easier.

Jonesy

Veteran

I agree with Mo. They are certainly not traditionally "springy," but neither are black shoes or boots. If you are in love with them, get them!

Heather

Veteran

Rae, those boots are great; however, if they are more than you would normally fork over for a pair of boots, then don't buy this pair to dye! *gasp* Buy this pair to wear as is! =)

I really like the burgundy and I think "spring" is a relative term/feeling. If they will work with your spring wardrobe, then go for it.

You always look amazing.

rosee

Veteran

According to an H&M mag article (ok, advertising) I read, burgundy and rust are big colors in Europe this spring. Do the burgundy, don't buy new shoes just to dye them -- even though you did a great job with your chocolate pair! Just make sure to lighten it up with some springier colors -- light grey would be excellent if you have it.

amyreh

(website)

Veteran

I say go for it, you are great at making anything work!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ah, I knew the dye idea was all kinds of wrong; I guess I was just in denial that I am out of luck if the burgundy won't fly. Sincere thanks for the opinions thus far - please keep 'em coming!

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

I was out weeding my garden this a.m. and thinking about all the wonderful ideas for color combinations from the garden... (I'm a pretty terrific garden designer; just not so swift at picking clothes for myself!) And I was noticing how beautiful all the new, tender burgundy leaves look just as they emerge on some of my darker perennials, especially when they are set next to pale tender yellow-green or gray-green shoots, taupe woody trunks, various soft pinks, bright periwinkle blues, and lots of white! So I think you could work them into any number of terrific spring looks. L

chouette22

Veteran

These are FABULOUS boots - I love them! However, I think they might be a bit heavy looking (with that sole) for spring/summer. I can completely relate, I don't want to give up my boots either but have been feeling, this particular week actually, even though it's been very cold still, that I might not see them much longer. My daughter also just remarked that I am wearing too many boots. And this comment was made on my cognac ones, the lightest pair I have.

Antje

Veteran

Great boots, Rae! They don't really evoke "spring" for me, though. It's not just the color, but also, as someone else already pointed out, the fact that they are a bit heavy/rugged looking. If you love the boots, get them as they will make fabulous fall boots. But if you want to get spring boots, I'd keep looking for a boot that's either lighter in color or just feels more light weight in the styling (or both).

Aida

Veteran

What Antje said. What about a dove gray pair?

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I concur with Aida - the grey may be more springy... although I'm wearing blue flats right now :p

rae

(website)

Veteran

thimblelina's comment inspired me to do a quick, hypothetical polyvore, using items similar to those I already have, to get an idea of the color combos. There are probably more things I could do, but this is off the top of my head:
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=29918628

The reason I haven't already jumped on something dove gray or beige is that I hate, hate, hate pastels next to my skin. They always look dirty, and I'd want to go bare-legged sometimes. I also have zero pastels in my wardrobe to coordinate. I suppose tan would be a good "nude" for me, but they always look casual to me. What a pickle!

Aida

Veteran

Rae I don't wear pastel colors either, but I do wear light gray and am especially liking my new light gray heels. To be fair your skin is a much richer color than mine and the gray heels look almost nude on me -_- So instead of dove gray how about a richer, but still light, gray color?

Jonesy

Veteran

You know, some people just never wear light colors or pastels, even in the heat of the summer! Think about people with punk styles, for example. Don't they deserve new stylish boots for spring too :)? I agree that a medium gray would probably work well (in fact, I just purchased a pair to wear this spring, since I don't like beige or tan at all), but I don't see why you shouldn't get these boots if they make you feel happy.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Mmm, it is interesting you say that, Jonesy. I was just musing yesterday about how some of my outfits feel more comfortable than others and wondering if I should give up on soft colors like aqua and peach and let the citron and red take over completely. It could all come down to me not liking light colors that much. Even my summer work wardrobe relies heavily on black, olive, charcoal, chocolate brown, and navy.

On the other hand, maybe I just *think* I won't like those colors because they're outside of my comfort zone?

On the other hand, I just spotted the boots for a cool $40 less, putting them in my normal boot-price range.

The angst! I'm so sorry for talking your ears off, ladies; sometimes it just helps me to ramble a bit and get all the thoughts out!

Aida

Veteran

Rae I don't like light colors either (in general) but I was thinking the same as you, could be that they're out of my comfort zone. I've since found a few that I like, but still tend to gravitate towards stronger versions of them (like bright aqua!). Except for light gray which I super love Perhaps boots are not the best place to "discover" what the situation is, but I've a feeling you'll still have a hankering for lighter boots this whole season.