WIW: A "No Black" outfit- Chartreuse, Gray, Red & Cobalt

I have a tendency to fall back on black for all occasions, so I'm trying to encourage myself to branch out a little and have some "no black" days. I really do love black, so it's hard to do, sometimes.
OK, DARN! The shoes are black, but that's all.

This is what I wore yesterday for a busy Saturday of errands, bringing out a couple of "under-loved" items from my closet.
The sweater is at least a few years old and such cozy cashmere, but rather voluminous, with its wrap style and sort of batwing sleeves- I love it but question whether it's too unflattering.
Then there's the chartreuse blouse: I like it but I haven't quite known what to wear it with. Does it work with the gray?

In keeping with my staunch belief that red is a neutral, I've been wearing my new(ish) Coach bag with everything. I'm thrilled that Coach has gone back to some of their more classic styles but in fun colors. It is actually a deeper red, called Black Cherry, but the flash made it look brighter than it is.
I could have worn non-black shoes, but I'm trying to break in these ankle boots for an upcoming trip, and so far I think they're going to be comfortable and great for walking.

The coat is more of a swing jacket, with a large inverted pleat in the back, and was perfect for the in-between weather that we're having right now.

Comments, suggestions for improvement? Is this too many different colors? Don't hesitate to give your honest opinion!

Chartreuse blouse- Ann Taylor
Gray cashmere sweater- Vince
Gap Always Skinny jeans that somehow are Never Skinny on me....
Franco Sarto boots
Coach bag
Cinzia Rocca swing coat

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13 years ago

merwoman

Veteran

Ohh it works with the grey!! Note to self for inspiration! Love this outfit on you Parsley - you wear chartruese and cobalt beautifully!

Suz

(website)

This is great, Marcie. Wow. Love the grey and chartreuse together, and that red bag looks like just the kind of thing I'm looking for. The coat is fantastic, too.

Parsley

Suz, one thing I really like about the bag is that it can be worn cross-body or you can double the strap as I have here to wear it as a regular shoulder bag.
I am SO tempted to get it in another color, too. Check these out:
http://www.coach.com/online/ha.....=LN#113071

ManidipaM

That's a great outfit! I love the shape of the sweater---seems very on-trend just now, even though an older piece. And the colours have come together beautifully. The green and blue brights with the toning black and grey for contrast. Pop in just the right proportions, I think, including the cool bag (how versatile! love it even more for being convertible, which I have a weakness for). Love your new boots.

Thanks, Manidipa.
Good to see you here! I've thought about you often. Are you feeling more energetic now?

Kristin L

I like the way you have everything put together. Very nice! I think the sweater works well with you.

How do you like the Coach bag? That's the exact bag and color I've been drooling over for a little bit now.

Isis

LOVE the chartreuse and grey together; a fantastic combination.

I'm also loving your new boots! Great outfit!

PS....Just loving those boots! did they run TTS? And could they work with a skirt???? (I'm on the lookout for booties!)

Thanks, Kristin and Isis!
Kristin, I love the bag. It's a great size for me; it holds all my essentials and my iPad, but it's not too big. The red is not too bright and seems to go with everything. I'd love to get it in a second color.

Isis, I wear a 9 or 9 1/2 , so I ordered the 9 1/2s originally but they were too big. These are 9s and they have plenty of room. I do have narrow feet, which could make a difference. I plan to wear them with skirts as well as pants.
They're on sale now at Zappos:
http://www.zappos.com/franco-s.....ck-metador
If you watch the video for them you can see how they look with a skirt.

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Transcona Shannon

The chartreuse and grey together is delicious Marcie! And you wear chartreuse so well. Love the cobalt coat over top of it all and the red bag is just lovely. Of course red is a neutral!

Jaime

Love the colors and am full of admiration of how nicely that sweater falls on you. You look great!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Great loose-and-structured outfit, Marcie! Elegant yet relaxed.

Sooooo with you that red is a neutral!!

saramir

Active Member

Red is a neutral! And that bag is making me drool...I have it in cognac but that black cherry color is amazing. Love your pairing of chartreuse (a color I normally HATE) with gray and red. Looks awesome!

kellygirl

Fab outfit. LOVE the grey and yellow. The cobalt and red are excellent accents! Those booties are smashing too. You look ever so stylish!

Deborah

This is a lovely combination of colors. I particularly like the silhouette you have created here. The red bad is the cherry on top, it's perfect.

Tina.b

You look great, the chartreuse is unexpected but it elevates the outfit. Vince sweaters are one of my faves (got two new v-neck ones this week). The are often voluminous yet they drape beautifully and still give the impression of shape.

Anonymous

You did an amazing job putting this outfit together without black. The chartreuse and grey look great together. It gives me an idea from my closet. The cobalt coat is lovely and boots and bag are such perfect accessories. The proportions look just right. Thank you for sharing and for the color inspiration.

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