WIW to Work Photo Challenge Day 10

In theory my blacks and gray were going to look sophisticated. I know I need to lighten/ brighten black near my face with accessories and I had some in mind.
I started with my base layer in black and added a soft flowy cardigan with a black leather fastener. I loved the comfort, loved the softness. I didn’t love the drab. Not fab. Not fab at all, but changing was not an option. I tried two scarves (but both had red, or berry colors and I know those are colors I can wear) and was reaching for a third when the reflection of green bling caught my eye.
Skip the scarves. My inner crow went straight for the green bling. I felt an immediate whoosh of happiness! I added a little more green bling to my black and gray and sashayed out the door.
Ok. All bravado and spirited sass aside. Let me ask you what you think of this outfit? The green bling really made my day, but truthfully I don’t think it saved the outfit. Is black and gray too dark for me now? Would a bolder lip have made a difference?
Thank you for looking. I appreciate all suggestions.

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6 years ago

SarahD8

Veteran

Wow I LOVE the green bling! I have an Inner Magpie Queen so I get it. We corvids have to stick together.

I see what you are saying about the darkness of the outfit. I would tweak it by adding a pair of light colored or metallic booties. I think that would paradoxically help the bling shine/stand out more, as well as “bookending” your hair (which I have to admit I am resistant to slavishly adhering to, but I DO see its utility in an outfit like this).

Anonymous

I don’t think it’s too dark for you . I also think that showing a little more skin as in a pushed - up sleeve or an open neck ( as opposed to the turtleneck here) would go a long way toward lightening up the look . I love your green jewellery ! You could also consider “ bookending “ your hair with a pair of sand suede booties ...

Toban

I agree with Lisa p about opening up the neckline. I love the flowy cardigan, but the turtleneck is competing with the diagonal lines of the cardigan. The color pairing works fine and isn't too dark.

Joy

I suspect that it may be too cold in Maine right now to expose skin, but like the idea of light footwear and maybe a green scarf to bring more color to your face and tie in with your beautiful green jewelry. Wearing black on top, I find that I do wear more makeup, including slightly deeper toned tinted moisturizer and brighter lip.

Jaime

(website)

The first all black outfit looks great to me. Agree that a bit of skin is always helpful with black, but do not agree with exposing skin in the cold. If the gorgeous green jewelry made your day then there really is no question it was a success!

Cardiff girl

I do agree that a dark outfit can seem very drab at this time of year.your jewellery is really gorgeous and the necklace particularily helped to lift it.All of the suggestions above sound really good ,a bright lipstick appeals and how about trying to get a little more variance in texture into the mix,this might help break up the solidity of all that dark colour.

Mainelady

Thank you all! Your suggestions are wonderful and I am so appreciative. Sarah, Lisa, Toban, Joy and Shevia your suggestions of bookending with lighter colored booties and exposing some skin had never even occurred to me. With my lighter hair, of course I should try bookending! I do have tan suede booties and think a metallic pair, or maybe a light snakeskin should be on my watch list.
Some skin exposure would really help to lighten things up. Again, such a simple solution, but one I hadn’t thought of. In the winter I am so used to bundling up and covering up as much as possible. I can easily show some skin on my lower arms and will try open up my necklines on milder days. I can always add a scarf to my tote bag, in case being cold becomes a factor.
Cardiff, thank you. A brighter lipstick and adding texture are wonderful suggestions and really easy to try.

Thank you all so much!

Aurore

I think black looks great on you - but I may be biased as I love black. However my favourite outfit is #3, with the necklace that really stands out! I think it adds a focal point which breaks the omnipresence of black/grey.
Also, your green bling is gorgeous (peridot?).

Thank you Aurore. I was ridiculously happy with the green bling. I found the necklace in a J Crew outlet store about 4 years ago. The ring and bracelet are Maine tourmalines.

Bijou

Love the green bling too and think it takes away the severity of the black. I do like you in black, it highlights your beautiful hair. However, some lighter shoes or boots would really add some interest and lighten things up.

jussie

I quite like this outfit, the bling obviously- but also the pants seem to fit quite well and with the boots are so lengthening on the legs.
Could it have done with some brightening up? Wouldn’t hurt. You’re very good at identifying tiny areas for improvement. The outfit is pretty good already though so no need to panic.
Well, whoever suggested metallic shoes is genius. Also a cream cardi, a khaki anorak or even a denim jacket could’ve worked too, just to take the edge off. But overall a pretty classy effort.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

KILLER bling. Beautiful with your hair and livens up the black and grey.

Katerina

I think you look gorgeous in black - it really suits you, the first picture is soo chic!!

I LOVE the outfit with the green necklace - it is one of my favourites of all of your great outfits. It is truly stunning. I am so happy for you. I think it's always so fun to see bold colourful accessories - I am a huge fan, as you probably already know :-).

Actually, I have a green bling necklace - smaller than yours, but you have inspired me to wear it some day soon

Bijou and Katerina, thank you for the thumbs up for the black. I do think navy looks better on me these days, but I have always liked wearing black and am happy to think that with the right supporting cast it can be on stage from time to time.

Jussie, I know! metallic shoes would be perfect, wouldn’t they! I like your suggestions of a cream sweater, khaki anorak or a denim jacket and I can shop my closet for those!

A KILLER for my bling! Thank you, Angie! The green is lovely and a brighter color. It certainly captures attention.

Katerina, thank you! What a lovely thing to say. I have noticed, and admired your bold accessories! Yes, do wear your green bling soon. I predict a nice big happiness factor!

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