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WIW: Using Color Instead of Lots of Accessories

kimlee

Veteran

Happy Friday Everyone! I hope each of you has had a fantastic week and will have an equally amazing weekend. Dressing this week was a bit of an adventure - the temps started out in the low 30's on Monday and will reach the high 80's by today. So you'll notice a progressive shortening of the sleeves in my photos.

One big lesson I learned about my style this week - I generally prefer using bright colors to add pop to an outfit rather than lots of acessories. I wore a scarf on Monday and fussed with it all day. The necklace that I wore on Tuesday seemed bothersome to be. I felt more comfortable in Thursday's look where I just let the color do the talking.

I am also beginning to think that I am less of a business bombshell and more of a modern classic - heavy on the classic elements (cardi's and the like).

As always, I love hearing your thought on the looks and any suggestions you have for changes/tweaks.

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23 replies

Latest reply was from kimlee

Anonymous

Hmmmm. All of your outfits look good, and I know what you mean about fussy accessories, BUT, I wonder if there is something else besides bright color that made you prefer outfit number 4 this week? You do look amazing in the bright lippy and turquoise top, but I also noticed that the outfit includes a skirt and a buttoned sharp jacket. Somehow it comes across a little more structured to me? And I love the texture of the skirt as well, that adds a lot. You have gorgeous legs so it's nice to see them. Maybe your bombshell is becoming a bit more demure *waving to Natalie*, but I can still see elements of it.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm definitely in the same camp as you Kimlee - fuss factor is now a deal breaker for me in terms of an outfit. I don't want to be fixing, tugging, tucking, reshaping...

I absolutely see a significant classic streak in your style. To me, outfit #4 is PERFECTION because of the strong and modern colour palette, the graphic print of the skirt and structured jacket.

Every outfit here looks fabulous though, just that #4 stood out to me, you know?

Asingh

(website)

Veteran

Kimlee, all the outfits look great on you. My favourite is the third one, the jewel toned top with the necklace looks gorgeous. I also love the vibrant lipstick. I'm also big on colour and brights make me happy.

kimlee

Veteran

Claire - Your comments are quite insightful and have the wheels turning in my head. My daughter is home sick today - so when she was napping I did a total overhaul of my closet. And I have a clearer picture of my I like and you hit on several of my revelations.

Shannon - I think you've summed up quite nicely the elements that make #4 my favorite.

Asingh - Thank you for the kind words. #3 is probably my 2nd favorite look. I am loving jewel tones and brights!

Beth Ann

Veteran

KL: All of this are vibrant and terrific. #4 is my favorite, too! I'm learning that I like a balance between flow/drape and structure in my outfits. It feels most flattering and comfortable at the same time.

What about looking for texture as an element to provide interest? Mixing a cozy knit with a shiny satin, for example.

Love you eye for color!

kimlee

Veteran

Beth Ann: I love the suggestion of using texture as a way to add interest to my outfits. I have not played around with texture very much up to this point. However, I am going to give it a spin.

Ariadne

Veteran

Well, I love #1 and #3--sorry they felt fussy! They are all great looks. I find I'm often going accessory and jewelry free these days.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

#4 is stellar! You look sensational, and the colour really does do the talking. But I agree with Claire that the structure and nipped in waist also helps. I think sometimes we imagine that just because an outfit is "soft" it will feel comfortable -- but there are elements besides softness to consider. None of these outfits is bad at all, but in #4, your self seems to shine more brightly.

catgirl

Veteran

Outfit 4 is clearly the standout here, although all are really nice. i think it shows a feminine but powerful look that is underrated these days. You look sassy and professionally polished. Did we ever think of you as business bombshell? I'm not sure I had that impression.

Anonymous

Yay! A closet overhaul. The perfect activity for a "sick" day. I hope your daughter feels better. Can't wait to hear more about your evolving style!

unfrumped

Veteran

Yuur outfits are great and #4 is really sharp. Angie also does not wear much if any jewelry and she does a lot with garment structure and detail as well as color and pattern. So I think you can SYC and also keep an eye out for ways in which the garments and footwear have more going on and therefore need less accessorizing. Color is definitely one aspect, but the structure, texture, detail (piping, trims, contrasts, buttons and the like) are things that, if done in a way that fits your style and is pleasing to you, make accessories unnecessary.

You might also be a "watch person". A striking watch is an accessory, yes, but often less fussy-feeling. If you frequently dress with exposed wrists, it can make a great statement.

moira

Veteran

So in all 4 your you had on 3 articles of clothing, but in the fourth you wore a structured jacket, a skirt and no accessories and that was the one you liked best and felt the most comfortable in.
I think this would be good information for you to take note of for future reference.
BTW, I though you looked great in everything, but I loved the crispness and polish of #4.

tayleigh

All your outfits are lovely, but I definitely like #1 and #4 the best - I understand about the fuss factor though. Maybe instead of accessories you can add interest through embellished necklines, prints, and texture? Just throwing out some ideas. You look fantastic with the bold red lip btw!

Amy

(website)

Veteran

You look really pretty in all of these. I adiore the last outfit.

kimlee

Veteran

Ariadne - Thank you. Accessory and jewelry free seem to feel more like "me".

Suz - You are quite insightful. I agree that while comfort is important - I feel more like me wiht structure and good fit.

Una - I am not sure that YLF ever said I was a "business bombshell". I just know that I tend to adore the looks MaryK creates and find myself wanting to copy her.

Unfrumped - Love the suggestion of using a watch.

Moira - Thank you for commenting. I have taken note of your insights and will be keeping them in mind when creating new looks.

Tayleigh - I love the idea of embellished necklines!

Amy - Thank you so much!

teri

Veteran

#4 is my favorite, but I would have HAD to wear a necklace... lol

Carole

Veteran

All your outfits look great, but 4 is outstanding! That pop of blue is gorgeous on you and I love the structured silhouette.

rute

Veteran

It always work!! You look gorgeous! I'm in love with the last outfit, that lipstick is gorgeous!

Lisa

Veteran

I do adore scarves but have only recently been trying to add more necklaces as my accessory to outfits. I notice all the accessories you tried here are long in length, both the scarves and the necklaces. Do you feel the same way with shorter delicate and statement necklaces too? For myself, I am learning unless it is a scarf I generally prefer shorter necklaces.

Anonymous

See...I love Outfit #1. I love the colors and the textures together. I like the scarf but I am a scarf addict so I am used to the bothersomness (prob not a word!)

kimlee

Veteran

Teri - It wouldn't be your style if you were not rocking a great necklace.

Carole - Thank you.

Rute - Thank you.

Lisa - Shorter necklaces and scarves do not seem to bother me as much. But I hadn't thought about it until you posed the question. Thank you for the insight.

WhitneyG- Outfit #1 was my 2nd favorite behind #4. I think with a minor change to the scarf and different pair of trousers I would love the look.

Thistle

Veteran

I agree with the others. All are nice, but #4 is really amazing!

I have been trying to add scarfs into my personal rotation, and I agree that they can be fussy. Sometimes I wonder if I am just not tying them right . . .

kimlee

Veteran

Thistle - I feel the same way!