I love wearing color. Bright candy colors, jewel tones, pastels; you name it, I wear it. While, I also wear plenty of neutrals, wearing color brings me joy and gives me a mental lift. It had not occurred to me until I started providing styling services, that some people have a desire to wear color, but they do not do so for a variety of reasons. I always assumed it was a matter of preference. Boy, was I wrong! Women have shared with me that they lack the confidence to wear bright colors, are concerned about drawing attention to themselves, or they feel like they don’t know how to wear color without looking silly or childish.
My Assistant recently shared with me that she would love to own a red coat….someday, before she dies. I asked what was stopping her from purchasing one, and she replied that she while she loved red, she wasn’t sure she could pull off wearing a red coat. Similarly, my aunt shared with me that she owns a beautiful orange handbag, but does not carry it because she is concerned about drawing attention to herself.
If you relate to any of these feelings, my advice is to start small, try a little bit of color before making the big leap to that more significant colorful item you’ve been dreaming of. Once you start, it becomes a lot easier to incorporate other items. There is no magic involved. Color is for everyone, and can add a lot of joy to getting dressed every day. Here are four ways to add more color to your wardrobe without feeling overwhelmed or self-conscious:
- Start small: use accessories to add a pop of color to your outfit. A colorful belt, hat, scarf, jewelry, watch, or socks, can change the look and feel of an outfit. If you typically wear dark or white neutrals, try a red belt for an easy outfit pick-me-up. If you’re a jeans and t-shirt kind of person, try a colored t-shirt rather than the traditional white, black, or gray.
- Start with the feet: let your shoes bring the color. This is a great option for those of you that are nervous about wearing bright color near your face. Instead of a neutral shoe or basic black, reach for a colorful pump, sneaker, or flat. Most colors work great with just about any neutral color, making them versatile and easy to pair. Beware, people may stare at your feet!
- Wear it on your shoulder or in your hand: a colorful clutch or shoulder bag is a versatile way to bring in color. Handbags can be used with many different types of outfits, and don’t require a lot of thought to add to your look, just grab it and go.
- Try a print: prints don’t have be wild or loud to add color to your look. Try a print with a neutral background and one color for accent.
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