The Right Way and Wrong Way To Wear Color

Tina, here.

White is my favorite color. Then grey, followed closely by camel. I'm a neutrals addict. But I’m challenging myself to wear color. Which must be approached with caution. Spring and summer are the perfect seasons to experiment. So here are some ways to wear color, and ways not to.

You may hate pink. But let me offer you something to consider. Have you ever heard of lampshades being lined with pink, or of fancy women painting their boudoirs pink, or for that matter, what about pink lightbulbs? Pink is a universally flattering color to women of all races because it reflects light on your complexion and in your eyes. So if you're going to experiment with color, try any shade of pink you're comfortable with...this is a RARE occasion to see me wearing a bright pink dress. I memorialized the occasion by eating a cupcake.

Coral, peach, blush, these are just a few shades in the pink family that will flatter. It depends on your skin tone if you veer towards the cool or warm direction. Warmer skin tones will favor the warmer, darker end of the color spectrum. Think hot pink and deep coral tones. Fair skin tones will favor cooler shades like baby pink, soft melon, and blush. Actually, blush looks good on EVERYone.

I am fair skinned, so I choose softer, cooler tones of pink. With a tan (of the safe variety, spray or lotion), I can wear deeper, warmer hues of pink.

Another color that is just about as universally flattering as blush pink is blue - but more of the soft turquoise variety.

Notice I have paired my soft pool blue t-shirt with white jeans, natch.

You don't have to wear color head to toe. You can wear it either against your face or on your lower half. My favorite way to wear colorful tops is with with white bottoms (tee-hee, that always makes me laugh). Or with grey, that works too. Every color under the sun looks good with grey or with white. Primary colors especially look more flattering paired with white or grey, rather than black. Let's see why.

Here's a cobalt blue top, a hot color this spring. Look at it paired with white pants - so fresh and cool and the blue is so bright. Now look below...

There are not any primary colors I like paired with black.

Look how dark and heavy the cobalt blue top looks now. And you might be mistaken for a restaurant host or an Apple team member. Look back at the picture above where the blue is paired with white. Don't you feel better already?

I also love wearing tone-on-tone.

Think shades of pink. Or shades of blues. It’s a more subtle way to wear color. And it's kinda sorta ombré.

Don't want to wear color? I get you. I so get you. But change is good, and wearing even a spot of color might make your brain younger than playing Sudoku.

You can accessorize with color. Pops of color in a scarf or a statement piece like a big turquoise necklace feel fresh. Especially when the rest of your ensemble is neutral.

I changed up the white dress with a coral suede pump and a pink clutch. Tone on tone foiled by clean white. And I kept my jewelry pretty simple.

Or go whole hog and wear an entire dress with a rainbow of color and pattern. But keep the accessories quiet.

If I were you, I really wouldn't attempt just any floral without our help as there is so much margin for error when buying patterned dresses. You’ve been warned. More on how to wear pattern next week.

I'm about to shock you.

I've had these pink sequin ombré wedges for 3 years. I've worn them once. TERRIBLE cost per wear. They're Prada, but I got them for a song at a liquidator's. But it's my mission to wear them this summer. They require white jeans because they are pretty loud and proud.

Where can you find some great pieces that add color to your spring wardrobe? Style Vault insiders know. I revealed a few really good colorful items that are super-affordable in the Vault (for curvy and petites, too).

So, if you’re looking for a good way to spice up your spring outfits, join the Style Vault to get what we love this season. Over $175 in savings on the fab finds inside April’s Vault.

Join the Style Vault Now!

Thanks for reading and be sure to check out our personalized Nashville wardrobe consulting services for men and women. Experience the luxury of having Barbara, Amy or myself in your home and shopping the stores for you, then putting it all together.

Best,

Tina