This is a guest post from Megan, a writer and relentless optimist, currently cavorting in New York City but based in beautiful Bristol in the South-West of England. She writes about living with imagination, intent and individual style at Charade.
For many of you, tips on wearing colour will seem sort of stupid. Colour is part of your day to day clothing language. That red bow in your hair. The bright blue tote. The neon pink sandals.
For some, however, I’d wager that wearing colour is a different matter all together – a gargantuan, anxiety-inducing prospect that breaks you into a cold sweat. Wearing colour is too ‘notice me!’ for you to be comfortable with; and even in the warmer spring and summer days you find yourself swaddled in greys and blacks and browns.
You convince yourself this is ‘classic’. That you pull it off. And I’m sure it is and I’m sure you do. I’ve been there, girl. I’ve been called the ‘Princess of Beige’. And despite numerous protestations from my mother that such a palette washes me out, I still find myself wandering H&M with an armful of greys, creams and caramels convincing myself that it’s just my ‘look’.
But let me let you in on a secret: wearing colour is fun. Just look at Bri Emery [www.designlovefest.com]. And it doesn’t have to be the challenge you think it is. Here is a little colour-spiration to throw into your clothing cocktail. And, as the days get warmer, why not let your wardrobe warm up to match?
Start small.
Colourful socks, a hair pin, a ring, block colour tights or a cardigan are all good ways to slip a little colour into your life. Make a Polyvore set like the one above for inspiration! When you’re feeling braver you can combine a few items together.
Start simple.
With a bright bag you don’t have to jump head first into colour as you can pair it seamlessly with your existing wardrobe of neutrals. And it might just be the motif that is colourful like this heart tote. A ‘pop’ of colour can be just as eye-catching as a full ensemble.
Settle on one key element of colour.
Whilst shopping recently I saw a girl in a very close copy of this outfit and I was enamoured. I don’t actually wear a great deal of black but the way she had paired it with the bright yellow Doc Martins made a really strong aesthetic statement – somehow stronger than if she’d been wearing head-to-toe colour. (I added the broach for fun!)
Practice with pastels!
If you’re a beige beauty then experiment with pastels. Peach is only a hop, skip and jump from beige, and is colourful without being ‘in your face’ bright. When you’re feeling braver I think it makes an interesting colour-combo with minty green.
If you’re finding it impossible to figure out which colours work for you, go shopping with a friend and give up the reigns to them. Tell them you want some colour in your life and commit to buying at least one thing they pick for you – and try on everything, even if you aren’t sure at first. Be brave, we’re rooting for you to add a little more colour to the world!
So, friends, is colour an everyday commitment for you or an awkward topic? Have you overcome a colour-phobia? Do you want to? Let us know and share your tips!
Thanks Megan!
