Whilst I don't really give a fig about the First Lady Fashion-Off - nobody's comparing their husband's black sports jackets and open neck shirts (are they?!) - this photo has perked me right up. Like a double Berocca Boost or a visit to the David Hockney exhibition, it's really uplifting. I never thought I'd find a photograph of Samantha Cameron edifying, but life is full of surprises. So, here she is looking chic in Roksanda Illincic fuchsia top and navy Joseph pants, with Michelle Obama - who is the best advert for cardigans, ever. This one's by L'Wren Scott.
When it comes to wearing colour, it's all about balance. Brights look best when paired with easy-to-wear neutrals. Not that I mind colour-blocking...on other people. It's just that brilliant hues don't look that brilliant next to my pasty complexion, so I tend to keep the top half toned down and opt for hot pants instead. I'll take my navy and pink combination this way round:
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| Caroline Seiber at Paris Fashion Week |
As I've told you before, my wardrobe is permanently stuck in neutral. That means lots of navy, khaki, camel and charcoal, with the odd highlight. And I'm happy with that. Another woman who knows how to get the balance just right is Advanced Style cover star, Gitte Lee:
How about you? Are you more courageous with colour?
Photos
Michelle Obama & Sam Cam: Getty Images
Caroline Sieber: Vogue
Gitte Lee: Advanced Style
As much as my eye is drawn to bright color, wearing it myself feels "off" somehow, like a neon sign, and not for lack of trying. Like you, I'm at my best in the proverbial "neutral with a pop of color" look, and I adore that picture of Gitte Lee. The orange duster/coat and big brooch are perfect.
ReplyDeleteI'm a neutral, but if I do imagine wearing any color, it would be on the bottom, not near my face. Not even that fond of "pops" of color - prefer a monochromatic look.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun blog. Always something interesting to read.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. Color on the bottom half.
Meg
Color picks me up and really makes me look better. Neutrals just make me fade away. Love Michelle's outfit!!!...great to see lots of hot color coming our way......
ReplyDeleteAs much as I'd like to be known as courageous, I wouldn't say I'm as courageous with color as these ladies. Maybe a fuschia silk top or a red jacket on occasion, but most of my color comes via scarves. That said, one of my favorite dresses is an orange wrap dress--and that's so much fun to wear in the summer--but oh my, the attention it draws.
ReplyDeleteI love color, but it does seem that the colors I choose for myself are always rather subdued, blended with other neutrals. I also am fair; my own coloring is somewhat muted and low-contrast. Any time I choose a brighter color, I have to hold it up to my face. Some of them make me look brighter; many wash me out. I haven't figured out a foolproof rule for which ones work.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was blonde I got rather lazy and khaki and black were my usual choices as my bright hair seemed to tended to attract lots of attention. When I went to the dark side I worried about blending in with the thousands of others with dark hair and made a concerted effort to introduce more colour to my life. Now I hate myself in drab colours. x
ReplyDeleteNo, I always seem to gravitate towards the black/grey/navy clothes when buying. I find it increasingly difficult to find what I want in my wardrobe as it all seems to look the same, rather like finding a silver car on a car park.
ReplyDeleteJust realised the photo of me shows me wearing a colour - it was taken a long while ago!
ReplyDeleteI, like you, am addicted to neutrals however I am dipping my toe in the water as the sun shines with a few scarves and budget T shirts in blue and green as a bit of an experiment.
ReplyDeletefirst, i love michelle obama's style!
ReplyDeletei'm learning to re-embrace brights through some vintage clothing i've picked up. at first it was a little hard getting used to but i'm slowly but surely breaking out of my black. i truly feel happier when i'm dressed in brighter shades and that is something i've never considered.
I like Caroline Seiber´s outfit, though I don´t know who she is.
ReplyDeleteThe colors match.
I won´t comment on the other pictures.
I have to wear black for work so I tend to wear bright colours whenever I can. You already know about my addiction to coloured skinny jeans ;)
ReplyDeleteI spent much of last year experimenting with color and while I'm braver about wearing it now, I do find that more and more of my beloved grey is creeping back into the wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteAm with you on the neutrals too. Perhaps a few shots of colour creep in in the way of orange (scarf and a handbag) and mustards. That said I have just very darlingly gone for a pair of linen bright blue / green trousers! Hope I will be brave enough to wear them. Perhaps with a striped black and white top. Great post - first ladies look amazing. x
ReplyDeleteI wear black during the day and color at night ... and I like bright dresses more than bright separates.
ReplyDeleteI am willing to give almost any color a try! I enjoy experimenting and having fun with trial and error.
ReplyDeleteBollywood Songs oh my God fantastic collection and tips i like it good work and fantastic choices
ReplyDeletekeep it up
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Thank you for the last five blogs. Taking a break at last. Best friend and neighbor died Saturday, etc. etc. Now I have got to get myself together properly before I can get out there. After April 1st, I'd be a fool to go out in the heat MS.
ReplyDeleteSo, I especially need to read the article you mention in the Hockney Post. But, tomorrow I have to babysit the 4 yr old 'Hellion' which is always enjoyable. We will be nodding off together when Mommy comes after class. Wish me some Irish luck, and any other. Thanks for your blog.
The decades of wearing black are fading. Pastels and really saturated color are on the horizon. Embrace color blocking (http://bit.ly/zBKQg4) because I don't think it's going away. And it's fun and easier because you don't have to match separates or accessories!
ReplyDeleteThose are great photos of women dressing really well, in color. I can appreciate them, even though I'm not a big color person. And, I can learn. Bit by bit I saturate.
ReplyDeleteI am finding that more and more I am adding colour pops to my look. Xxxx
ReplyDeleteI always try different color combination until I get the perfect one and I really enjoying this kind of work.
ReplyDeleteChristina @ Discount Suits