As someone that usually wears black… occasionally adding in some navy, grey or white if I’m feeling daring it’s time to discuss colour.
I wear the odd splashes of colour; I love bright red nail polish. I’ve had a hankering for a red coat for years, but have always gone with ‘practical’ (also known as safe) with black or navy. Sometimes though… something to lift, lighten and brighten is needed.
So as well as the usual autumnal colours that are now a go-go… there are some amazing brights ‘out there’ as well.
I have an ancient embroidered skirt that I made when in my first job (where there were various sewing machines that I could use after hours… oh the times when I’d have to grovel to the sample machinists apologising that I’d managed to un-thread the whole thing the next morning…).
The embroidered skirt has small red and pink flowers on a black ground… other than a black jumper/top which would of course work well, I’m feeling the need for either a red and white striped (surprise) breton top, or a red or pink jumper – it would give the skirt a new lease of life. Yes, this is me writing this; wanting to add in colour… so how and what to introduce?
(From looking through these photos & links below, yes, everything is quite simplistic in terms of styling, colour blocking and layering on of colour – but SO WEARABLE.)
As part of the newly re-branded John Lewis and Partners advertising – as well as more diverse models (hurrah) – the colours, oh the colours! Positively joyful.
This outfit. OMG. I’ve surprised myself here – the more I look at it, the more I want the whole thing. The tonal shades. The boots. Well, they are going to have a whole dedicated blog coming your way soon. Swoon. In the meantime.
John Lewis & Partners Cashmere Roll Neck £89
Alas the stunning wool culottes above have sold out on line (they have green, which we’ll get to in a mo…)
Gap have this skirt in the sale of a similar colour £37.99, was £54.99 – this could almost do the job, though I do prefer the smooth fitting, non bulk adding feature of the JL & P.
(Yes, this skirt may well be more of a summer weight fabric… but tights, long boots – done. Love a multi-tasking item.)
Back to those green cullottes from John Lewis & Partners £99.
I like them styled here with bottle green jumper, and the boots. Oh the boots.
More colour blocking and easy wearing.
Zara Waxed effect pleated skirt £29.99
This bright red jumper could also work well as a tonal clash with wine, red, pink, tobacco…
H&M Jumper £8.99
Hello ponte wide leg trousers
Uniqlo £34.90
With the pink jumper I hear you say? OK – there’s this one…
Wool V Neck Jumper £34.90
Or this longer one in cashmere
John Lewis & Partners Cashmere Relaxed Neck Sweater £99
Hummm the wine coloured skirt… or how about a whole look with the leather skirt? Though personally, I would like the boots to be at knee high to lengthen the leg.
John Lewis & Partners Felt Look Cowl Neck Sweater £65
How about this roll neck jumper with navy trousers/skirt/indigo jeans?
M&S Roll neck jumper £17.50
I think a coloured coat could be a good investment to give both variety to outfits now and again – but buy a classic simple style and even if you put it away for a few years and don’t wear it, get it out and again, and boom, wardrobe injection of marvellous-ness down the line.
This Topshop coat is simple in its styling and shape, and styled here with the black and white lets the coat do the talking.
Topshop Seamed Boucle Coat £85
This is another great classic from Mango. (See the clashing earrings too? Earring, handbag or boots in another similar solid clean colour could all just jar and boom an outfit.)
Mango Structured Wool Coat £119.99
A similar colour coat here from Next, but more, I wanted to show the pieces worn with the coat (hello berry coloured banana heeled shoes) – but see the indigo and grey that tone the blue down? (The blue background wall is also handy admittedly.)
Next Patch Pocket Coat £75
Finally, as ever ending with a subject close to my heart, of wine (coloured items…)
More is more is more. Love love love.
Zara Soft Faux fur Coat £69.99
So how do you feel about colour? Do you wear it and often? If not, what makes you hesitant about it, I’d love to hear what you think.
xx