Exploring the Sea of Color

You’ve seen these fashion headlines: “Find Your Perfect Little Black Dress” or “Basic Black Makes Basic Sense” or “Feeling Chubby? Wear Black!” Do you believe everything you read? It might be wise to take a second look and explore whether the color black really is the answer to everything.

Maybe it’s time to authorize a moratorium on black and give yourself a chance to lighten or brighten up. Are you ready to take the color plunge? Ask yourself the following questions:
§ Are you tired of only bringing black garments into your dressing room?
§ Was black once edgy and exciting to you but now it’s dull and boring?
§ Are you fed up with blending in and now you’re ready to make a statement?
§ Has black been your ‘go to’ color for decades but now it’s appearing to make you look older and more tired?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then it’s time to dip into some new color options. The first step is to find colors that resonate with you. You could start with colors that relate to your skin, hair, or eye tone. Or, let yourself fall in love with a brand new color, one your wardrobe has never seen. There are so many colors to choose from. Where do you even begin?

Color inspiration
I want this to be a fun process. Here are some ideas to get you exploring.

Home decorating magazines are a great way to discover new hues. The exquisitely photographed rooms usually have great color schemes. Sometimes they revolve around one hue but then they’ll add accent colors that make everything look fabulous. Rip out the pages that inspire you.

Paint palettes found at Home Depot, Lowe’s or Benjamin Moore are available for free. These companies create brochures with color collections in mind. You’re sure to walk out with some new ideas that will have you excited about looking for these colors in clothes.

Look around your house. What colors pop out at you? Are they in your favorite porcelain floral teacup, your favorite print rug, or your favorite patterned table linens? Maybe they’re in your favorite painting. Someone was paid a lot of money to design that color combination that really works. Why not capitalize on their terrific efforts and consider wearing some of these colors in a new outfit.

Dipping a toe into color
Are you still clutching to your idea that black is the only color that works for you? Then start small by adding pops of color in accessories. Bracelets, beads, and bags are all a place to begin your new color collection. Scarves anytime of year are a great way to add color. If you don’t want to wear one around your neck, tie the colorful scarf around your handbag and look oh-so-fashion savvy.

Wading in color
Ready to take color a step farther? Find a nice blouse in a new hue that you love and pair it with a blazer and pant. May I suggest something in a French blue, jade green, soft yellow or rosy pink? Or brighten up taupe, khaki, or black basics by adding a jacket in a more vibrant color like violet, coral, sunflower yellow, or sky blue.

Making a big splash with color
Ready to dive into color headfirst? Try pairing interesting color combos together. Try a cropped pewter grey jacket with a lemon-lime blouse or a turquoise blouse paired with white linen pants and a navy blue boyfriend jacket. Heading for a cocktail party? Wear ruby red or sapphire blue instead of your black dress.

Do you need color floaties?
Need some help staying afloat in the sea of color? Let me help. Getting out of a color rut can be very challenging. You don’t have to do it alone. Let’s find the right color mix for your wardrobe. I can’t wait for you to enjoy the benefits that color brings!

Can I help you with your work wardrobe? Let’s determine what appropriate attire is for you and your job, plan your week’s wardrobe, shop for a new wardrobe, or put together interview outfits. Your work wardrobe solutions are just a phone call away.
For more information visit us at www.reginagershman-imageconsulting.com.
Call Regina at (780)901-7065 or email at regina@reginagershman-imageconsulting.com