color

The Colors of My Wardrobe (or lack thereof)

I read an article recently that indicated based on the day I was born that my lucky color is red. It also indicated my unlucky color is blue. My jaw fell. The majority of my wardrobe is blue. And I own almost nothing in red.

I don’t usually put my stock in these sorts of things but it did get me thinking. How different would my life be if I wore more red? Why do I always gravitate towards blue? Should I be adding more color to my wardrobe? Should I be concerned that my favorite red is the one in my wine glass?

My wardrobe is made up of mostly neutrals with some pops of color. That is in fact a conscious decision. I personally like the way I look in those colors and I find it easiest to coordinate outfits in this way. I also do not choose to wear red because I find it a tricky color. There are many shades of red. Depending on your skin tone, it can be difficulty finding the shade that compliments you best.

Not every color or shade looks good on everyone. And you shouldn’t feel as though you need to represent all colors in your wardrobe. I remember a couple years ago around the holidays standing in a retail store waiting to pay and I overheard a woman next to me who was purchasing a red sweater. She told the sales associate that she found the sweater festive even though she didn’t feel the color was the best compliment to her complexion. She was buying a red sweater that she didn’t even think looked good on her just because it was festive. It took all the restraint I had not to yell “DON’T BUY THE SWEATER”.

If you don’t think that an article of clothing flatters you in every way, do not purchase it. You will wear it once, if that and then it will sit in your closet for all of eternity. When we get dressed, we gravitate towards the items in our closets that (1) are comfortable and (2) look good on us. Make your purchasing decisions, accordingly.

Today, as my mind was wondering, I realized that while I don’t own much red in my wardrobe, half of my pajamas are red! Ok, yes, I wear pajamas to bed. I have actual pajamas (not just an old t-shirt). And for some reason, red is my pj color of choice. I find this baffling. Am I subconsciously making up for not wearing red in my wardrobe by putting it in my sleepwear? This, I have no answer for. But I can tell you that I love my red pajamas.

An example of one of the few reds in my wardrobe. Though I only have a few, I love the ones I have. I want the same for you!




The Latest Pants Trend for Spring 2020

We’re starting to see all kinds of trends emerge for Spring 2020. Here in the Northeast the weather has been on the warmer side and instead of living in snow pants and parkas, we can actually start wearing some of these trends now. One trend that I actually jumped on as it began to emerge last year is the side stipe.

Pants are incorporating additional detail this season in the form of a side stripe. This detail is showing up in all different kinds of pants from trousers to cargo and even sweatpants. The side stripe can vary from thick to pencil thin, in any number of colors or even patterns! The options are endless. For me, the beauty of this trend is in its simplicity. Rather than a fabric pattern that can be overwhelming to the eye, a side stripe doesn’t steal the attention from your overall outfit. These pants are also very easy to coordinate which makes them versatile in your wardrobe.

The popularity of this side trend makes them currently available at most of your favorite retailers. Find the fit and color that flatters you and your overall wardrobe. This latest trend is a simple and easy way to begin updating your wardrobe for spring fashion. If you need a little inspiration to get started, see a few of my picks below.

J. Crew Cameron Pant with Tuxedo Stripe

J. Crew Cameron Pant with Tuxedo Stripe

J. Crew Wide-leg Pant with Tuxedo Stripe

J. Crew Wide-leg Pant with Tuxedo Stripe

Loft Shimmer Stripe Skinny Ankle Pant

Loft Shimmer Stripe Skinny Ankle Pant

Banana Republic Cashmere Side-Stripe Joggers

Banana Republic Cashmere Side-Stripe Joggers

AG The Caden Side-Striped Slim Pants

AG The Caden Side-Striped Slim Pants

Scotch & Soda Side Stipe Sweatpants

Scotch & Soda Side Stipe Sweatpants

Wanderer Side-Striped Cargo Pants

Wanderer Side-Striped Cargo Pants

Set Your Style Goals for 2020

What do you want your style to say about you this year? How do you want your style to make you feel? What changes do you want to make to your wardrobe to better flatter your body and your personality? Have you ever thought about your wardrobe in this way?

I would say that most of us don’t think about our wardrobe in a strategic way. But we should. How do you decide on what to buy and how to fill your closet? We should be choosing items that fit not only our bodies but also our lifestyles. We should be choosing items that compliment what we love about your current wardrobe. We should be donating items that sit in our closets unworn month after month.

When you start to think about your wardrobe in this way it can be both overwhelming and empowering. In order to feel more empowered than overwhelmed, try to think of it in steps. First steps are to clean out your closet and donate items you no longer use. Only keep what you love and what fits. Now look at what is left and make a list of what you need to fill out that wardrobe. Start with the very basics. What do you need for your everyday life? This answer will be different for everyone. Think about where you go, the places that you frequent, and what you need to wear to those places.

Perhaps you got hung up on the part where I mentioned “fit”. Perhaps you sped right by it but shouldn’t have. Let’s stop here for a moment. How do you define the right fit for your body? We need to be brutal when trying things on. Take a good look in the mirror. Are the seams hitting all the right places? Is the hem where it should be? What about the length? The right fit for your body should flatter your shape. And because everyone is shaped differently the clothes you try on will not fit you the same way they do the model… any model.

This is where it makes sense to focus your efforts first. You might be thinking… what comes next? Once you’ve got a handle on the basics, you can start thinking about colors, textures, patterns. What silhouettes and necklines flatter you most? What clothing gives you confidence and why? When you start to break down your wardrobe this way, it can actually make shopping and deciding what you wear in the morning, much easier.

So here is to a bright and bold new year! Make all your style goals now and let’s get started.

It’s hard to find styles that are universally flattering. In lieu of such, see some examples of simple silhouettes from J. Crew below to give you an idea of where to start.

Long sleeve everyday cashmere crewneck

Long sleeve everyday cashmere crewneck

Long Sleeve Ruffle Front Top

Long Sleeve Ruffle Front Top

Long Sheath Dress

Long Sheath Dress

Ruffle Trim V-neck popover

Ruffle Trim V-neck popover

High rise Cameron pant

High rise Cameron pant

Long Sleeve Dress in 365 Crepe

Long Sleeve Dress in 365 Crepe