Little Match Girl

Ok, so you are probably not a little girl. But this post IS about matching, so the title somehow works. :)

Do you ever wonder how to put colors together to make the right statement? We're taught that a functional wardrobe includes versatile mix-and-match separates. True, but did you know that what you pair a piece with can change what you communicate?

Many women have a zillion pairs of black pants. Wearing something with black kinda leaves the garment on its own to explain its purpose in the world. Or, depending on the type of garment, it can make the outfit very serious (think corporate wear) or insipid. Instead, you can put 2 colored pieces together and let the colors play off each other, creating garment dialogue and a fun look! You could take the top you paired with the black pants and pair it with a white skirt, dark denim, or a color that brings out its cool side. Each gives off a totally different message!

Now, how does one decide how to pair things up? No rules; it depends on what you're going for. That doesn't have to be profound and artsy, either. It can mean anything from, "I'm trying to dress light and pretty to enjoy the Spring day" to "I was told to dress business casual and I need something that fits that description." Either way, here are some things to consider:

1. Navy:

Color Vibe: Like all blues, navy speaks otherworldliness. It's mysterious, refined, subtely powerful, and profound.

I like navy for the office or a more serious environment. It's the black pants' colorful sister, bringing out beauty subtly. It's not a total neutral in that some colors don't work with it (like black, brown, wine, or hunter green). But pairing a good color or light neutral (maybe white, oatmeal, or heather gray) will bring out its elegant flavor. My favorites to pair with navy are any tone of yellow, lime green, coral, deep orange, light pink, light blue, or lilac.

If you're doing casual or loungewear, navy can add an air of richness and maturity. As a dressy or formal color, it speaks of depth and is well expressed in patterned, airy or shimmery structured fabrics (chiffon or satin). Skirt above by Anthropologie.

2. White:

Color Vibe: White speak clean neutrality, freedom, boldness, peace, and life.

This neutral conjures images of beaches, summer, and sailboats for me. It takes the outfit and turns it into Classic, Clean, and Chill. Even though it's devoid of color, white isn't what you wear to hide . If I am going for a classy, professional look, I usually pair white bottoms with less extreme colors that don't steal the show. My favorite white companions are apple green, lavender, yellow, tan, perrywinkle, coral, or light gray. For a really summery look, I like white on white. Make sure the silhouettes compliment each other, though, or it can look off.

For the casual scene, white adds gentle structure.  Trading a pair of denim shorts or jeans for white makes the outfit a bit less casual. Also, pairing casual white with extremely bright colors is cool, because the white compliments the bright. This is the opposite of what I do with the corporate look.

White is also excellent for a formal, ethereal look. Accomplish this with airy silk chiffons, georgette, silk charmeuse, or a heavier satin paired with metallics. Pants by Express, shirt by Lily Inc. (coming soon), and blazer by H&M.

3. Coral:

Color Vibe: Coral is a quiet cheerleader! It speaks loudly without having to shout the house down. It may not be neon orange, but there's no ignoring this sweet, inviting, gentle color. If colors could smile, coral would have curled lip corners.

Wait, this was about neutrals, right? Yep :) Coral can actually be a fun neutral. In fact, any color in that not-bright-but-not-pastel range can. Think sunset colors: coral, lavender, periwinkle, sunshine yellow, Caribbean blue, kelly green. They are bright enough to hold their own, but subtle enough to let others shine. Sounds like a color I'd like as a friend :)

Coral neutrals (skirts, pants, blazers, wraps, shoes, etc.) will work in the office as well as in casual or formal wear. Just be mindful to pair office pieces with structured and well-tailored partners. Casual pieces can incorporate bolder prints in complementary colors while dressier pieces are nice in light, ornamental, or luminescent fabrics like modal, silk, lace, or satin.

Coral is fun to pair with pale colors as well as other colors in its range (see above). Don't go with anything too bright, or the colors won't compliment each other. Some of my favorites include pale pink, pale peach, Caribbean blue, pale yellow, pale blue, aqua, tan, or light denim. If you want to pair it with bolder colors, stripes and prints will do the trick without being overpowering. Pants and top by Lily Inc. (coming soon).

So there it is! Don't get caught up in the rules. See this blog as a guide on what colors communicate, and go from there. Play with combinations you enjoy, and say what you need to say. :)