In a perfect world, we’d all have unlimited shopping budgets that let us stock up on all the new trends each season.
In reality, though, we have to be careful with our money, and therefore need to pick and choose which seasonal trends we try to work into our wardrobe. One simple way to do this? Color.
Each season designers tend to focus on a specific palette—usually pastels for spring, vivid neon hues from this past summer, etc. If you can’t afford to snag every new style that’s in the shops now, focus on adding at least one piece—preferably something versatile, like a scarf, handbag, or coat, which you’ll wear on a near-daily basis—in one of this season’s “in” colors. Not only is it a fabulous way to break up the typical black and charcoal gray cold weather wear, but it also adds visual interest and keeps you looking up-to-date and seasonally appropriate.
So what’s on our color radar this season? Hunter green, rich aubergine, and peacock blue are popular autumn hues, while here in Atlanta it seems to be all about reds and berry tones (from raspberry to plum).
And before you protest and say, “I can’t wear red!,” keep in mind that there are no “bad” colors—just bad shades. For instance, if you can’t pull off a bright cherry red, try a darker brick red. If dark purple doesn’t suit you, consider a vibrant plum. Work with your complexion, but don’t eliminate a color based on one shade.
Another option? Taking your color down south. Color affects our complexion when it frames our face; if we move it away from our face in the form of trousers, a skirt, heels, or a bag, a color or shade that is typically “off limits” has no impact on whether we look tired or radiant.
That said, there’s nothing better than finding a color that really lights up your face when you wear it, especially if it’s seasonally appropriate. And since red—whichever shade works best for you—may not always fly at the office, I recommend investing in a beautiful red scarf to frame the face and pop against your dark winter coat. What a great way to make last year’s coat look completely fresh!