how-tos Archives - My Style Pill

It seems as though everyone is color blocking at the moment, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to do, or for everyone. But because I love it and think it’s fun, I decided to create a mini series to show how you can rock this trend at three different levels: 1-for beginners, 2-for intermediate, 3-for advanced.

Today, I give you the first steps, level 1, in color blocking. We will start out slow and work our way up to super bright with lots of pizazz. But remember, each level is perfectly acceptable. It’s the fact that you are trying out a trend, even if it is out of your comfort area. That is what is important. I will be rolling out the three levels over the next week and a half, so make sure to check back. Alright, let’s get started!

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What I’m Wearing: 1. Zara Blouse and Cheap Monday Jeans 2. J.Crew Necklaces / Vintage Boots 3. H&M Cropped Trench, J.Crew Clutch, Kenneth Cole Shoes, Accessorize Ring

(You’ll notice I am wearing two different shoes in these photos. The truth is, as I am sure you all know, that happens when creating an outfit. You might put on one thing but decide in the end you want to go with something completely different. I just embraced it!)

How To Recreate It:

1. I started with one of my new favorite bright blouses. Then to offset its bold color, I went with a muted pastel for the bottom. These jeans are light blue, which I thought created a pretty, yet unique contrast with the vibrant green.

2. I did a little tuck with the blouse to keep it casual, then added a couple long necklaces to break up the solid color on top. I started out by wearing boots but realized I wanted to keep the overall look a little more light and not so blocky, so opted for sleek pumps.

3. Lately I have been pairing these maroon heels with lots of pieces, whether it’s black and white stripes or in this case, an unexpected grassy green top.)

I kept the finishing touches—trench and clutch—neutral so that the focus remained on the subtle color blocking, which I wanted to be the focal point.

***Now for a quick lesson about this look. I would not necessarily call this ensemble traditional color blocking, at least not compared to this, this or this look that I wore a little bit ago. But that is the point of this post. I wanted to help show how you can integrate color and seque into the color blocking trend without feeling overwhelmed. Hope you’ve enjoyed the first post of this mini series. Make sure to stay tuned for the intermediate version next week! xoxo

Bright tights make me happy.

In lieu of my last post, which featured two girls in cheerful colors—one in bright pink tights—I received an email from a reader wondering how to pull off such vibrant leg wear, without resembling a clown…

Dear SP,

I love color, and I loved the picture of the two girls in your last post wearing such daring and bright colors. The pink tights are fantastic! It actually inspired me to purchase a pair of autumn-inspired rust-colored tights in hope I would be able to incorporate some pops of color into my mostly gray and black winter wardrobe. However, once I got them home I realized I had no clue how to wear them! I tried them on under a black skirt, which just didn’t look right. Then, I slipped them on under a jean skirt…much cuter, but then the dilemma of what shoes to wear arose. Help! I really want to get some wear out of these fun tights and would love your help on how to do so!

Thanks!

Dear AL~

Colored tights are tricky, especially when it comes to hues that are a little less obvious in their boldness, such as rust, dark cranberry or dark turquoise but are not at as straightforward as black or gray. So, my advice would be this:

Pair these tights with more neutral colors such as denim, like the skirt you mentioned, or my favorite option, gray skirts and dresses. By opting for a neutral color as your main article of clothing, it allows you to show off more of your brightly-colored legs without overwhelming the whole outfit.

For shoes, I would opt for brown, camel or tan boots. Depending on the look you are going for, try a Frye-type boot for more casual look, and high-heeled boots for dressier occasions. If you are not into boots or heels, jump on the “flats” bandwagon and slip on these cuties from Urban Outfitters to create a low-key look.

Great example from Paul Smith on how to neutralize bright tights.

If you decide you want to be a bit more daring and edgy, try donning bold fuchsia or purple tights to amp up a plain black dress. Complete the look with knee high black boots, round-toe black pumps or flats. Give these ideas a try and let me know how it goes! Good luck and remember, have fun! SPxx

I love this dress. And, those tights…gorgeous!

My Paper Doll: Color Blocking, Level 1

How to wear colored tights