IN LIVING COLOR
May 4, 2007 - 9:00 pm
If neutral colors fill your closet, put down those basic browns and blacks and introduce yourself to some bold colors. Hot fuchsia can give neutrals a boost, while rich berry tones mix well with contrasting colors such as blue for some zing. Citrus-inspired greens and yellow get together with black for a retro look or toned down with white. The runways call for primary colors, and here’s your guide to working them into your wardrobe with style.
DON’T OVERDO IT
During the day you can brighten up your look with some bold colors combined in color blocks. To get this look, pair your bolds with neutral accessories, such as a taupe handbag, neutral wedges and a wide brown belt. Marc by Marc Jacobs Camille Color Block Dress, $198, Marc Jacobs
PAIR IT WITH BLACK
Bold colors really pop when paired with monochromatic black and white, but layers are the key here. Start with an apple green dress, then top it with a black cardigan. Cinch your waist with a white belt and don a pair of white patent leather shoes. This makes the perfect outfit for work. Nicole Miller off the shoulder tucked cocktail dresses, $220, Nordstrom
DAY TO NIGHT
Look crisp during the day and into the night by pairing a bold abstract print with a black jacket. At night, you can slip it off to meet friends for drinks. Add some zing with black patent leather accessories, such as a small handbag and shoes. Contrasting bangles in black and white can polish the look. Diane von Furstenberg Payne Print Silk Dress, $425, Neiman Marcus
GO METALLIC
Think you can’t wear canary yellow? You just need the right accessories to make it work. Add a white tank over this canary yellow skirt to tone down the color. Then pair it with gold metallic ballet flats, a gold handbag and a chunky gold necklace. Tibi Broderie Anglaise cotton skirt, $286, net-a-porter.com
MIX IT UP
Don’t be afraid to mix your bold colors with contrasting ones, such as blue and red. Couple a crimson tank with a subtle blue dress for pop to make that bold red really stand out. Stick with whites for your accessories. Geren Ford Silk Bubble Sleeve Dress, $308, Intermix
LAID BACK
Weekends can be livened up with a punch of color, too. Put together a verdant green top with chambray day shorts. Then add white sandals, a slouchy day bag with gold accessories and gold jewelry to complete the look. Pampas Peasant Top, $98, Anthropologie