Every time I work with color clients, I’m reminded (again!) of how energizing and uplifting color can be. While I love my neutrals, some days I just crave color. Bright color. And this outfit delivers!
A colorful, casual outfit for Memorial Day
This jacket is just SO good! The red is a spot-on match for “Geranium” in the Spring and Autumn seasonal palettes, and is one of my very best colors. (Also available in Navy). The weight is perfect for our coastal early summer weather, which can get a little cool and breezy. It runs a bit large; I’m wearing the XS (and probably could go down another size).
The striped tee is new from Kettlewell Colours. They’re a great source for colorful basics, and you can filter items by your seasonal palette, or search for a specific color. Orders over $100 ship free to the US, and returns are easy and free.
I love the nautical detailing on the gold snaps on the jacket. It’s hard to see in a photo, but the bag has small sequins woven in with the raffia, so catches the light in a really fun way.
White or off-white, or even blue denim jeans would have been the expected choice with the tee and jacket. But I wanted a more relaxed vibe, so went with my favorite pair of wide-leg linen pants, which tone down the preppy-ness of the look.
(For those of you who mentioned you’d like to see how linen pieces look after wear rather than freshly pressed, here you go.)
Going “off-piste” to personalize your look
That’s a skiing expression, which means to go outside of the marked runs. I use the term to describe adding something “wrong” or unexpected to your outfit to balance, create tension (and interest) or personalize the look.
It’s not uncommon for women our age to have been raised with a whole bunch of rules about fashion and style. One of those is that we always need to match levels of formality, or style genres (Preppy, Bohemian, classic, corporate, outdoorsy) within an outfit. But I think that can lead to outfits that feel flat and formulaic. Throwing in a “wild card” (e.g. sneakers with a tailored suit, pearls with a tee shirt & jeans) can create a more individualized and interesting look.
There’s no single formula or guideline for this. You’ll mostly find it through trial-and-error. Shoes are an easy way to start. Always wear sneakers with that outfit? Maybe try a loafer, or slingback. Play with combinations that aren’t necessarily “good on paper” to see what clicks for you.
What “off-piste” combinations do you like to wear?
The Sales have landed…
The Memorial Day sales are already in full swing. Here are some of the best ones…
J.Crew – 40% off sitewide (some exclusions)
Nordstrom – Half-Yearly Sale, up to 50% off
Talbot’s – 40% off one full-priced item, 30% off entire purchase, code SUMMER
Madewell – 25% off summer essentials, code LONGWEEKEND
J.Jill – 30% off full-priced linen
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