Bonjour everyone!
I’m Cori.
I like to design my own clothes, am obsessed with fun tights, drink hot chocolate every morning, and take outfit pictures daily.
And this is what I know.
My closet used to consist mostly of blues, blacks and browns. Those were my “safety colors” and I stuck to them like glue.
Colors were uncharted territory for me. I was still under the impression that every outfit had to be all matchy-matchy. And then a few years ago, I found a gorgeous chartreuse sweater. It had chiffon ruffles all down the front of it and the color was so fabulous I couldn’t resist. It opened up a whole other world of colorful possibilities. Soon I was filling my closet with cardigans, blouses and eventually pants in a myriad of shades.
Except I still had no idea how to wear them.
So I went safe again.
If I was wearing a colorful cardi, I went with a white or black shirt underneath. If I was wearing colorful pants, it was a plain white tee. And so on… My closet had transitioned into more of a rainbow than a nod to the monochromatic for sure, but even after infusing all that color my outfits were still falling flat.
My pairings were predictable, and I was still being safe.
And then I took Kendi’s 30 for 30 challenge.
Out of necessity, I started branching out.
And that’s when I learned how powerful colors can really be.
Fear not the colorful. Things don’t always have to be matchy-matchy to work. The best outfits happen when there’s a spontaneous splash of color. Something unexpected. Never be afraid to experiment with color pairings you might never have considered before. The key is to keep some kind of underlying structure. We don’t want to leave the house looking like a clown, or a bad tribute to Rainbow Brite. And going monochromatic is always a fabulous option, It’s striking, surprising and slimming. You can always add a splash of color with an accessory.
So today, as a nod to the lovely fall weather, I’m going to show you how to wear one of my favorite (albeit tricky) colors.
Mustard.
Option 1:
Mustard and Mint.
The cool and calming shade of mint helps to balance out the warmth and intensity of the mustard. I love keeping the rest of the outfit soft and understated and letting the mustard really pop.
Option 2:
Mustard and Black.
Going mustard is a great way to wear yellow and black without looking like a bumble bee. The key: no stripes(!), but incorporate a pattern with a lot of visual interest and architecture. Add a splash of color, but just a pinch. The outfit’s going to speak for itself, take care not to overwhelm.
Option 3:
Mustard and Grey.
Grey is like a magic, miracle color. It goes well with almost anything, navy, pink, green, you name it. And incidentally, pairs fabulously with mustard as well. Plus, it’s totally the new black.
Option 4:
Mustard on your bottom half.
Wearing mustard on the southern-most part of your ensemble is a statement in and of itself. And basically everyone is doing it right now. Take care if you go bright on your bottom half, that the fit is precise, not too snug and not too roomy. You’re asking everyone to check out your thighs, and behind, make sure your pants/skirt are flattering them.
Option 5:
A Mustard no-no.
Never wear Mustard and Red together. We don’t want to look like condiments.
Should your feminine inclinations lean you in a more crimson direction might I suggest a soft pink or peach as a much less edible alternative.
Now,
keep calm
and
color on.
