Bold Red and Baby Blue
As of late, I’ve been really trying to expand my color horizons when it comes to wardrobe. A lot of days I tend to be the most colorful person on the street (which still shocks me now that I live in NYC), but I’m exploring new color combinations. For a large portion of my life, outfits were either monotone or binary, but why? I don’t know! Maybe because it was easy? The older I get the more color and patterns I want. The newest challenge I’ve set for myself is mixing and matching in different ranges of tonality, like a deep tone and a pastel. So, here I go!
This outfit started with the Furla Fiordaliso small pin tote. I got this piece, the top and pants from Rent the Runway. (Click here for a discount on your first rental.) I wanted to build something around the pastel because I think it’s so underrepresented in winter. I really love this bag because of the inside. I wish I would have taken photos! There is a small pocket along the middle and two larger segments on each side, which is great for a little built in organization. It also fit my book, so it’s Lynzi approved. I’m currently on the third book of The Merciless series and I can’t stop myself. It’s certainly guilty reading. It’s sort of like if Mean Girls and the Excorcist had a baby. I don’t think that quite does the series justice. If you like high school drama, mean girls, rebellious female leads, Satanism, poking fun at religion and lots and lots of gory scenes that will make your squirm then you’ll love it. It’s technically a YA book, but totally enjoyable for an adult.
What next? I knew I wanted a deep tone, so I went with a Jonathan Simkhai satin tie front top. This piece is luxurious. The material is thick and so comfortable. It looks so elegant! It did run a bit large, but that totally goes unnoticed with a tie top like this.
This combo felt a bit plain for me, so I needed a statement piece and these Scotch & Soda floral colorblock trousers were perfect! The tones were a perfect match for this look. The oranges live in a similar tonal range to my top and the little floral details have a hint of the blue in my bag. I’ll let you in on a little secret of mine that I use as a color guideline when creating an outfit. I say use as many colors as you like, as long as there are two items in a similar color. This doesn’t apply to neutrals like black, white, grey or tan. So, if you have one item with baby blue you need a second. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. If you’re using an item as a statement piece, it’s totally acceptable to have just the one mention of a color, like red shoes with a black outfit. I also think multiple statement pieces in different colors work if they’re not busy. However, when you start throwing patterns in the mix, it’s my firm belief there needs to be two items on your body with the same color. Just my two sense. 😊
I polished this with some earrings I bought at a market in Tallinn (sadly I have zero idea who made them), some vintage sunnies, a ring from my mother and some H&M shoes that’s I’ve been wearing for way too long. They’re looking a big shabby these days, but they’re still so comfy. It’s hard to let go.
So, what do you think? What are your favorite color combos? And if you’re looking for some less busy, duotone inspiration, check out this pink and burgundy number!
