Five Ways To Add More Colour To Your Look

If you are someone who lives in one colour and that colour is black, I have a few ideas on how to add colour without feeling like a walking rainbow.

1. Start small and add one pop of colour although it can be muted and not bold. This can be done by adding an accessory - ideas can include belt, necklace, earrings, ring or a brooch.

2. A scarf is a simple way to add colour and also can add texture - first check to see how that colour looks up against your face, you want to be careful not to drain colour from your face by wearing a hue that does not complement.

3. As we age black can look quite harsh against our face, draining colour instead of providing the glow we may want. An easy fix is to move to a navy or brown colour tone.

4. Add your pop of colour in the form of a top or shirt where only the collar or sleeves are peeking through, allowing for a glimmer of colour to complement the rest of your look.

5. Make-up is another way to bring to life an outfit and what immediately comes to mind is a bright lipstick particularly red, pink or orange that adds a statement without having to change up your wardrobe.

Black is a safe and easy go to colour and it make sense to be a core staple in the wardrobe, although colour will create that pop that can bring to life an outfit.

Image: Indie Lane

Accessories I Could Not Live Without

Accessories can bring an outfit to life and it can be done in the most economical way.

When I say accessories think: jewellery, scarves, belts, hair bling and bags although you can throw in shoes if that is another passion.

This is where you can create a look that talks to your personal style. You may have an item you wear every day like a necklace that is symbolic and sentimental to you. When I say economical I mean it, this is when you can shop the discount chains to find pieces that suit. Being mindful, quality is important if you want these pieces to last. Although I would say some of the commentary received for me personally has been on items that did not break the bank.

Costume jewellery is an easy one - think earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets that can be about design, style or colour. It can be chunky or fine. It can be a true statement piece or the perfect everyday accessory.

A collection of scarves is handy to have. They can be worn in so many ways and often be the pop of colour you need in the winter months. There are the traditional woollen scarves truly meant for warmth although the lighter fabric ones can be worn all year round as well as being a great cover up if travelling or to create a statement can be tied to your bag. The long rectangle version can also be utilised as a belt.

Belts come in so many shapes and sizes and can be the ideal way to create the silhouette you need when wearing loose fitting layers. Belts can sit right on the hips, around the waist or even higher up underneath the breasts. Essential for me would be a black and tan belt. Think about what width will work best for your body shape. Even if you don’t need the belt to hold up the pants/jeans/skirt it can just be an easy way to create interest in any outfit.

Hair bling can cover hats, head scarves, scrunchies (yes they are back), headbands, hair clips and hair ties. This accessory can be very practical where you need your hair tied back and you can add a statement via a hair scarf or clips. The blinged-up hair clip continues this year from 2019 and again can be very affordable. Especially if you shop in the children’s wear section.

So I would say with bags this is where I personally am way more likely to go quality and make sure they are stored correctly so they can make it through year after year of use. Again so many different designs and styles and you just need to find what works best for you. I always look for a bag that can still carry the essentials - I think some are so mini now it is impractical as they cannot even hold your phone or a set of keys. Shop smart and you will easily be able to wear continuously.

If you would love advice on where to shop for these accessories drop me a comment or email me and I will be happy to provide suggestions.

Accessories - a simple way to bring your personal style to life.

Michael Kors - David Jones Melbourne

Tips to Shift to a Sophisticated Wardrobe

Yes it is common that as women transition into their 30’s they question the clothes that make up their wardrobe. We all have rules and as we age we start to think more about our style, what suits our body shape along with what is comfortable. Length of a skirt or dress you find will lower. Not everyone is confident to show off their arms, so a top or dress with a sleeve becomes important. For many women we redefine style terms - sexy can look very different as you move through the decades and can morph more into elegant and classy versus flirty and fun. 

Key indicators that your wardrobe may not service your life stage can be from the minute you get up in the morning. If you have a wardrobe filled with clothes yet struggle to get dressed each day may mean you have the wrong options hanging up in front of you. You do not love how you look when you get dressed may be a sign it is time to redefine your style. Your body has changed and your wardrobe will need to do the same. Think about the quality of the fabric, the cut and the colour can all enhance your favourite features. We wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time so you can have much fewer items taking up valuable real estate because we have our favourite pieces on high rotation. 

Building a capsule wardrobe is your key to sophistication. Items that can mix and match together. 

• A blazer jacket is an essential, easy to dress up and down, pair with jeans or over a stylish dress. Staying with a black or navy will be versatile and will not date.

• A straight leg black pant is compulsory. The versatility of a black pant is that it will work for every occasion. Go for quality and a pair that can wash well. 

• A white shirt with structure will also be a key go to piece. Again it will go with everything and can be work wear to weekend wear depending on how you wear it. 

• A selection of basic tee’s and singlets - a variety of colours like black, navy, grey and white will provide a base palette you can work from every day. 

• A great fitting pair of jeans will last you for years. Stay with the darker colouring and make sure you try on a range of jeans to find your best fit. 

• Let’s talk shoes - nude pumps, white street runners, print loafers (have some fun, animal print) and black ankle boots will complement your capsule wardrobe. 

• To build colour into your wardrobe, go with accessories that create a statement and can create your unique style. Shoes, bags, scarves and jewellery can be more costume style that finish your look and talk to the latest trends without being a slave to the current looks. 

To complete a sophisticated look key pieces like a classic watch or statement handbag are required. Think quality pieces as they are worth the investment. Work out the cost per wear on an item and you will be amazed that a classic piece will be with you for years to come. 

Image: Sukii Boutique - Queenscliff