Bright Can Be Right

A couple of years ago, I stopped buying new items for the fun of it after realizing I would never live long enough to wear everything more than twice, which is a waste. I have been selling, donating, and giving away things to friends. Fewer pieces in neutral solid colors and high-quality fabrics serve me well and are worn much more often.

When the weather warmed up recently, I realized the need for a brighter color to liven things up for spring and summer. I showed you a new coral color that goes with everything in my wardrobe in the previous post. I wore the knit jacket and tank to dinner on Friday evening to rave reviews. Both are the color “Malibu Punch” from Chico’s. I love to wear a true red, but this softer coral color is not so intimidating. The jacket is made from a supple knit, so I can push up the sleeves and wear it with white or blue jeans just as easily. Items that can be dressed up or down get top consideration when I shop.

Before buying something new, I ask myself a few questions. Would I wear it tonight? Will it go with 90% of the other items I own? Is it something I honestly need? If I answer no to these questions, it goes back on the rack or stays on the website. If you love all the items in your closet and you own different textures and fabrics in solid colors that work together, you will never again say, “I have nothing to wear!” Accessories can personalize and update the basic pieces in a variety of ways.

Pant styles are a stumbling block for many of us. A few years ago, I only wore dark, tailored trousers that fell straight to the top of the foot, but I started to feel dated, boring, and predictable. I don’t buy that style now. I also stopped buying khaki chino pants because they never look good on me. I don’t want the new items to look just like the pieces I have been wearing for twenty years. Pants with straight legs and ankle-grazing lengths in brighter colors or different fabrics can boost the style and be much cooler and more comfortable in warm weather.

The pants shown here have been worn about a hundred times. They have a modern silhouette with a little split at the ankle, are lightweight, go with everything, pack like a dream, and are very comfortable. The crepe fabric reflects light and skims my body without clinging to anything on the way down.

The lip color is Beautycounter Red. It is the perfect color to wear with Malibu Punch! You can find it here (I am a Manager for Beautycounter, so I will receive a small commission if you purchase from this link). I have no affiliation with Dillard’s or Chico’s.

The shoes are from a couple of years ago by Gianni Bini via Dillard’s. I no longer buy heels. The fun embroidered bag is old.

We enjoyed a delicious wild-caught fish entrée with basil pesto and mushrooms at Gourmet & Company in Johnson City. When we eat out, we look for salads, sides of steamed vegetables, wild-caught fish, or organic chicken dishes. Some restaurants are thankfully starting to offer vegetarian dishes, which usually are our first choices.