Bright Colorful Pattern!

Shown below is one of my favorite looks from last summer.

Classic shapes in solid colors, lightweight fabric, and great fit are my summer wardrobe heroes. Wearing solid basics on their own is just the beginning. Adding a splash of color and pattern with accessories can make a rather blah look more memorable. Each time I carry this colorful clutch, people ask me where I got it.

It rained all morning on Wednesday, so as I was getting dressed for our lunch date, I eliminated white pants. They always get ruined from splashback while walking on wet sidewalks. The dark wash denim straight leg jeans I wore are from Chico’s. Here is a tip for you. If you want to get your pants hemmed just an inch or so, wear them and wash them once or twice first to allow for any shrinkage. Straight leg pants should end on the top of your foot without breaking. Palazzo pants and flares should cover your shoe and end about an inch from the floor. Ankle pants should stop just above the ankle bone. Cropped or capri pants should stop at the most narrow part of your leg. If you still wear shorts, your best length would be the same as your best skirt length, at the slimmest part of your leg just above or below the knee. Wearing a hemline that stops at the broadest part of your body directs attention there.

These jeans were purchased recently because I wished I had a bit longer jeans to wear with boots several times this past winter. I now only shop to fill a need. The shoes are by Gianni Binni via Dillard’s from last year.

Coral is a universal color because it looks great on most skin tones. Turquoise is another universal color that flatters most skin tones.

I sometimes get a comment about the fact that my shoes don’t match my bag. Shoes in the same tone as my pants make my legs look longer than they are. The matchy-matchy rule can make us look older, shorter, and heavier. For example, if you automatically match your belt to your dark shoes and wear light pants, you have created two additional color breaks on your body that will make you look shorter and broader. It would be much more flattering to wear shoes in the same tone as your pants to lengthen your leg visually. If you have a short waist, wear a belt in the same color and tone as your blouse; if you have a long waist wear a belt in the same color and tone as your pants. Adding a pop of color or pattern with your bag to complement (not necessarily match) the colors in your attire is a modern way to add interest to your look. If you wear a print blouse, you would be wise to go with a solid handbag that matches your pants. Following old rules may not serve you well or make you look your best.

The top is another of the ones I showed you in a recent video on my YouTube Channel. It is by Clara Sunwoo via ShopMyFairLady.com. Notice that I wore large silver and crystal hoops instead of a necklace. The V-neck’s straight lines and the tipped hemline of the top were enough vertical interest without adding more. I love to wear large earrings but never with a necklace.