I like a pop of color now and then. Ok - I actually like a pop of color most of the time. And what I mean by a "pop" of color is using a hit of bright color either as a focal point or an accent to an otherwise subdued outfit.
My general rule for "popping" color is to stick to no more than two pops of the color - so they balance each other out and help the other make sense. And there are a few ways you can pop a color, depending on your comfort level:
1. Pull a color out of a patterned item in your outfit. For example, if you're wearing a printed shirt that has a thin yellow stripe as part of the pattern, you can pop yellow in an accessory. A bold yellow sock (for him), or a yellow enamel bracelet (for her) adds a little interest and a lot of fun to your look for the day.
2. Use a bright color as a layer in your outfit, and then echo it in a smaller way somewhere else. For him, an orange t-shirt under a navy gingham shirt can be balanced out by a watchband with an orange stripe. For her, a green silk top under a blazer can be balanced by emerald-toned earrings.
3. Go for one major pop of color as a focal point. He can use a cobalt sweater under a charcoal blazer to draw attention up to his face, while she can pair a flaming red pencil skirt with a black and white printed blouse.
4. Pop color with your accessories. In my look, took a blue-based outfit and added orange. I echoed the orange in my paisley pocket square with the arm of my sunglasses, and also with the orange check in my socks. Yes, I broke my own rule of two pops of color, but since you only see my socks when I cross my legs, I dared to risk it.
Any way you like to do it, color is a great way to express your personality, and it shows that you know how to have fun with your style - so go have some fun!
Light blue blazer, colored blue jeans, belt by J Crew. Blue plaid shirt by Banana Republic. Pocket square by J. Z. Richards, from Nordstrom. Checked socks by Duchamp. Grey suede monkstraps by Paul Smith. Sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana. Bag by Jack Spade.
