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As promised on Monday, here is a follow up to COLOR ME GRAY. Honestly, when I started wearing my gray pieces I wondered if I had overdone it! Once you go through color analysis training, it causes you to look at at color in a very different way. I knew gray was more flattering, totally IN but I was looking for a very certain “brick” red to “warm up the gray”. It’s been hard to find. Most things have a lot of pink tones. Not that this is bad–but not as favorable to my coloring.
By the way, it’s been interesting to hear many of you talk about black vs. gray. I enjoyed all your comments and suggestions. Certainly gray is a muted shade of black and for many, much softer around the face. In addition to wanting to enhance your hair, skin and eyes, I believe there is a direct correlation between age and wearing black. Many women come into the store where I work and say their closet is full of black. They want something else. They feel as they age, it’s not as flattering. Black is pretty hard to eliminate when it’s everywhere. I still wear it but I’m very aware of what I wear WITH IT!
Back to gray…Because it is muted and not as sharp as black, sometimes it can be a little harder to make it pop. By showing my own clothes, I was trying to emphasize that making an outfit better can take time. Some outfits come together immediately. Others evolve.
Below you will see the Before/After #1. I kept the jewelry neutral and added the color only one place. General rule of thumb: Add color in 1-3 places.The handbag color is perfect; patent leather croc gives the shine and texture needed. Other options for this outfit: BIG RING. The gray pearls are long under the ruffles but you could skip the necklace completely. The earrings are my new favorites. They are perfect when you have a lot of detail in a blouse and can’t wear a large necklace. Instead of a bag, you could add more color with shoes or a bracelet. Any jewelry with a gray pearl combo is a personal favorite and I like the long silver chains from Silpada.
BLOUSE: CABI outlet–Fall Season 2008, VEST: Here We Go Again Consignment, JEANS: Gap, ACCESSORIES: Accentuate Boutique This outfit was under $100 before the handbag. I enjoy combining things from many different sources and price points.
PHOTO #1 I want to call attention to the belt currently available from CABI. Although it may look pearl, they are actually silver “halves”. I LOVE this belt because it is unique and it brightens up black or gray. Half of the belt is black leather so depending on how you adjust it, you’ll have more black or silver. I actually like this combination. I will leave as is except I threw the necklace on for the photo and there are better options for this. I would also add a touch of color in a different way than I did above. So instead of the handbag, maybe this time it’s the shoes and earrings. PHOTO #2 It’s the same BLACK WRAP: Sloan Boutique, SKIRT: Nordstrom, RED SWEATER: Ann Taylor Loft, NECKLACE: White House Black Market. It’s hard to see the 3 strands in photo. WALLET CLUTCH: Lodis from Accentuate or Nordstrom, BELT: Nordstrom Rack, SHOES: Sofft (skirt and shoes from this season)
PHOTO #1 The black/gray top has a unique texture that actually goes fine with black or gray. Although it’s hiding under the coat, I’m wearing the Cabi silver belt which I thought at the time brightened it. Obviously not enough. My jewelry is gray pearls and it’s much too delicate. I need more of a statement piece either in necklace or earrings. PHOTO #2 I added a sweater from Ann Taylor Loft in “Beet”. Cabi belt. Scarf and silver BRIGHTON accessories from Accentuate. You will see that scarf later on in the video tutorial.
Notice the 3 touches of silver (necklace, earrings and belt) The combo of silver/crystals catch the light and brighten the dark colors.
My scarf is crooked, the necklace is off to the side and doesn’t show up. Above, the wrap collar covered my necklace which was the focal point… So goes it in the life of an “at home” stylist who depends on male family members who don’t pay attention to detail to take photographs. I hope you were able to get some great ideas. I became a bit obsessed with gray outfits this week. I have enough for a whole other post. Coming later I’ll have combinations using lime green(yes lime!) teal, blue and purple. In addition to the usual accessories of shoes, handbags and jewelry, I will show gloves, a brooch, umbrella–many great options! Let me know what you think.
