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My number one style tip
By Meg | April 29, 2008
If you’ve ever felt like you just have nothing to wear, or returned home to the pile of clothes you left on the bed trying to figure out what works with what, or thought, “Wow, those shoes are so great, but I have nothing to wear them with”, then this is for you.
This style tip isn’t about managing the size of your wardrobe, or staying in-fashion, or even dressing for your shape — though those are all great topics for discussion. And they have been discussed at length, whereas sometimes I feel like my little style tip is the most secret bit of common sense:
Drumroll….
Buy clothes in solid colors.
It’s really that simple. If you looked in my closet you would see that most of my clothes are either solid colors or have very simple patterns like a subtle plaid or polka dots.
I’m far from the only person to wear a lot of solid colors, but a lot of people don’t think about it consciously. What does your wardrobe look like? What percentage of the pieces are in solid colors?
Why it’s easy
Having plenty of solid colors at your disposal makes getting dressed super easy. Most things go together because most colors work together — it’s the patterns that tend to clash.
Make things even easier for yourself and organize your closet by color. I have and it works great. I can find pieces super easy, and it doesn’t take any more time than throwing things in willy-nilly.
Shopping can be a little harder because solid-color pieces, especially tops, are in the minority. And when things are in solid colors, they often tend to be in one of just several colors. However, when you do find nice solid-color pieces, they are often available in several colors. Don’t hesitate to buy great pieces in more than one color. If a store doesn’t carry all the colors available of a particular that you want, check online.
Fortunately, focusing on solid colors can also be very cheap because you don’t need as many clothes to find something to wear. Plus, there will usually be more than enough pieces on the sales racks each season. However, in my experience, it is harder to find solid-color clothing at thrift stores.
Why it’s more fun than it may sound
If it sounds boring, it’s not. Wearing more solid colors lets you experiment more with great accessories and layering, looks that are hard to pull off when everything competes with everything else. I love wearing patterns on my shoes and scarfs that I wouldn’t wear all over. By focusing on accessories, I can change the tone of an outfit and choose to stand out more or less.
Also, it lets you experiment more with colors. While a lot of stylists focus on white shirts or black pants as wardrobe staples, a solid purple blouse can be just as versatile as a white one — and a lot more interesting.
Plus, when you shop for solid colors, you notice details that otherwise you may overlook. While some people might ask, “Don’t you already have a blue shirt?” I’d respond, “But this one has a bateau neckline!” Maybe it’s a different length or cut, maybe the sleeves are different, maybe it has neat buttons or stitching or a nice texture. These details matter, and solid colors highlight those details that often get lost.
If anything, patterns get boring. There are fewer ways to use them and perhaps they’re just too memorable and too easily dated. In fact, one reason why I came to realize the importance of solid colors was that while weeding my closet, I noticed that I tended to keep solid colors and get rid of the busiest pieces.
Why it’s flattering
Patterns can be hard to pull off. Sometimes they create the wrong lines, emphasize the wrong areas, or just distract people from your real assets. With solid colors, the formula is much simpler. Minimize areas with dark colors, highlight other areas with bright or light colors. Add a bright accessory to wear you really want to bring attention.
Plus, keeping track of colors that look good on you is much easier. One look at my closet and you’ll know what colors I like to wear. You may also get an idea about what colors I don’t care to wear, though you’ll find that much of the rainbow is represented. While I used to think that I couldn’t wear most colors, I’ve started experimenting more with different shades and with much success — perhaps an unexpected side effect of wearing so many solids.
When you do wear patterns, they’ll usually bring attention to whatever area they cover, so keep that in mind. Most of the patterned pieces I do have are a-line skirts because I like to accentuate my hip to waist ratio. I shy away from patterned blouses, though, because my chest doesn’t need the extra attention. When I do wear patterned tops, I prefer to tone them down with a vest or open cardigan in a solid color.
Making it work
If your wardrobe is in need of a solid-color makeover, here’s some additional tips:
- You don’t have to get rid of all your patterned clothing, or only buy solid colors. Just focus on bringing in more solid-color clothing than patterns until you have a good working ratio.
- When shopping, train your eye to look for solid colors and learn which brands and stores tend to have clothes in solid colors.
- Experiment with accessories, details, different styles, layering, etc. It’ll be a lot easier with solid-color clothing.
- Expand your color palette. Don’t be afraid to try new colors, or wear lots of a bright color.
- Take the opportunity to update your makeup and hair. You may be surprised to find even new makeup colors work better.
Are you a solid color sister or do you prefer patterns?
Now, I have some questions for you since I can’t see into your closets and I’m the curious type.
How does your wardrobe compare? Is it mostly patterns or solid colors? How does it work for you — or does it? Do you like wearing solid colors or do you prefer patterns — or do you not even know?
Tags: Color, Fashion, Pants, Saving Money, Shoes, Spending Money, Style
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April 30th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
On the one hand, I prefer patterns. I like a patterned shirt with solid pants or a patterned skirt with a solid shirt or a patterned dress.
On the other hand, I have found it a lot easier and cheaper to get solid shirts than patterned shirts that I like. So my work uniform currently consists of solid pants, solid fancy tee, and a solid blazer, with an interesting necklace bringing it all together. I also now only wear shoes in black, brown, tan, or white. No more silliness–too hard to match.
Sometimes I wear a patterned blazer or sweater with solid shirts and pants.
And sometimes my pattern is stealthy: I wear patterned socks. They make me happy. Patterned undies would work, too, but they’re also hard to find.
In summary, I’m a pattern person, but I still agree with all your advice.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Yes! Yes! I concur…solid colors are the way to go. I realize that not everyone will agree, but I find that nothing anchors a wardrobe like solids. Then if you do have a few prints in your wardrobe, you can really showcase them. Great post!
April 30th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Solids! Though lately, I’ve been trying to incorporate some more patterned-clothing into my wardrobe. Great advice!
May 1st, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Hi Debbie,
I love stealthy patterns like you mentioned. I’m definitely not a pattern-hater (just a solids-lover). But I say, go crazy with some brightly-colored shoes. They don’t have to match. In fact, I like them best when they don’t match, like wearing a solid blue top, khaki pants, and bright green pumps.
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for your enthusiasm :D They really do “anchor” a wardrobe, don’t they?! And you would know! (I’ve been really enjoying your blog, by the way.)
Hi Valley Girl,
Thanks :D Ironically, there are a few looks I’ve been thinking of trying that do include patterns, so while I’m not quite looking for patterns yet, I’m going to keep my open for the right pieces. Mostly, I want to have some more fun with my vest and short-sleeve jackets.
May 5th, 2008 at 11:21 am
lol I was just thinking that a few more patterns in my wardrobe would be nice when I read your post…
I tend to showcase patterns….BRIGHT patterns lol for example, in the summer I will wear a light, solid coloured skirt, a light solid coloured blouse or t-shirt…and then a bright white jacket that has an AMAZING pattern in black on it.
In the right place and the right time, patterns ROCK!
May 5th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
That sounds lovely, Margaret! I like how you said that you “showcase” patterns. I think that’s exactly the right attitude, and it shows how important solid colors are to someone who does love patterns. It’s not a case of either/or. It’s just that so many people clutter up their outfits that they don’t showcase anything. I guess the same can be said for so many areas of life, can’t it?!