I think many of us wrestle with this – we really adore an aesthetic and style that just does NOT translate into our day-to-day life. For example, say this is your idea of a great room – Diana Vreeland certainly thought so:
image – Architectural Digest
But this is your typical wardrobe – simple, high-quality neutrals that really don’t reflect that colorful exuberance above:
all clothes – L.L.Bean
For starters, a red tee shirt seems like the easiest thing to slide into this closet. But consider a richly patterned cardigan and/or skirt. Remember when making your choice that you want to work with your neutral core, so you should look for elements of black and white, if possible. And more importantly, these items should satisfy that longing for ornate opulence that sings in your heart.
Suddenly, your simple garments clearly reflect the colorful brilliance of your aesthetic of choice.
If this feels comfortable for you, then you can branch out and feel assured that you’re on the right track. A very few accessories will continue this theme in your wardrobe without going overboard.
Now, you can really dress up some of these combinations!
And if you find that this is truly where you heart lies, then gradually, carefully find some jewelry that includes both the rich reds and the sense of ornamentation and detail that you relish.
Thanks for this question – it was an interesting exercise that I enjoyed!
love,
Janice
PS – For more color inspiration, check out the latest Pantone Color Planner and other documents in the Planning Documents section of the website.
Anonymous says
March 6, 2014 at 11:20 amone word-great!!!
Anonymous says
March 6, 2014 at 12:07 pmOne word – BEAUTIFUL
Thanks for all your wonderful work.
Trudy in Oz
Anonymous says
March 6, 2014 at 12:29 pmWhat colorful 'magic' – GREAT ideas that would work with ANY of your own personal favorite colors. . . thanks again for the inspiration and motivation.
Cornelia says
March 6, 2014 at 12:48 pmWow! That's all. š
Virginia says
March 6, 2014 at 1:41 pmMagical! Posts like this make editing my own closet so much easier! THANK YOU!!!!
frugalscholar says
March 6, 2014 at 1:50 pmI have always loved that room. From what I've read, there's nothing particularly valuable in it (though that fabric must be very $$$). I love that humble wicker chair mixed in with all the opulence–a very Billy Baldwin touch.
I have a wardrobe of plain things and really need to rev up the accessories. Your visuals are very instructive. Thanks as always.
Anonymous says
March 6, 2014 at 1:53 pmYour creativity astounds. I am so impressed with this idea! My mind is whirling with what I could add to a warm simple wardrobe and am awaiting your further ideas on this theme.
Liz Stratton says
March 6, 2014 at 2:50 pmFantastic! You have outdone yourself. This is exactly why I keep returning to your blog.
Neutrals – check
Silhouettes – in progress
Then on to find the inspiration that will serve as the basis for trying to recreate the magic of this post!
LauraH says
March 6, 2014 at 2:56 pmYou always seem to think outside the box and it's eye opening. Scarves, paintings and now a room as wardrobe inspiration…can't wait to see where you'll head next.
Laurie says
March 6, 2014 at 3:29 pmBrilliance! I feel I need to take a deep breath and proceed with cautious enthusiasm (or maybe enthusiastic caution)!
Anonymous says
March 6, 2014 at 4:01 pmDitto, ditto, ditto
Deb from Vancouver
cheryl :) says
March 6, 2014 at 4:03 pmFantastic. I love the way you break it down and make it manageable. Bravo!
Anonymous says
March 6, 2014 at 4:42 pmoH, Wow! My mind is whirling and I feel giddy. Definitely need to move with enthusiastic caution. This opens up a whole new world.Thank you soooooo much. Deb in Kentucky
SewingLibrarian says
March 6, 2014 at 7:43 pmOne of your best posts ever because you show us what to do to achieve the look we want. It's one thing to look at a room and say, "I love that." It's another thing altogether to know what steps to follow to get a wardrobe that doesn't look contrived or costumy.
SanTX says
March 6, 2014 at 9:34 pmExcellent post. Red is my primary accent color, but your suggestions apply to everyone's favorite accent color. I'm marking this one for reference.
Andy says
March 6, 2014 at 9:54 pmLove this post! I'm trying to build around a core of navy and cream with bright green/turquoise as accents. This has given me some great visuals to think about.
Thea says
March 6, 2014 at 10:31 pmLove! Love! Love! That deep rich red has been difficult to find the past few seasons. Sure hope this means it's back. Excellent post.
Gail says
March 7, 2014 at 2:53 amOh my. Stunning, absolutely stunning.
Annette says
March 7, 2014 at 4:01 amFabulous examples! Thank you so much for showing how just a little pop does so much.
P.S. It's great to see the feminine pieces I crave included. š
Catherine Peck says
March 7, 2014 at 2:58 pmWonderful post. My mind is swimming with possibilities Thank you.
Anonymous says
March 7, 2014 at 9:09 pmInteresting. But my problem is that my life used to be as the Big Boss of lots of people, making TV appearances even. Now I'm work-from-home mom. It's better now that my kid is bigger, but a couple of years ago, I had to wear sneakers all the time so I could take off running when my child would wrench her hand from mine and step out into the very busy street by our house. My style is pencil skirts, heels, hose, cinched waist suits, etc. My life is sweats. Running after a kid, having to sit on the grass at the park (no benches), deciding to be a good mom and do cartwheels and somersaults with my kid. None of it is possible in a pencil skirt. Maybe if I worked in an office and got to dress up five days a week, I could reconcile myself better. I have yet to find a way to have the style I yearn for and feel myself in along with the ease of movement and inevitable dirt/stains that come from kids. Also, I'm a very late mom, and now am in my mid-50s, with a kid in fourth grade. So I have the whole age thing thrown in there, too.
Linda says
March 8, 2014 at 11:04 amOh, please don't give up on who you are. You are making beautiful decisions with your priorities and you will never regret these love-motivated choices. But there is most certainly a casual equivalent of your elegant style. Ballet neck Ts? Layers of fun bracelets? Pants tailored to you? Trust your instincts, try on different options, follow your heart and let your clothes reflect YOU. You sound like a lot of fun – does your style show that? You have depth and experience. How blessed your daughter is!
PlayaFashionista says
March 29, 2014 at 10:30 pmLove this series Janice!
Lisbet says
August 20, 2014 at 5:12 pmDon't care for the room at all but thoroughly adore the wardrobe. Love the post!