I find this time of year really tricky style-wise. We seem to have been wearing our winter stalwarts for many months. Often the colours that abound in our winter wardrobes consist of dark tones. Admittedly these colours are practical yet as the skies continue to be grey this can, in my opinion, affect our mood. The bright pink coat I am wearing above is from Hobbs last year. It is still available in the sale but only small sizes available. Pink scarf some years old similar.
Personally, I find adding a touch of my favourite colour, especially near the face, can lift an outfit from just utilitarian to stylish. Ideally, this will also brighten your mood. When I worked as an image consultant I not only taught my clients what colours were most flattering to their skin tone and hair colour but also included the psychology of colour in my consultations.
The colours that we wear can send strong messages. For example, most uniforms consist of dark colours with high contrast. Think of the police force and the military. Red is often associated with fire, passion and sometimes danger. Whereas pastel tones conjure up softer more compassionate emotions. These signals are not necessarily universal and can vary according to country and culture. If you are interested in further information on colour and how it can affect us there is an interesting article on Wikipedia.
The way that I like to add colour to liven up my outfits is with the use of accessories especially scarves and necklaces. I also love to wear a flattering coloured sweater or add a zingy coloured coat or jacket during the dark days of winter.
Black is probably not my best colour now that my hair is turning grey. However, it is an extremely useful colour and sometimes a stylish item in black is too tempting to pass up. I usually find that I can adapt the look with the addition of colour. In the photo above I have added a touch of my most flattering blue toned red. Red fedora hat some years old similar.
Photo of pink coat and scarf and black jacket with red accessories by Laura Hines. Follow her on Instagram.
We had the most wonderful trip to South Africa. Initially I stayed with an old…
The joys of summer kaftans. In my opinion a kaftan is one of the most…
What I wore in France - holiday styles for Summer
Our journey through France and overnight stay.
View Comments
Love your pink coat, it's such a complimentary colour on you.
How fabulous you look in pink! Getting my scarves ready to add some interest to my usual black for our upcoming weeks in sunny Aix ;)
Hi Anne
You are so lucky to be going to Aix. The weather here has been grogeously sunny. Not looking forward to heading home to cold cloudy London.
Pink certainly seems to be your colour, you look fabulous, it doesn't do anything for my look, so I tend not to wear pastel colours.
Love the fringies! I just bought a pair of teal ones for the new year - wish I'd bought more, since there was a BOGO going on. I said, "Nah, I don't need any more earrings."
WHAT was I thinking???
Love all these images. My wardrobe would fit in well in a funeral parlour, according to my husband! I have become lazy and find black, plus white and colour so easy. However I have started adding COLOUR to my wardrobe, thanks to you. Don't like pastels: I shall go for bright colours: red, jade, bright yellow, bright pink, like yours. I wore a sky blue cardigan the other day and my neighbour actually told me to "go" for that colour always!
Why is it that men don’t like black on women? My husband hates it-so I usually wear a colourful necklace or scarf at my neckline, which is what Josephine is suggesting. But I won’t give up black.
Hi Penelope
Yes it is curious that a lot of men dont like black yet it is supposed to be so chic and sexy. Maybe the associations in the UK with funerals.
Jo, you look absolutely fabulous in the pink as well as all the colors. You look confident, interesting and friendly. I too wear color and lots of scarves...they make me happy!
Hi Judy
Glad to hear it. Anything to cheer us up in the Winter.
I love the 2 shades of pink !!!
That is absolutely the most beautiful picture of you in the pink coat! You look beautiful. You should frame it!
Love that pink! My hair is the same colour as yours and my 2019 style resolution is to include more colour. Guess what I’m going for first!