Color Me Clueless

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Someone should explain what it means to match, because I thought it was about matching similar colors or like black/red, blue/white--obvious pairs--but lately I see girls wearing purple shoes with yellow blouses and green patterned headbands and it's so pretty but I never feel brave or smart enough to do it myself. Color stresses me out, in part because I love it so much, and I want to "get it." 

Once, in a most wonderful store called Accessorize in London, I was trying to find something to match an outfit I had bought that was all about brown.  And I was looking at a brown necklace, thinking I would get it, when I asked the sales lady and she said, in her perfect London accent, "No, no.  That's far too obvious."  Oh.  She helped me pick out something with green--green with reddish-brown flecks, and it was much better.

And I won't even talk about how I used to wear a purple shirt, plus a purple collared shirt, plus a purple sweater, PLUS a purple jacket.  I loooooved that outfit. OKAY, so I have a problem with layering, too.  And I would never do something like that now (I don't think.), but it seems like the color/matching culture has changed since then.  Is anyone else confused?  Especially in Boston, I keep showing up to work thinking I'm cute, only to look around and feel like I'm in 7th grade frumpalicious land. 7th grade was not a good era for me, people.

I went to H&M today and spent money on some bright accessories, hoping to, you know, spruce things up, wear green with my purple, or whatever they're doing.  But I'm afraid.  Can someone explain what they're doing?  It's like they all know a rule that I'm not privy to. I want to be privy!  And also, pretty!

Comments

belann said…
Sorry, you probably would guess that there is no help here. I would have picked out the brown necklace too. Don't get the color thing at all.
June 22, 2010 at 5:03 PM
Terry Earley said…
You will be proud of me. I bought 3 bright ties to go with my black suit and navy suit.

I will be happy to advise you on fashion choices any time. All you have to do is ask.
June 22, 2010 at 5:45 PM
Mike and Emily said…
I am all at sea too...if you figure it out...please help!!! I'm a frumpalicious from the 90s!
June 22, 2010 at 5:46 PM
Kitty said…
Pretty Deja,

Just pick out colors that make you happy and then think of the color wheel. If the colors are pastel wear them together and mix them with creams and light neutrals. Navy blue is a great color with brights and pastels. Find a print that you love and run with it. Have fun and don't stress, if you try too hard, everyone will know. It's silly like that.

p.s. I owe you a long email. I'm sorry for being such a slacker.

love love,
Kitty
June 22, 2010 at 7:32 PM
Emily said…
I don't know much about fashion, but I do watch a lot of What Not to Wear and they always emphasize that things are not supposed to "match;" they are supposed to "go." So if you like the look of a pink scarf over a yellow top or something like that--if the colors go well together--then that's all that matters. But honestly I've always thought you were pretty darn fashionable. What about that fork bracelet? And the church hats!
June 22, 2010 at 7:35 PM
Amara said…
There's the whole "complementary colors" on the color wheel thing (straight across opposites)--like a wedding I did with teal and an orange red, but if I ever did that with clothes, I would need something --like a printed scarf or multicolored necklace with both in it to make me not feel insecure. You'd better just stick with Dad. He knows it all.
June 22, 2010 at 8:48 PM
eden said…
i actually read a 'how to' type thing on the 'what not to wear' website. just tried to find it so i could sent it to you, but i couldn't. i found this instead. basic, but maybe helpful? - http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/what-not-to-wear-how-to-match-colors-in-an-outfit.html

ps - i've always thought you look darling. always. (:
June 22, 2010 at 9:20 PM
meg said…
someone else said it perfectly--pick colors that make you happy and think of the color wheel. also you could try practicing--study or collect pictures of colors or color combos that you love. the more you do this, the easier it gets. if in doubt, copy someone else's combination. i love this color article on martha stewart--it's not about clothing, but it still applies.
http://www.marthastewart.com/article/color-inspiration-the-palette-project
and this site is a fun way to look at colors. she puts together some beautiful palettes i wouldn't have thought of.
http://theperfectpalette.blogspot.com/
June 22, 2010 at 9:56 PM
Elise said…
Yeah, I'm with you. I just wear black and silver. I wear the same pair of shoes every day. I just don't like clothes enough to do something super cute and buy a pair of shoes that I can't wear with everything. Why am I so practical? It's so not fun.
June 23, 2010 at 12:04 PM
Deja said…
You people are so cool.

Dad, you probably could teach me a lot. You dress impeccably.

Those of you that are lost: I'm glad you're lost, too.

Those of you that gave resources and told me how to figure it out, I am in awe.

I still had a near panic attack trying to match a blue/white skirt and bright pink top, but I just opted for black/white/pink instead. Old faithful. I'm learning, learning.

Any thoughts on these people that combine prints: wear stripes with flower prints and plaids with polka dots. I thought that really really wasn't okay. And these are fashionable people, but it still causes my brain to split in half. What's up with that?
June 23, 2010 at 2:21 PM
Amara said…
It's funny --you always get the most comments when you ask for advice don't you? I just wanted to thank the people that included links. I love that color palette blog, and I've watched almost all of the "what not to wear" segments
June 23, 2010 at 5:01 PM
Kira said…
You could just do the "mom look" like me. Jean capris and a tee...no one ever worries in my circle :)
June 24, 2010 at 9:23 AM
Valerie Loveland said…
I was afraid to wear color before because I don't know how to match things. I just decided not to care and wear all the colors randomly. It probably looks weird but I always like seeing people wear a lot of color. I am trying to be a role model!
June 24, 2010 at 11:56 PM
Michael and Stephanie said…
Deja I'm scared too. The sad thing is my mom totally pulls it off though. She's one of those people with purple shoes and mustard orange shoes and she'll pair them with random outfits and they look good! Grrrr.... I'm not that brave.
June 25, 2010 at 3:33 PM
Meeshab said…
Ok, remember those collages you posted, maybe on your other blog, from your weekend to Vermont or something? Those colors were amazing. I wanted to hang one of the collages on my wall. You are fascinated by colors and you are talented enough to do it, just timid. Remember when you hesitated to wear the dangly black earrings? You can do it! Just try, your an artist at heart!
June 27, 2010 at 5:49 PM
Reba said…
i always thought you had a great sense of fashion and looked very pulled together. I say, if you like it wear it. Both of my girls have gone through a mono-cromatic phase that I adored. Take pictures of some of your brave outfits! I can't wait to see.
June 28, 2010 at 12:48 AM
Bryson and Tara said…
If you find out the secret, please let me know...
June 28, 2010 at 5:45 PM
Sam Ruddick said…
For my own part, when I see girls wearing purple shoes with yellow blouses and green patterned headbands, I think, "wow, that's really stupid looking."

My advice: when you're thinking about what to wear, remember: less is more. a lot less, a lot more...
June 29, 2010 at 5:00 AM
David and Melanie said…
Those fears aren't entirely bad unless they keep you in a rut. Even celebrities dressed by expensive designers end up on the "Worst dressed" list. As for me I wear pink shoes on a very regular basis and I get compliments on them frequently, its my signature color. My only advice is never go out in something you don't feel at least the tiniest bit secure wearing. Confidence is half of the ensemble!
July 25, 2010 at 9:13 PM
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