As a Carmel Wardrobe Stylist, I find that most people agree when you live in the Midwest the winter is rough! The sun doesn’t shine. We might be stuck inside or go to the local gym for exercise. It can be so cold. That’s probably why so many people go on vacation right after Christmas and into January. People feel better in the sun; they love the warmth, and it can “cheer” their souls.
Maybe I am getting a little too personal here, but this describes me perfectly. Years ago in my single years after I had paid off my horrendous student loan, I always went on a warm-weather vacation in February. Usually, I went to Florida, and I discovered some of the beautiful beaches and activities such as shelling on Sanibel Island. I came back to the office refreshed and happier and ready to face the mound of work in late winter as we finalized our “class.” Before I was a Carmel Wardrobe Stylist, I worked in the publications office at a small liberal arts university and this was an important time since we were finalizing how many students had committed to attend our school, etc.
Carmel Wardrobe Stylist Color Advice for Winter
What does the long, cold, gray winter do with your style and wearing color? Plenty! Case in point, many times the first one-two appointments I have with clients are held in my office. I really like to put some thought into what I am wearing, obviously, since I am a personal stylist. This day was particularly gray and cold, so I slipped on a bright red knit dress from Boden. I also like it because it has a panel of hot pink and purple in it. So it’s not the “usual” bright red knit dress. When I wore it I felt confident, sassy, and full of color.
There is a connection between what you wear and how you feel. Color can have something to do with that! Look at this absolutely beautiful bright yellow dress Gayle King is wearing on the news. As a Carmel Wardrobe Stylist, I absolutely love it. Gayle made this bold choice that flatters her curves and her skin tone perfectly.
Adding color if you’re a minimalist:
- If you love neutrals and wear them all the time (channeling Meghan Markle), think of adding a color purse, shoes, or even jewelry, such as earrings, a bracelet, or a beaded necklace. One of my favorite looks is black and white/gray or tan and cream with red accessories.
- Ladies, if you can wear jeans to work, an easy way to add color is a bright blazer/jacket in magenta, purple, bright green, red, orange, etc. Your top can coordinate or even be “just go” combination. I love to see combinations such as pink and grey, orange and red, yellow and blue or green.
- A coat is another way to add color. It doesn’t have to be bright, but having another option besides black is a great fashion statement.
- Guys particularly can have an uphill battle wearing/adding color because there are so few examples out there. Just looking over websites and even in the stores, guys usually see neutrals that coordinate together but not so much some colorful splashes. As a Carmel Wardrobe Stylist, I suggest you first start with a colorful winter scarf in red, purple, bright blue, purple, or even yellow! (Just avoid yellow and black, however.) Here are some beautiful scarves my colleague in Chicago sells in his business, David Edwards Clothier.
- Men, also consider a colorful top such as a V-neck cashmere sweater, a puffer vest, or a tie. Choose shades of red such as burgundy, magenta, and bright blues or purples; however, do not venture into the colored button-down under-the-suit look. It’s very 70s and 80s. These shirts are still sold in abundance at Kohls’s and JCPenney. Avoid at all costs.
If you need help adding color to your outfits or simply want to meet with me to do a color analysis and get a swatch book of colors to use when shopping, please reach out to me on one of my channels.
Keep it sassy, Indy!
Beth Divine, MA, AICI-CIC
Carmel Wardrobe Stylist
