My natural tendency is to buy clothes that are solid color and neutral. I’m a big fan of black, white, khaki, and brown (which is really just “winter khaki” after all).
The solid color thing is about being short. I’m 5’1” on a tall day and I have a short torso. The magazines have always told me that solid colors make you look taller: if you wear a black skirt, wear black tights or stockings and black shoes to elongate the line, etc.
Those rules made for a pretty boring wardrobe. But how to break out of the rut?
Always make sure clothes fit right. If you find that you love something when you try it on in the store, but when you wear it for the first time you wonder what you were thinking, shop with a friend who will be honest with you. That and if you’re my height accept the fact that the best fitting clothes will be petites, even if that means you can’t always wear clothes made by your favorite designer.
This will sometimes mean passing on the latest trends. I try them on anyway—it helps to see with my own eyes that they don’t look good.
Despite what you may have been told, don’t be afraid of bright colors and prints. If you’re a “buy neutral” person like me, start experimenting with brightly colored shoes, belts, and bags. And if you have scarves, wear them as belts. Since I’ve started branching out beyond my comfort zone, I’ve fallen in love with my new lilac ballet flats, and am surprised to say that I actually carry the orange bag my mom gave me from her closet a couple of years ago.
Force yourself to try on prints. Start simple, maybe a top or skirt, and you’ll find yourself going back for more. I bought two beautiful print summer dresses recently—a few years ago I wouldn’t have gone near them, but truth be told, I’ve worn them often. One is just for fun, but the other is fine for a business meeting with a blazer or cotton sweater over it. Great for the hot weather we’ve had this summer.
And while I still contend that nothing looks better than a crisp white shirt, it’s a challenge to keep them looking great, especially if you’re like me and you tend to spill coffee on them. If for no other reason, I’m glad I’ve injected some more variety in my wardrobe.
