DOES the thought of yet another winter wearing black, black and more black depress you? Is your wardrobe sinking into a Bermuda Triangle of black? Or are you just bored with wearing black?
If your answers were yes, yes and yes, then it’s time to switch it up a notch or three. Make like iconic 1930s designer Elsa Schiaparelli, who loved to wear a shade of shocking pink, and update your wardrobe with the bright and cheerful colour. It’s time to think pink!
But all those classic cliches — in the pink, pretty in pink, the power of pink, pink persuasion, pink power — conjure up images of fun and playfulness. And in a season of typically dark-muted tones, fuchsia or magenta are like a breath of fresh air!
Pink — and its myriad shades — are usually reserved for spring and summer, but they promise to brighten any dark cold winter day. But embracing a new colour is always a challenge, so I encourage you to try. You might be pleasantly surprised.
PRETTY IN PINK
Pink is a universally flattering colour if you find the right shade. It is also warmer and more classically enchanting than plain beige or white. And as the dark clouds of winter part for the blue skies of spring, it’s tempting to wear something other than black or grey to work. So dust off those beautiful pastel ensembles that are too cool for winter.
However, wearing pink can be a challenge. While the colour regularly appears on runways and in wardrobes of our favourite celebrities and street-style stars, it can easily veer into Barbie territory if worn the wrong way.
So if you think that took much pink is overwhelming, keep it simple and use as an accent colour only. And remember, fashion isn’t as much fun without breaking a few rules, so don’t wait until spring to indulge in this wonderful hue. What every woman needs is to think pink now!
Pictures: Miroslava Duma at Paris Fashion Week 2013, TheyAllHateUs, This Time Tomorrow, Habitually Chic, LDSFashion
HOW TO WEAR PINK
1. Colour clash
Pink works well with many colours.
- Worn with the cool dark tones of black and navy, pink looks sophisticated and safe
- Turn up the heat and mix with hot red or orange (pictured above)
- Add grey for understated elegance
- Softened with beige, pink gives an extra professional tone
- Mix with green for a natural palette
- Grab attention by teaming with cobalt blue
- Traditional white is fresh and crisp
- Use silver or gold accents for an elegantly rich appearance
- Look for prints or patterns with the colour to wear back with solids
2. Use as a highlight or accent colour only
If bold colour isn’t your thing, ease into it. Start with a statement piece such as a coat. The coat can be removed and you’re left with a more conservative ensemble. If not, you have a wonderfully unexpected piece of outerwear. As an added bonus, you’ll make a statement when you arrive.
Alternatively, try a pop of colour with a bag or shoes, or statement earrings or chunky necklace. Team a of pair pink shoes with your favourite jeans, or fuchsia pink clutch bag with your print skirt. Alternatively, throw on some bold drop earrings with your favourite oversized white linen button-down shirt or chunky necklace with a silk top. These could be just the lift your outfit needs!
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3. Try tonal
Layering varying shades of the colour is the perfect way to wear pink. Tonal colours — think fuchsia pink and a pale pink — are complementary. The lighter shade softens the look, while the brighter shade acts as the highlight.
4. Make it monochromatic
Just love a monochromatic look, especially as it’s also extremely slimming. Whether head-to-toe in abpant suit, a jumpsuit, a skirt and top (with matching shoes) or a dress, it’s hard to go overboard with this colour. Complete the look with matching accessories, if you like. But it stands on its own very well.
5. Know what shade of pink works best with your skin tone
Generally speaking, if you have pink or rosy undertones, your skin tone is cool, and colours with blue undertones will suit you best. If you have golden or apricot undertones, your skin tone is warm, and yellow-based hues will flatter you.
There’s a fine line between bubblegum and blush, so when you’re office-bound or want a more sophisticated statement, choose a muted shade. Peach, azalea, dusty rose and blush are safe bets for a more subtle look. For the colour obsessed, bright coral makes a bold statement and Radiant Orchid is the ideal pink/purple hybrid for trend-hunters. For the colder months, pink-infused berry shades are key.
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6. Add a leather accent
Despite its prevalence on the runway — and its many fans — leather is still an edgier choice than silk or cotton. Teaming a black leather pencil skirt with a pink blouse gives an ensemble a business-like edge, but if you throw on a leather motorcycle jacket over a pink silk dress, suddenly the look becomes more contemporary.
7. Go bold — in a a pattern
A graphic pattern lends interest and polish to any ensemble, so adding a patterned skirt to a pink top (and vice versa) would serve the same purpose. However, whimsical prints aren’t always the best choice when it comes to pink pieces. Pink paired with polka dots can look a bit childish if you’re not careful, and a rosy skirt with a floral top might be a bit too saccharine for the office if both are rendered in a bright palette.
8. Mix with menswear
Even the most feminine outfits become edgier with a few menswear accents. A fitted jacket or tailored pants, even a man-style cardigan, can do wonders for an otherwise girly ensemble by toning down a pink palette. Alternatively try a hot pink fitted mans-style jacket over white T-shirt and jeans.
9. Pay attention to cut
Any piece of clothing can look chic and urbane if it’s well-tailored and cut to perfection, so if you’re going for a full-on fuchsia dress, head-to-toe hot pink pant suit or a solid pink coat, make sure it’s fitted and cut to flatter your body. Anything overly voluminous or frilly may provoke flashbacks to your childhood, but a sleek shift or fitted jacket is both professional and stylish.
