Gettin’ Silly with Pastels

April 11, 2011

I probably should submit these photos for Kileen’s Color Brigade (and I did) since I RARELY wear this much color at once.

When it comes to pastels, I’m not the biggest fan because it tends to wash me out. However, the vividness of these bright and cheery hues made me think twice…I can wear similar tones, just not the pale, muted ones you see everywhere.

The warm weather is an instant mood-improver and it shows with my selections as of late. I’m pushing my style boundaries with bolder colors and chunkier (non-necklace ) accessories.

Do you see that snazzy chunky watch? It’s from CROW…it’s colorful and it’s waterproof too! I love the description of this watch from their website:

The BFW…. Boy Friend Watch?  Blogger Friendly Watch?  Beautiful Funky Watch?

Whatever its description, it’s so cool!

When putting together a colorful outfit, there are steps that you can take to build up your level of colorfulness:

  • Easy – Pick one colored accessory/clothing item and everything else neutral
  • Intermediate – Pull several colors from a print or pattern and have one statement piece
  • Advanced – Combine multiple colors together and utilize complementary colors for an extra kick (red+green/blue+yellow/orange+purple)

If you’ve been following along, you may have noticed that I’ve been using these tips with my last two outfit posts (see here and here).

Outfit Details: Gap sweater – XS, Forever 21 skirt – XS, Casualmere scarf, Emma Stine earrings, CROW BFW watch, Charles David wedges

How do you add color to your outfits? Am I too crazy colorful or just right?

{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }

Aneirys April 11, 2011 at 8:26 am
Mae Lu April 11, 2011 at 9:20 am

DUDE! Check that vibrant spring color!!

And then, I dropped a brick when I saw that funky fresh, BIG ASS WATCH! It’s a BAFW. BIG ASS FUNKY WATCH!!! LOVES IT.

Xx{ish.},
Mae Lu @ thereafterish.

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Rachel K April 11, 2011 at 10:10 am

I love this outfit! Definitely not too crazy, it’s just right. Kudos for delving into bold colors – I’ve gotten so used to seeing you in dark and muted colors, this is an awesome change!

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AUBS April 11, 2011 at 11:18 am

you look darling! so vibrant!

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Jarucha April 11, 2011 at 12:00 pm

I don’t have a lot of colorful accessories but will try to use the other tips….thanks for the heads up!

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The Little Dust Princess April 11, 2011 at 1:18 pm

The only time I’m remotely colourful is probably during the summer. haha I love the yellow watch! It really stands out :D And I’ve been meaning to ask..which camera do you use?

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Cee April 11, 2011 at 1:55 pm

I was JUST thinking that you should enter this outfit to the Color Brigade this week (oops, I look at pictures before I read!) I love how you stuck to all bright colors, from your lips down to the watch. LOVE THIS!

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ShortieK April 11, 2011 at 1:58 pm

I don’t think you look washed out at all! Picking brighter pastels is so smart; this outfit shouts Spring!
I LOVE the skirt and that funky watch. I think your lip color (er…lipgloss, lipstick?) goes great with the outfit too.

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Really Petite April 11, 2011 at 2:11 pm

Oooooo I love all the colors and the whole outfit is so darling!!! You def should enter…its perfect for it!!!

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Beans April 11, 2011 at 2:56 pm

love the combo !!

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PetiteLittleGirl April 11, 2011 at 3:36 pm

Great color combination, Jess! I can’t wait for the hot weather. It was super nice yesterday in Ohio (mid 80s). Today, it drops to mid 50s and rains all day :( . How do you like your new lens? Would you recommend it? Your photos look great!

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Recovering Shopaholic April 11, 2011 at 6:16 pm

Gorgeousness Jess! Love, love, love the vibrant colors! I’m also loving your continuation of getting in touch with your feminine girly side! Makes me want to have a picnic in the park :)

BTW, I love your recommendations about adding an outstanding item – definitely going to channel a bit of that in my upcoming outfits!

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Olyvia April 11, 2011 at 7:42 pm

You look like you are having lots of fun with the fun colors! The print of the skirt is awesome! But the most awesome piece is definitely your watch! I love plastic-y/jelly watches! (esp. since I always get my hands/wrists wet for some reason and prefer water-resistant watches) I’m gonna check those watches out! Thanks for introducing that brand, which I never heard of before.

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Erin April 11, 2011 at 7:52 pm

I definitely think it works for you! It’s different but really nice. I admire your ingenuity – I would never think to pair a bright purple with a turquoise blue, but it works! And the yellow watch makes it even more fun :)

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tinymum April 11, 2011 at 8:39 pm

you look so girly-girl in that outfit! Very lovely pastel colors….so spring-y!

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Cher April 11, 2011 at 8:47 pm

So pretty! I can’t do pastels. They just look awful against my extremely yellow skintone. I just look even more yellow!

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Ski Petite April 11, 2011 at 8:48 pm

That last photos belongs in a fashion magazine. It’s so cute! ANd I love all those colors together.

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admin April 11, 2011 at 8:50 pm

@Aneirys: Thanks! I had a blast creating this outfit!

@Mae Lu: It was quite bold, but there’s no chance like the weekend to try something more daring.

@Rachel K: Thanks! Winter definitely puts me in dark and moody colors but I think spring is really injecting some life into my outfits.

@AUBS: Thanks! I was hoping for a nice change of pace from the usual look. =)

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Sandy a la Mode April 11, 2011 at 8:50 pm

i am SO happy you branched out with color, i LOVE this outfit, like a lot… all the way down to the neutral colored shoes!! i am adding your blog to my blogroll ASAP! :)

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hurricanekerrie April 11, 2011 at 8:54 pm

These are lovely colors! Love that you put the scarf on to tie things up (literally and figuratively.) I don’t like pastels either. I just don’t feel as bright as when I wear saturated colors…

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admin April 11, 2011 at 8:56 pm

@Jarucha: I hope the tips are helpful. I’m not an expert with color, but I hope to improve upon my own advice and find some great new combos.

@The Little Dust Princess: I think it’s the same way for me, warmer seasons = more color. Btw, I’m using a Nikon D90 with a kit lens.

@Cee: Thanks! I just submitted this post to the Color Brigade. I gotta start somewhere right?

@ShortieK: The lip color had to be bright otherwise, I think I’d look pretty pale compared to the bright outfit. It’s a great balance.

@Really Petite: It’s been a month of experimentation and it coincides with spring cleaning. So not only am I getting rid of things, but I’m coming up with new ideas for the rest of the season. =)

@Beans: Thanks for your compliment!

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admin April 11, 2011 at 9:02 pm

@PetiteLittleGirl: I’m using the kit lens for these photos, but the 85mm lens creates beautiful photos, it’s kind of sad that I had to send it back already. Two weeks seemed too short. LOL. But I’d definitely recommend it!

@Recovering Shopaholic: Indulging in my girly side is kind of fun since it shows another side of what I always do. It still is very “me” but expressed in a different way.

@Olyvia: Definitely check out the CROW watches, they’re so flexible and they come in such fun colors, I’m sure you’ll enjoy them too. =)

@Erin: I’ve been inundated with Easter images and spring candies, so this outfit kind of evolved from all of those colors. Not as muted in color, but similar tones.

@Tinymum: Thanks! That’s exactly what I hoped to achieve, a bit of fun girliness.

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Shen Dove April 11, 2011 at 9:02 pm

These colors look great on you! The purple scarf pulls the whole look together and that watch is great!

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admin April 11, 2011 at 9:06 pm

@Cher: I have had a hard time with colors too, especially since pale colors are so “in” this season. Instead, I just find what works for me and choose my battles. There’s always room for alternative solutions.

@Ski Petite: Awww, I’m glad you think so highly of my photos! I think the more I have fun taking photos, the more it shows on screen. LOL. I guess I’m getting better in front of the camera.

@Sandy a la Mode @ Shen Dove: Thanks so much for your comment! I’m doing my best to add color in my life while still staying true to my style. I’m glad this was a hit! =)

@Hurricane Kerrie: It was quite a windy day, so a scarf was necessary and it added a nice compliment to the entire outfit.

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Gracie April 11, 2011 at 9:35 pm

O!!! I love this outfit!!!!!!!! yes, it deserves that many exclamation!
Would have never thought to put the two colors together, but they look amazingly well with one another. Love th bright and spring feel.

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Monique April 11, 2011 at 9:57 pm

I love the way you have finished off this look with those nude sandals!

Monique xx

misszuman.blogspot.com

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Liz April 11, 2011 at 11:32 pm

What a gorgeous color palette! I love wearing two contrasting colors together like teal and orange! can’t get enough color in spring :)

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Kate April 12, 2011 at 1:03 am

Very encouraging. First of all, I totally agree about the warmer weather. Secondly, I have felt the same way about pastels and my skin-tone. I am pushing myself to get more prints in my wardrobe… I wrangled myself back in since I went SO crazy with prints in High School, but over the years I’ve been too wrangled and not as much fun.

Thanks for the encouragement. Brighter hues, here I come.

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Tiffany April 12, 2011 at 7:27 am

I love this whole outfit the the skirt is gorgeous!!

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Laura April 12, 2011 at 10:57 am

Girl I am majorly crushing on that skirt! Great wedges, too :)

Newest follower :)

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oomph. April 12, 2011 at 12:20 pm

i think you did it perfectly…exactly how i might do it. working off of the colors in your skirt, plus the addition of something unexpected like the watch..which is fabulous, by the way!!!

rockoomph.blogspot.com

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Sherri S April 12, 2011 at 1:37 pm

Loving the purple and turquoise! The pop of yellow screams fun and sassy with this. Great ‘rules’ to matching up colors. Going to read up on the rest.

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Kileen April 12, 2011 at 1:37 pm

you look great in pastels and what a fun watch! i’m loving your bright accessories too!

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callandra April 12, 2011 at 3:41 pm

I love it Jess!…….You look sooooo adorable ;)

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kimchi girl April 12, 2011 at 8:12 pm

oh, wow you look so cute! i love your skirt so much. def. not too crazy colorful…it’s very “spring”! the wedges were a great choice–i’m partial to nude shoes these days, hehe. ;)

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Sydney April 12, 2011 at 8:33 pm

I LOVE all the color! It is perfect for spring!

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PetitePurrfection April 12, 2011 at 9:00 pm

Great nice outfit. I look the color arrangement!

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admin April 12, 2011 at 9:37 pm

@Gracie: Thanks for your enthusiasm over this outfit! I’m glad you like it. It’s a big change for me, but it’s very encouraging to know that it’s well-received.

@Monique: I think I needed some nude sandals to balance out all the color in the outfit and not distract away from the whole look.

@Liz: I agree, contrasting colors look amazing together and I’m making the most of spring while I can.

@Kate: Experiment with colors and have fun with it. I think we sometimes lose sight of that as we focus so much on looking polished and put together. Fashion should be fun instead of soul-suckingly hard.

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admin April 12, 2011 at 9:41 pm

@Tiffany: The skirt was a lucky find from F21 last year and I’m definitely keeping it in my spring rotation.

@Laura: Thanks for your support! I’m glad that you enjoyed this outfit!

@oomph: Good to know we think alike! I’m sure you have awesome colorful outfits too! Gonna check out your blog! =)

@Sherri S: I’m glad you found this post helpful! I think the beauty of fashion is mixing colors and coming up with something that feels new and different for you. =)

@Kileen: Thanks! I’m learning from you how to add more color, so really, this is like my tribute to you!

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admin April 12, 2011 at 9:44 pm

@Callandra: Thanks! I’m glad you liked it! =)

@Kimchi Girl: I’ve only recently emerged from my dark neutral shell and I’m obsessed about color lately since winter has been quite dreary for me. LOL.

@Sydney: Thanks! I’m totally ready for spring and I can’t wait for summer too!

@PetitePurrfection: I’m recently indulging in color and I’m glad the color palette isn’t too crazy. =)

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Miss Rockwell April 13, 2011 at 9:39 am

Yes this outfit is gorgeous. I love the colors and that BFW adds a whole nother deminsion of flava to your ‘fit!!

http://thriftyandshameless.blogspot.com

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KK @butshoppingmakesmehappy April 13, 2011 at 12:24 pm

I LOVE this outfit! Love the print of the skirt…and your decision to pair it with that different color top. It turned out so well!

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Tiffanie April 14, 2011 at 4:39 am

U look great in all the colors! Very springy and cute. I luv it!

Tiff

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dotty April 14, 2011 at 1:36 pm

the yellow watch is so good here! great outfit!

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Cara-Mia April 14, 2011 at 6:16 pm

Love all these colors together! :)

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