Color, Texture & Shine

color:texture:shineI first became familiar with the phrase color, texture & shine while working with Stacy London a few years back. As she shared her fashion expertise with us, she always spoke in terms of color, texture and shine, almost insisting that a client had to have the daily requirement of those three components before she walked out the door. She encouraged us to use the rule, teach the rule and live personally by the rule. I have to say, I am a fan and make sure before I walk out my own door that I have filled in the blanks on all three fronts.

COLOR
Color – the use of color in your daily garb not only flatters your overall appearance, but it can influence your mood as well as the mood of others around you. The first thing that people notice about you is the color you are wearing! As all of us ‘black’ lovers know, the power of color can instantly erase 10 pounds! The power of a ‘real’ color can erase about 10 years from your look by complimenting your hair and skin tone. I will talk color at length in a future post, but for now here is a bit of DIY info to get you going.

COLORPick up a color wheel at any art supply or craft store as it can help you figure out which colors in your wardrobe can be mixed and matched. First, simply look at colors that are opposite on the color wheel, for example, purple and yellow or blue and orange. These opposite colors work very well together because they contrast each other. Secondly, notice how red and purple, situated next to each other on the color wheel, look great together because they compliment each other. The two ‘C’ words, contrast and compliment – use them to your advantage. The third way to use the color wheel is to dress in one color, but in different hues. Using several shades of the same color, from light to dark will give you a polished look. Color is the most important component of your look and it’s the easiest way to freshen your wardrobe and reflect your own personal style. Remember that color can be pulled into your look with fabrics, accessories, shoes, and even your lipstick or nail polish. 

TEXTURE
Texture gives your outfit depth and interest. The texture could be the weave of the fabric, the density of the cloth, the ‘skin’ of the belt or even the composition of the necklace. When working with clients I often use texture to either accentuate the assets or disguise the liabilities. Here’s one example for both categories. Say your body proportion is bigger on the bottom and we need to balance out your silhouette by adding a bit of volume to the top of your frame. The best way to do that is by using a textured jacket or a blouse, something tweedy, nubby and perhaps colorful. Or we would add color or shine with the accessories (scarves, necklaces) to bring the eye away from the (bigger on the bottom liability) up to your beautiful face and neckline (accentuating the assets).

stacy1SHINE
Shine could be your glossy lipstick, your patent leather shoe, your silky shimmery blouse and of course, your bling! Let’s talk bling specifically, as most women love jewels! I personally do not leave the house without my 4-point jewelry checklist – earrings, watch, multiple bracelets and a necklace.

Wish I could say that I vary my earrings, but admittedly I am lazy and love my diamonds. My watches are a choice of two, one dressy and one a bit sportier with a leather band. My necklaces and bracelets are where I really express myself. I have been a bit of a collector over time making sure I have the demure and chunky gold, as well as the demure and chunky silver. I have pearls but never wear them, somehow I wore them more in my twenties when we were wearing those obligatory menswear suits and floppy bow ties (oh my how far we have come)! Perhaps my packing the pearls away was a bit more ceremonial than I realized! These days I opt for statement pieces because I love variety and what better way to change up an outfit than with your necklace – there it is, front and center, begging for attention!

Beth:DoreenHere I am last week wearing a relatively average outfit (jeans, a sweater and some sandals) but rocked out with a great necklace that BTW, got compliments across the country as I traveled back from Santa Fe. Notice how my BFF takes her relatively average outfit to the next level with her pop of color web belt! It’s not rocket science ladies; it’s just the creative process. Build your wardrobe and build your outfit before you walk out the door! Remember – fashion is supposed to be FUN!

Having trouble having FUN with your wardrobe? Let’s talk!
Sign up here for a complimentary 30-minute Boost Your Image Breakthrough Session.
We’ll chat about your travel plans, your closet, your clothing, your budget and whatever else comes up! I look forward to ‘meeting’ you on the phone!

Doreen Dove empowers women to use style as a tool to take strategic control of their image. She is an image consultant, personal stylist and professional speaker. Her extensive background in all aspects of retail has uniquely qualified her to work with women of all ages and professions, coaching them to personal style success. www.DoreenDove.com

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