January is the time when many of us start chanting the mantra “new year new me” and vow to start eating healthier, practicing yoga and dressing more like our favorite perfectly styled celebrities. While these are all noble intentions, sometimes the task of a full-fledged mind and body makeover all at once can become overwhelming and cause us to ditch the efforts altogether. For me, the easiest way to achieve a wardrobe refresh is to look at my existing wardrobe in a different light and see how I can create new looks. Playing with colorful items in your closet is a great way to express your signature style, so we have put together four unexpected color combinations to help you come up with looks that seem all new and all you. –Angela Bobo
Forest Green and Deep Rose
Forest Green is elegant and earthy at the same time. It gives depth and richness to any ensemble and is an easy way to add color without overwhelming the look. A warm rosy hue pairs easily because it takes a cue from nature—think how the petals of a rose blend seamlessly with the stem. This combination is a great way to try on a garden inspired look, without being too literal.
Forest Vinyl Skater Skirt, $78; topshop.com
COACH Legacy Leather Mini Tanner, $258; Bloomingdales.com
Raga Textured Pullover in Bright Pink, $48; Nordstrom.com
Ted Baker Saffire Topstitch Pants, $195; bloomingdales.com
Oxblood and Powder Pink
This color combination is a little unexpected and the most intimidating to me because it pairs two colors from the same berry-hued family. But, it works because they both have the same tone which prevents them from clashing. The oxblood has hints of brown, which also allows it to act as a neutral base and anchor the look. This combination can be paired with as much ease as black and gray, but it’s much more fun!
Knot Front Tee, $32; topshop.com
Moto Blossom Leigh Jeans, $24.50; topshop.com
Fluffy Swing Boyfriend Coat, $178; topshop.com
High heel platform leather boot, $229; zara.com
Army Green and Orange
Army green will always be a staple in my wardrobe because I see it as a ‘sophisticated neutral.’ I love the season’s camouflage pieces, because with the combination of green and brown they have turned out to be surprisingly versatile and work well with a variety of colors. For an unexpected pairing try an orange sweater and dark camo pants, or for a more subtle look go for an army green parka, cream blouse and an orange scarf.
Crepe T-Shirt by Boutique, $160; topshop.com
Rich & Skinny ‘Legacy’ Colored Skinny Pants, $122; southmoonunder.com
Camo Jacquard Pencil Skirt, $76; topshop.com
IIIBeCa by Joy Gryson ‘Thomas Street’ Tote, $198; shopbop.com
Cobalt Blue and Slate
This particular shade of blue was selected as Pantone’s top color for women’s fashion in spring 2014 and it is not hard to see why. It really can be worn as a year-round shade because the tone is cool enough to blend in with the typically darker colors of the current season and later with the sherbet hues of spring. I prefer pairing it with a dark gray to channel an on-trend sporty vibe, plus it is less harsh and more interesting than wearing with black.
BCBG Illusion Mesh Dress, $368; bloomingdales.com
Furla Studded Candy in Dark Grey, $498; bloomingdales.com
Premium Mixed Texture Sweat, $72; topshop.com
Lux Shine Joggers, $84; topshop.com
(January 2014)
