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Do those trousers dig into your midsection causing the dreaded “muffin top?” Is that skirt hitting in the middle of the widest part of your calf, causing your legs to look shorter and thicker than they really are? How does that turtleneck REALLY look with your round face? Is that skirt really work appropriate or more dance club appropriate? Does that baggy sweater cover your bumps or accentuate them?
Color Bottom
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Color Top
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Complimenting Accessories (shoes, belts, bags)
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Black
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Most any color except a medium brown or browns and navys that are almost the same shade as the black
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Black is a safe bet. You can go with a contrast color (anything but brown, tan and navy) as long as the top is also black or a dark basic color (red shoes with a khaki sweater and black skirt)
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Brown
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Ivory, brown, tan, red, pink, lighter shades of blue, dark orange/rust/terracotta
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Again, safe to go with the same color and only use a contrast if the top and bottom are both neutral (ivory sweater, brown pants and green pumps)
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Camel
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Brown, pink, black, ivory, plum, dark greens, navy, French blue, red, dark purples
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If you have camel already, great! If not, consider the top. If it is a warm color (red, ivory, plum) brown is a nice compliment. If it is cool (black, purples, French blue) consider black. Navy is a shade that can go either way, though I think darker shades look better with black and lighter shades with brown.
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Navy
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French or baby blue, pinks, white, camel, ivory, dark red, lighter shades of green
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Again, if you have navy shoes that closely match the bottom, wear them. I personally find navy bottoms hard to match and just never wear them. If you like navy, consider the rules above. Darker navys with black and lighter with dark brown or camel.
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White (no matter what the fashion mags say, should only be worn from June through August unless you are a true expert fashionista)
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Most any color except beige, ivory or a very pale shade of a color.
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I do not believe white shoes should be bought by anyone except nurses, brides and true expert fashionistas. Since these white skirts and pants are being worn in the summer ONLY, consider a neutral like a tan shoe. If you are wearing a bright colored top (colbalt blue, hot pink, red) consider black shoes instead.
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Ivory
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Black, brown, medium to dark greens, pinks and blues, red, navy, tan, purples and oranges
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If it is a warm shade (orange, brown, tan) consider brown. If cool (black, blue, green) consider black. No one needs to own a pair of ivory shoes.
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Start off slow. A pair of pants to replace the ones that accidentally got washed and now don’t hang right. A new sweater to replace the baggy tunic you have sported for a decade. A dress for that upcoming wedding that will also be appropriate for your company holiday party AND your niece’s christening. A pair of simple black pumps that will go with your work pants AND that dress for the upcoming wedding. Go slow. No one is keeping a tally of how many pieces of clothing you own. Scour sale racks. Once you are comfortable with your size and what styles flatter you, venture to the online vendors and boutiques for variety (and often for better prices). Note the designers that fit you well and be loyal to them. Also be loyal to the shops that fit you and treat you well when you visit. Good salespeople will take down your information and notify you of sales and special events in their shops. This can save you money and time when adding to your wardrobe. Try to stay away from malls at holidays and on Saturday afternoons until you feel very strong and comfortable with shopping – these times will make you want to crawl back into your home and cover yourself with fleece.
And finally, believe in yourself. Wearing flattering, well made and fitting clothing is something you DESERVE. You work hard, you care about others, you are an important person on this planet. You deserve to feel good, to look good, and to present yourself to others as the wonderful person you are.
Black and brown look very sophisticated together on a dark haired woman…don’t put people off 😉
Brilliant as always.
I just discovered your blog – love it. I’ve been inspired to clean out my wardrobe and start purchasing some jewellery.
I am going to print this out and go through everything in my closet in front of my as-yet unpurchased full length mirror. I am, I’m ashamed to say, one of those people who walks out the door without the check and is sometimes unpleasantly surprised when passing reflective surfaces.
Thanks.