Earlier this month I read a guest post on a blog where a man shared his point of view of what 40+ women should and shouldn’t wear. Yes, I know. As if we need yet another one of those posts telling us what we should and shouldn’t wear – at any age.
Yawn.
Because in reality, the post should only be one sentence.
Wear whatever you want!
Anyway, one of his points was us 40+ fillies shouldn’t wear too many bright colours in any one outfit. Apparently, we should aim to limit the number of colours, in particular, to avoid wearing more than 2 bright ones at the same time. Why? I have no idea! It wasn’t explained.
Presumably, the world would spiral off its axis if we did, due to the uncontained, mass explosion of colour!
Too risky, too risky!
Now, this wasn’t a red rag to a bull – yup, colour pun totally intended there – because I take these types of post with a shovelful of salt. I generally roll my eyes and deeply exhale ‘ridiculous’ and then go and do something more interesting. But when I was planning a second week of colour blocking, well…. I thought, blow me, I’m going to do more than 2 bright colours! I do hope you’ve got your sunglasses on standby for the explosion of colour. I take health ‘n’ safety here very seriously!
Last week we had red and purple – two colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel. This week, it’s the turn of the colour that sits on the other side of red on the wheel – orange.
Now, I had originally wanted to do a neon pink and red outfit but I don’t own a top in the right shade of pink. I wasn’t about to go and buy one just to make up an outfit for the challenge, as therein madness lies! This is all about creating outfits (mostly) from existing items in my wardrobe. If a new item appears, it’s only because there was a hole waiting to be filled or it’s a stand out piece worth buying.
It meant the pink being relegated to the supporting role of the accessories, which in fairness, it does with gusto, I think you’ll agree. Stepping into the empty shoes left by the pink is the orange cardigan and I love the zesty vividness that the orange brings to the outfit.
The individual pieces of the outfit are simple, everyday pieces that most of us have in our wardrobes. A top, cardigan and jeans – could they be any more easy to wear? As a previous cardie and jeans combo shows though (Hot Pink Sundae), from the Winter section of my challenge, it’s the combination of colours and the small details that stop this type of outfit from being too simple.
– Choose either a patterned top or if going plain, one with texture or unusual detailing e.g. embroidery anglaise, jacquard, pintuck stitching or cut outs.
– Choose accessories that will stand out either in colour, shape or size. And remember, they don’t have to be matching either in design or colour. My necklace is very different in style to my bracelet but are linked by colour.
– Fancy footwear is your friend. Here my sandals stand out because of the colour which is complimentary to the red and orange whilst being contrasting. Otherwise, choose prints such as leopard, snakeskin or floral.
– Be bold and explore colour combinations. They don’t necessarily have to be bright colours as with this outfit; pastels can work just as well.
The style of the necklace fits beautifully with the broderie anglaise of the top; feminine but not twee.
I’m rather taken with the cascading symmetry of the trio of scooping lines – necklace, top and cardigan!
Some shades of pink can feel very girly and veer a little towards ‘Barbie’ doll in feel, which my inner tomboy doesn’t always appreciate! The gold bars on the gladiator sandals, with the studs on the bag stop either from being too sugary sweet.
The spiral bracelet was an unexpected but pleasant find in a small boutique in the South of France last winter. With the top and bottom colours being pink and orange it’s perfect for the outfit. The thick coils suit the style of the bag and the shoes.
Dorothy Perkins Petite Red Jeans
TKMaxx Embroidery Anglaise Top This is a lovely Broderie Anglaise shirt from Betty Jackson
Monsoon Orange cardigan (old) Orange Cardigan
Oasis Pink Necklace current but not on website
Multi Coloured Spiral bracelet from a boutique in France
TKMaxx Bag (old)
New Look Gladiator Sandals (old) Pink Block Heel Sandals or Flat Sandals
Tangerine Dream Footnote
I’m really at a loss as to why anyone would think an outfit comprising of 3 bright colours would be a no-no, regardless of age and particularly how I’m wearing them. Yes, the colours are bright and eye-catching but that’s precisely the point of these kind of colours. I’ve never been interested in fading into the wallpaper and I’m sure as heck not going to start as I approach my 50th birthday!
Minimalists dressers would probably shy away from such brightness but I’m hardly looking like a Jackson Pollock painting gone wrong!
I can’t tell you how good I felt all day mood wise whilst wearing my trio of colours.
Now anybody, whether man, woman or child is entitled to their opinion but if you’re going to make sweeping statements about what women should wear, you better back it up with a valid argument. Fine if you don’t like the aesthetic of bright colours being worn together, that’s personal taste but that in itself is not enough to advise people that you shouldn’t wear them!
Right, I’ll get off my soapbox now and recline on my garden walk basking in my Colour!
What bright colours do you like wearing together? Do you wear 3 or more bright colours together? And how do you feel about articles saying what 40+ women should wear?
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I'm a bright color girl too, and this outfit is right up my alley!!
(although I do confess to that madness of occasionally buying things just for the blog–oy)
This is one of my favorites of your outfits lately—I think it really brightens the mood by having such wonderful color!!
Love the necklace especially!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Ok, so I admit that might have happened to me (er maybe once or er maybe twice) but not for the challenge anyway!!!
I'm delighted that this is one of your favourites – I love it too. It's just the freshness and the zing of it that so appeals! And the necklace was a real find. Finishes everything off rather nicely.
Lovely colours, like a bouquet of spring flowers.
On the topic of minimalism, well, I consider myself a bit of a minimalist and I wear bright colour. And I love hot pink! Well, I often wear colours that sort of blend in together because they're so close in the colour wheel, and then it doesn't matter if there are 2 colours or 5… And what about prints? Most prints have more than 3 colours. Oh well, when it comes to what women over whatever age should or should not wear, perhaps we (women of whatever age) should collectively agree that we only take fashion advice from WOMEN older than ourselves.
Yes, yes, a buoquet of spring flowers – thank you Tiina, why didn't I think of that! A bunch of brightly coloured tulips or roses. I knew you'd love hot pink – such a fabulous colour at any time of year.
And prints yes, lots of colour please.
I get so bore of those types of articles telling us what to wear. And your suggestion is perfectly sensible!
Love these colors together! And phooey on all those lists of what we're not supposed to wear (from a dude, no less). I like to wear quiet colors most of the time, but not because I'm old! You look like a million bucks, xox
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Phooey indeed! So the right attitude, Patti. So sweet of you to think I look a million bucks – I felt it!
You look like a delicious bowl of rainbow sherbet! Beautiful and fresh…the perfect mix of colors and they're so complimentary with your coloring. Don't you love people who tell you what to wear? Especially men…lol! If I'm told not to, I want to all the more!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Rainbow sherbet! I love all the descriptions everyone is coming up with. Fantastic.
Exactly, I dig my heels in and say that I'm just going to do the very thing they say I shouldn't!
You look wonderful in your bright colours – the pink accessories are perfect! 🙂 I'm trying to wear more colour and use more of my wardrobe instead of going for grey or blue all the time, ha!
I do tend to think that the 'what not to wear' lists are rather silly, we should all just wear whatever makes us happy! 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Thank you Mica. Well, I do love blue but yes, it's good to break out the colours every now and then!
Indeed, we should all be just left to wear what we want and be happy.
I love this cheerful colorful summer color combo! great look!
kelseybang.com
Thank you Kelsey. It certainly brought a smile to my face.
Love the color combo's in this outfit! So warm and happy!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup
Thanks Jessica. Spring is really here so I felt I needed those Spring colours.
I agree with your first point – wear whatever you want! I saw a quote I love, "forget the rules, if you like it, wear it." Loving your brights!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
I love that rule, Amy. Simply but very wise!
You go, girl! What a fun outfit! As someone else said, so happy!
I saw that post you mentioned here–the one where the guy gave advice on what women over 40 shouldn't wear. Whenever I see the word "shouldn't" in any context, my rebellious side kicks in and says, "Just watch me."
So — kudos to you for taking the bull by the horns and turning a "shouldn't" into a rockin' colorful outfit that looks put-together and happy.
– Sherry
http://www.petiteover40.com
It was such odd advice, wasn't it, Sherry? I think we share that same rebellious side! I'm with you on the 'Just watch me'.
Thank you for your lovely comments. The happy colours really made me happy that day.
This is one of my favourite looks on you. The colours really suit you. Like you say, wear what you want, should be every girls mantra x
Thank you Laurie. That's lovely you like this so much. I adore wearing colour and these really work together as well as on me. Result!
Whoever he was can just shove off back to Boringville! What does he know???!! I LOVE this! So many nice colours and shades and textures!!
Ha, ha, you're comment about shoving off back to Boringville had me cracking up with laughter Kezzie! Thank you, that's a brilliant and pithy way to phrase it. I'll certainly be pushing him on his way.
I love this riotous assembly of colours today Jacqueline. Orange, pink, red – go on mix 'em up, shake lightly and let the explosion of colour blind all the poo-poo-ers! I'm pleased to see that you've ditched your coat and that must mean summer is surely on its way. I look forward to seeing a bit more of it down our way soon.
Anna x
Summer is slowly inching it's way. I decided to hurry it along with my bright explosion of colour. As someone who loves colour and plays with it so well yourself, I'm chuffed that you love my riotous assembly! Thanks Anna.
Love all these bright colors together! I am pro-whatever someone likes when it comes to fashion. Whether it be lots of color or all neutrals you need to do what makes you feel confident and happy!
Very true, Laura. You have to wear whatever makes you feel confident and happy.
Love the fun colors in this outfit!!
Thank you Jess.
I read that blog post you referred to as well and I had just about the same reaction to it. I was hoping for some insight in the male psyche but instead it was just the same old out-of-mode advice. Your outfit looks fabulous and I love the color combo. Thank you for adding your post to my Up, Down, All-Around link-up.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Couldn't agree more, Rena. No insight at all just more of the same old silliness of what we shouldn't be wearing. And pfft to that I say.
Now I want to read the blog post you referred to! I am in complete agreement that you should wear whatever you like and what makes you happy. The color scheme you selected for this outfit is really on point! I also love your colorful stack of bracelets! Have a great weekend!
-Katie
http://hellokatiegirl.blogspot.com/
Truth be told, Katie, I really do take a leaf out of your very colourful book. The way you use colour inspires me so thank you for your lovely comments.
I love this fiery mix of colour!
Reading your post must have acted like a sundance for me, as we have a big ball of fire in the sky today! :oD
Orange and pink always gets a big thumbs up from me.
XXX
SamanthaFakeFabulous.com
Ha, ha, I like to think of myself as a sundance for you! Fingers crossed it stays and we can start to enjoy Summer in earnest!
Glad you love the fiery mix especially as you're another colour queen like Katie and Anna.