Red Pants

Many years ago my wardrobe consisted of black, white, tan, and grey tones. This was pre-stylist and represented both the conservative nature of my job in corporate America and my lack of understanding on how to use color. Any use of color I could muster was "cute-sy", bordering on childish. Since finding a stylist, I have better understood how the right colors make me look better, brighter, and younger. Yes, forget fancy creams and pick the right color to loose weight and look younger in seconds. If you need a refresher on your colors, check out this earlier post.

On to the color trend of the moment. If you have not purchased colored jeans in the last year, you are either terrified of the potential fashion faux pas or you may be living under a rock. Anyone producing jeans these days is making green, yellow, red, purple, hot pink, and cobalt blue versions of their favorites. With all of the colored jeans being produced in the last year, one must ask themselves, is this trend for me? Or will I regret the photos in 10 years?

The trick to the trend is to wear these jeans with more basic colored tops - white, black, navy or tan. If you must do a print, stay with these basic colors but choose a plaid, stripe, or small print. Keep it simple out of the gates so you can warm up to the color trend. Color blocking (using two vibrant colors side by side) should not be attempted as the first venture into colored jeans. Otherwise, you may find yourself running and screaming away from color for the foreseeable future.

Are colored pants just for women, you ask? In 2009, I traveled to Italy and found many men sporting brick red pants. My husband is a brave soul. He picked up the color trend long before me with red, blue, pink and pale blue pants to boot.

I am happy to report I've successfully ventured into both red and blue jeans in the last 12 months. I'm steering clear of green and yellow, which are outside of my complementary color family. I have attempted one color block outfit, though I don't think I will return to that again soon. Maybe in another couple years.

Sincerely,
Style Illiterate