From monochromatic looks begging for an extra somethin’ somethin’ to looks already drenched in color but ready for more, I’m not one to shy away from adding a pop of color. My tendency to add color to nearly any look has been noted over and over again in comments (thanks, I love hearing what you think!) since the start of Style by Santina, so when Elle from Elle Sees sent out a call for guest posts highlighting fashion or beauty tips, I thought I’d share how to easily add color to a look with as little as one item from your closet. (And, of course I had to share it with all of you over here, too!) A quick dissection of my style would reveal three main ways I add color to my looks: bags, shoes and scarves.
Bags!
In my opinion, nothing adds instant style to a look better than a fabulous bag. While I have my fair share of what most consider everyday bags (think: a black patent bag in a classic shape), those aren’t the ones I reach for most. I much prefer poppy, blue, and every color in between…extra points for bold patterns. There’s just something about a basic outfit paired with an attention-grabbing bag that’s so chic to me.
In my opinion, nothing adds instant style to a look better than a fabulous bag. While I have my fair share of what most consider everyday bags (think: a black patent bag in a classic shape), those aren’t the ones I reach for most. I much prefer poppy, blue, and every color in between…extra points for bold patterns. There’s just something about a basic outfit paired with an attention-grabbing bag that’s so chic to me.
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| Bags by: H&M // Coach // Marc by Marc Jacobs |
Craving some colorful arm candy? Feast your eyes on these beauties:
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| Bags by (click to shop): Coach // Marc by Marc Jacobs // ModCloth |
Shoes!
There’s no denying my shoe addiction. Sometimes I really can’t control myself: I see ‘em, I love ‘em, I buy ‘em. Of course, my love for color doesn’t mean that I don’t have more pairs of black heels than I’d like to admit, but I don’t discriminate. There is no color unwelcome in my closet…well maybe except for brown, but you’ll even find a bit of that in there. Heels, wedges, ballet flats, oxfords – any style in a bold color will brighten up your look (and your day, if you’re anything like me)!
There’s no denying my shoe addiction. Sometimes I really can’t control myself: I see ‘em, I love ‘em, I buy ‘em. Of course, my love for color doesn’t mean that I don’t have more pairs of black heels than I’d like to admit, but I don’t discriminate. There is no color unwelcome in my closet…well maybe except for brown, but you’ll even find a bit of that in there. Heels, wedges, ballet flats, oxfords – any style in a bold color will brighten up your look (and your day, if you’re anything like me)!
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| Shoes by: Pour la Victoire // Coach // Marc by Marc Jacobs |
Pining for some playful footwear? These should tickle your fancy:
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| Shoes (click to shop): Nine West // Dolce Vita // Hunter |
Scarves!
The inclusion of scarves in my wardrobe happened without much thought. I didn’t set out one day to buy scarves, but I’d be lying if I said my collection hasn’t steadily grown. I find a casual elegance in draping scarves around my neck, and there’s something so irresistibly effortless about tying one around a favorite bag. Despite how I wear them, scarves are definitely an easy way to inject some color into any look, any time of year.
The inclusion of scarves in my wardrobe happened without much thought. I didn’t set out one day to buy scarves, but I’d be lying if I said my collection hasn’t steadily grown. I find a casual elegance in draping scarves around my neck, and there’s something so irresistibly effortless about tying one around a favorite bag. Despite how I wear them, scarves are definitely an easy way to inject some color into any look, any time of year.
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| Scarves by: BCBG Max Azria, Zac Posen for Target, H&M |
Scouring for scarves? Slip one of these around your neck (or waist...or bag):
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| Scarves by (click to shop): Asos // Madewell // Marc by Marc Jacobs |
Now that I’ve shared a few secrets to my color-loving style, tell me: how do you add vibrant hues to your wardrobe?
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9 comments:
I definitely go for the shoes. My yellow ballet flats have been my go to pair lately. I also reach for my pewter, and gold ones a lot too. If I'm feeling really colorful I will pair a bold colored cardigan with a contrasting color.
My Heart Blogged
I love a bright pair of ballet flats. I actually bought those pink Coach ones right before I left for Mexico...I couldn't resist them even though I knew I'd put them in storage in a week! (Hi, my name is Santina, and I'm addicted to shoes.)
I'm with you on metallic flats, too. It's too easy; they look good with everything!
Thanks for the comment, Vanessa!
i'm with you on all 3 of these ways to implement color. i go this way or straight for the throat with a print. what's a girl to do?
I miss all your fun, funky shoes Santina!! I'm not a big monochromatic dresser, so I usually have got some color on, but I agree completely. The best way to add some color that is not scary (some people are so scraed of color) is to do it through accessories. I'm a fan of bright colorful bags myself, but I know from working in handbags that while a lot of shoppers are drawn in by the fun, fashion colors, a lot more actually BUY the basic colors.
xo, Ashley
Oh, Ashley, rest assured that you are not alone in missing my shoes - I can't wait to be reunited with them!
You make it look so effortless. I wear scarves- but love how you make your shoes and bags a big part of your color statements. I've been so attracted to cobalt blue lately and you're inspiring me to start wearing more of it for a jolt of color. -Bella Q
the Citizen Rosebud
Lovely pops of colors - I need more colorful shoes and bags in my life!
I love your short hair!
I love your short hair!
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