Bag – Michael Kors
But I, for some reason, just can’t quite see an ensemble in which you’re wearing other colors (in this case, navy), and the only green thing in your outfit is the bag. Other people are okay with this, but for balance and a sense of intentionality, I like to see another green something included. If you don’t feel this way, this post isn’t going to mean much to you!
So let’s start with a handful of navy garments – just enough to give us a variety of ensembles. (for what it’s worth, there are 10 possible combinations, not including silly things like wrapping a tee shirt around your head as a headband)
Navy tee, skirt, striped tee, trousers and cardigan- Uniqlo
The easiest way to bring in a 2nd color to an outfit is through shoes – and if you find shoes that aren’t smooth leather (woven, suede, or even fabric!), then the colors can be a bit “off” and still not be horridly clashing.
Yes, I would wear the Converse. Not for everybody, but certainly a possibility!
Navy and green slides – Adidas by Raf Simons, driving moccasins – Coach, ballet flat – Coach, canvas sneakers – Converse
A green belt is another very fun idea. If you’re looking for a wild assortment of belts, check out Yoox. Their choices come and go really quickly, but they have more options than anyplace else I’ve ever seen. (yes, they pay me a small commission; I’m very grateful!)
Gold filigree buckle belt – Dirk Bikkembergs, braided belt – HTC, narrow belt – Pinko Black, leather and metal belt – Dquared2
And it’s not The Vivienne Files unless I’m looking at scarves… The scarf with the detachable charm is a fun idea – you could arrange the scarf in a way that the charm acts as a pendant…
Organza scarf – Yuh Okano, chevron print scarf – Target, rectangle scarf – Yarnz, scarf with detachable crocheted charm – rumisu
This is how I envision the outfits; now if the weather would JUST get warm enough to wear this kind of thing…
So smart! Navy is my favourite neutral, and I love green… In fact this would work with your navy/beige starting from scratch wardrobe, which I also loved.
Alice
I agree- repeating the green does seem to give a greater sense of balance.
Janice, you just gave me an idea! I have a beloved orange purse from my pre-grey days. I could work the same magic with navy and orange in the fall. Navy and orange would be less Halloween-like than black and orange. Merci.
I'm working with a hot pink bag right now, and I've been thinking that I wanted to do one more version of this post, with an orange bag. NOW, I'm convinced!
hugs,
Janice
Delightful.
Janice,
This is so incredibly helpful ! I've been trying to decide how to inject a pop of color into my otherwise mostly neutrals wardrobe, while keeping the attention on my upper half, as I have the classic pear shaped body. Seeing the color locations illustrated has just saved me a lot of money on buying shoes that would then languish in my closet. Scarves, jewelry and bags are the way I shall go, many thanks !
Excellent! This is exactly the kind of insight I was hoping would be available from these posts – seeing the proportions pictured in front of us makes these sorts of choices much more sound.
hugs,
Janice
That is a very well designed bag in a lovely colour, so I would happily carry it without another touch of green, However, adding the other complementary green in another accessory does add symmetry and movement to the whole look. I love converse, they are fun and supremely comfortable.
Deb from Vancouver
:-) I have a beautiful green bag and haven't worn it in ages…looks like I just got some excellent inspiration here. Thanks!
HAPPY weekend! :-)
Perfect, thank you! That shade of green is my favorite color! Plus, I just bought a bright pink tote. Janice, maybe sapphire blue and turquoise too?
I love this post and I really like the design of the bag. I know from a previous blog post that you dislike logos on this –as do I. But I am finding it difficult to find a nice but not really expensive (< $500) handbag without any logo or branding. The bag you feature does have "Michael Kors" on it. Is this type of branding discrete enough for you? I feel like I have to get on it with and get a new bag for this summer.
I have never bought a Michael Kors purse for the same reason — an ostentatious big brass plate screaming "MICHAEL KORS." However, in the photo of this purse, the logo looks embossed and understated — I love it.
Love the shape of the bag and the shade of green. Simply classic!
I love that you'd wear the green converse! I'd play it safe with navy flats, and do the scarf/belt thing. Looking forward to your hot pink tomorrow.
My goodness! This is a perfect color palette for spring/summer.
Very nice! I would wear green converse! I have gray ones. My teen granddaughters think it's pretty funny that I have converse! LOL! I'm not big on matching bags with shoes. I'm not one who changes bags very often. I do like the pop of color from the shoes.