August 31, 2016
I always intended to do 3 posts with this dress, yesterday’s pastels, today’s bright colors, and on Friday I’m going to look at some muted shades… (tomorrow is the first of the month – time to revisit those “1 Outfit per Month” wardrobes!) So today, I changed the shoes, but kept to the same general theme of working through a range of colors.
(These seven images look really great together on my computer; I don’t often notice this, but I’ve got this lovely rainbow running down the side of my desktop right now…)
The color spectrum isn’t quite the same as yesterday, but I still worked my way around the color wheel. Doing this ensures that I don’t miss any possibilities; it’s something to consider when you’re looking for just the right color for something…
Just a note about this second cardigan: it’s shown here FIVE times among the 14 outfits shown! The range of colors offered is pretty amazing, and I can personally vouch that it’s quite a nice sweater… Sometimes, I just simply find things that work well (both on The Vivienne Files, and in real life) and I try to be loyal.
The ballet flats? Well, they’re available in about a DOZEN color combinations, including a black and white that just screams out to me…
I am using this scarf pretty frequently, right now, but what’s not to love? The colors are unusual, but SO perfect together…
When you’re dressing for special occasions, there’s no rule that says your jewelry MUST be all “real” stones, nor that your handbag can’t be… vintage… It really isn’t anybody’s business, and if you look lovely, (and feel lovely!), that’s all that matters…
Some jewelry is very expensive; some is not. You don’t always know unless you check, or someone tells you.. I rather enjoy the juxtaposition of a range of items – it keeps everyone (who cares about these things!) guessing.
If you’re looking for an accessory in a particular color, cast your net WIDE. There are tons of retailers (and designers) in the world that you’ve never seen; your chances of finding really fun, perfect-for-you things are greater if you don’t assume that a store or website is “off-limits” for you. Even most of the really expensive places have amazing sales…
They’re both blue, but WOW are they different! And then you put a blue dress with them…
Purple is HARD to find these days – if you love it, grab things when you see them. There are times when waiting for a sale might not be the best idea. (now, if we only had an oracle to tell us when things will go on sale, and when they’re going to sell out in the first week!)
love,
Janice
For more in the One Navy Dress series, check out the following articles:
- One Navy Dress in a Capsule Wardrobe: 14 Ways to Wear it With Pastels
- One Navy Dress in a Capsule Wardrobe: 14 Ways to Wear it With Brights
- One Navy Dress in a Capsule Wardrobe: 14 Ways to Wear it With Muted Accents
Like this article? Save it to Pinterest!
I love that deep purple. And the coral and orange speak to me as well. Kind of opposites, but so pretty.
Well, they share a root in red as the "primary" color, and they're both very intense… I think it makes sense!
hugs,
Janice
Don't the matching shoes really anchor the main colour? I noticed that some of these panels used the navy twice with the 3 accessories each sharing the accent colour while others also included the navy in one of the the accessories as well giving a 3 by 3 effect. It certainly gives a very polished look.
Sometimes I went with what I could find (that didn't come from a sweatshop, wasn't photographed only on models, and didn't cost the EARTH..), and sometimes I went with what looked best to my eye. There weren't real rules – I wish there had been! But the matching shoes made this exercise MUCH easier… Studying how things turn out is endlessly interesting and fruitful, isn't it? Even when I've done it myself, I see things when I look at it again!
hugs,
Janice
From Margie in Toronto – I am loving this navy dress and all the colour variations – I don't think there's one colour that I wouldn't wear! My Talbots cardigans are very similar to the J Crew ones (going to check out J Crew this year) and it's a fine line – I tend to buy 2 or 3 new sweaters at the start of the season and then gamble and wait for the sales for any additions. I've been doing the same with the Lord & Taylor cashmere sweaters that I've also come to love – buy the 1 or 2 colours that I either "need" or just "love" and then wait for the sales. Sometimes it works and sometimes I'm disappointed – but you can't have everything. It's still too hot here to think about Fall/Winter clothes but I'm anxious to start sorting through my things – I think my main gap area is in some accessories so I'm looking forward to more posts about these.
"Balance in all things" is my motto; I could just shop until I fell over, but that's wasteful and not particularly thrifty… So your system sounds just right!
hugs,
Janice
This is a fabulous series on color and how a core neutral item earns it place in your wardrobe. Would you consider doing a post like the one you did in October 2012 for A Femme d'un Certain Age, where you explored the possibilities of wearing ONE DRESS every month of the year? This dress would be perfect to showcase some of the many possibilities.
Maybe, just to change things up, I'll do that series again and use a column of simple tee and pants? I LOVE the idea of being able to wear things all year – sort of the ultimately smart way to dress!
hugs,
Janice
A column of all year T and pants would be great. I'd love to see it with all the accessories. I love dresses but my reality is that I wear solid colored jeans and T shirts more often.
Purple Purple Purple Purple Purple xoxoxox
Goofball! (((Scottie)))
I'm with you Scottie! And what about that pretty Liberty scarf, eh. Wouldn't that be nice …
Robyn in Tasmania
The third piece makes all the difference, doesn't it? Theresa
You know, I learned that from doing jigsaw puzzles of famous paintings! I'd look at all of the pieces and thing "well, I'll grab all of those pieces with red (for example) in them, and put them together first." Okay, but it turns out that red actually appears THREE times in the painting – the accent color almost NEVER appears just once, and rarely appears twice. Three just seems to be more balanced…
The things you can learn in life, eh?
hugs,
Janice
Wearing a navy pencil skirt today with a turquoise linen sweater, but for got about the third piece rule as I was in a hurry. Must do better! :)) I love this series.
Cornelia
Dearest Cornelia – I'm sure you're lovely! There are no rules, just… guidelines! At the end of the day, the most important thing needed to be lovely is a smile and a warm, loving heart, and you've got that by the bucket-full!
hugs,
Janice
We also often forget that we are the third piece…our hair, eyes and smile!!!
Deb from Vancouver
I have been "binge-ing" on your blog for last three weeks. I feel like I have read everything you have ever written about clothes.
The "Start From Scratch" series is what caught my eye. I recently went through everything that I own and donated half of my entire closet. No words to describe how good it feels to not be able to say "I have nothing to wear!" Never again, thanks to you.
I am going to share your knowledge with every woman in my family who is willing to listen. Going to be an avid reader from now on.
Brittany
Los Angeles
I don’t know how can I give you thanks! I am totally stunned by your article. You saved my time. Thanks a million for sharing this article.
That is an extremely smartly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to learn extra of your useful information. Thank you for the post. I will certainly return.
Interesting. Your instructions look clear but I'm not very good at this so I hope this will work well for me. Thanks for the tips!
Have navy dress for wedding in December what accessories will I put with it.i also have a pair of black painting shoe can I wear them with it.
Thank you for yet another helpful post! One of the easiest ways to pack is to have solid colors, (dark blue …and black are especially versatile), and accessorize them so beautifully as you have. I appreciate ideas that have me looking in my own clothing and accessories collection to make new outfits. ?❤