Since today is Memorial Day here in the U.S., I’m taking a little Makeover Monday holiday, but I wanted give you at least a little inspiration! Here’s a sampling of my favorite trends (which may find their way into future makeovers), including ombre, color-blocking, and print mixing. I hope they’ll inspire you too!
Ombre: This is a trend that’s still going strong, which means that we’re seeing more and more creative interpretations. What if I…
… created an ombre effect by adding sequins?
Ombre created with several shades of sequins dress up this Louis Vuitton coat. (Click on the photo to see the entire LV Fall 2013 collection.)
Color-blocking. As you know from some of my recent posts (like last week’s Thrift-Shop Thursday and its follow-up), color-blocking is one of my favorite trends, in terms of working it into my projects and wardrobe. But color-blocking doesn’t have to mean large chunks of contrasting colors. What if I…
…used my boldest color to line a lace or cutwork garment?
Color-blocking interpreted in a different way at Christian Dior: the bright chartreuse color barely peeks through the cutwork of this pale pink dress— and the high-low hemline allows a flash of this bold hue to highlight a great pair of legs. (Click on the photo to see the entire Christian Dior Spring 2013 collection.)
Print mixing. This trend provides a wonderful opportunity to be creative, but it can also be one of the trickiest to get right. Here are my own guidelines:
1. Start with fabrics that all have at least one color in common. This should ensure a sense of cohesion, rather than clashing.
2. Aim for a grouping with a range of scale. In other words, if one of your garments has a tiny floral print, mix it with another one that’s larger in scale.
3. 2 main printed pieces are usually enough. If you really want more than 2, make the additional ones accessories. For example, if you’re wearing a flowered blouse with a glen-plaid skirt, you could add a pair of subtly-striped shoes, or even a polka-dot umbrella!
A melange of textures is an interesting way to explore this trend. What if I…
…created an ensemble in shades of one color, all in different textures?
Mixing textures. In this elegant look from The Row, the jacket, skirt, and bag are all in different shades of red, and each is a different texture. Note the use of black shoes. One neutral element is enough to add a subtle finish to this ensemble; adding another shade of red in the shoes could have looked a little too calculated. (Click on the photo to see the entire The Row Pre-fall 2013 collection.)
And there’s a little peek into my thought process, and yes, it does amount to simply asking, “What if…?” Try it, and see what you come up with!
Tip: In addition to Style.com (where the photos in this post will take you), another favorite source of inspiration for me is Anthropologie; there’s so much creative artistry in everything they do! And if you’re lucky enough to live near one of their stores, visit them! They’re known for their amazing window and in-store displays, which alone are worth the trip. (And P.S. I don’t get anything out of promoting these sites— I just really like them!)
Happy Memorial Day, everyone!
Changing Your Clothes 
May 27, 2013 at 12:16 pm
I love the ombre/sequin LV coat..amazing!!
May 29, 2013 at 3:25 pm
The whole collection is incredible, but this look, including the dress, is one of my favorites. I love how it looks like she casually threw a coat over her nightgown!
May 27, 2013 at 9:46 pm
Love the dress in the color blocking photo and the idea too! Hope you enjoyed your holiday.
May 29, 2013 at 3:27 pm
I do love color-blocking in the usual sense, but this dress made me realize that there are other ways of getting that effect. It amazes me that a color like that super-bright chartreuse can actually look pretty!