“Dress shabbily, and they remember the dress. Dress impeccably, and they remember the woman.” Coco Chanel
I would be the first person to tell you that there are days when I go to work and ask a coworker, “Does this outfit seem confusing?” Readers, you know I love color, prints and patterns. I consider myself at risk for taking this love a bit too far.
Allow me to digress for a moment.
For many years during high school, undergraduate and graduate school, I worked at a luxury salon and spa. The dress code was black and white clothing, with a blazer required at all times. Solely gold and silver jewelry were allowed. If you were anywhere on the floor, make-up was required, as was groomed hair. Heels were technically required, though you could get away with flats on most days. There were days when I just was not all about putting that much effort in my appearance. But, at some point, thanks to the help of the real talent there, I developed an ability to pull together all of the requirements quickly. Hair and make-up in 15 minutes? Done. Toss on some heels? Done. Mascara, dry shampoo, and hairpins are your best friends when you’re in a job that has such requirements.
I think I maxed out on black and white outfits after all those years, hence my love of all things bold and bright. So, coming full circle, I may be at risk for taking bold too far and looking a bit confusing. Working in a hospital has significantly less dress code requirements, though conservative business clothes are required at all times. Luckily, I have friends who will fashion intervene if I take my bold colors too far at work. While the outfit pictured here seemed out of the box to me, I think it definitely worked!
My printed pants, lace top, and orange shoes combination:
At some point throughout my many years in the salon, dressing up became internalized. I am forever grateful that the salon took me on so many years ago when I just 17 years old and taught me the value in showing up, dressing up, and being ready. I carry the same principle with me today…except now vividly in color.
Top: H&M ($5 marked down from $12)
Pants: Gap (approx $35 marked down from $55)
Shoes: Dolce Vita at Bloomingdale’s outlet ($17 marked down from $100)
Fashion Huntress tips:
1) I wrote about this lace top over the weekend. I just couldn’t resist this lovely top for $5! I last wore it here:
To make this top appropriate for work, I just added a tank top underneath it. I have yet to experiment with different colors underneath, but I think that would be another way to wear this top in a different/new way.
H&M has really great sales, and this top was no exception! I notice a sale basically every time I am there. However, they tend to have bigger sales every few months, where essentially half the bottom level is all sale and clearance. These sales generally are ‘advertised’ with big red SALE signs down the store windows and doors, so keep an eye out!
2) I’m sure you’ve gathered by now that I am hopping on the prints and patterns bandwagon. With this outfit, I took it a step further and added a new texture with the lace top. When I first put on the lace top, I think maybe it was too many differences (fabrics, colors, patterns), but I think it was a success! If you’re wanting to change up one of your looks or pieces, consider adding a textured fabric (lace, tweed, herringbone, etc).
There are some great fall 2013 overviews here and here that review mismatch and mixed fabrics. What do you think about mixing fabrics? If you do mix, what are your favorite fabrics?
Thanks for reading, all!!
the fashion huntress 
I love your outfit! I am trying to add more color to my closet. I used to have a lot of black and white pieces! I still can’t resit a perfect little black dress! I am not too good in the mixing patterns department. I love your flats!
Thank you! I like adding lots of color, but then forget that classic black and white is great too! 🙂
I hear you. I have a lot of black and white because of my corporate job, but every once in a while I like to mix it up with a bright colour.
Love the purple shade of your shirt!! Lace is beautiful!
Thank you! Black and white are so classic, I need to incorporate them a bit more!!
Very nice!
Thanks, girl! 🙂 xo
You know me…I say the more color and patterns the better 😛 I love this outfit!
Yes! That’s me too! 🙂 You can’t go wrong with loads of colors and layers!
Mix all you wish, it looks great on you. The red shoe and the bright lace top pair well with the printed pant. Nailed it!!!
Thank you! I love to put different colors and patterns together and then see how it looks once I’ve put it all on. You never know what’s going to end up working 🙂
Really lovely outfit and I totally agree with you about the sale at H&M. Most of the time at H&M it is my first way to the red signs. 😉
H&M really does have great sales. I can’t resist those red signs when I see them…haven’t seen them in a couple of months, but hopefully I will soon! xo
I love the idea of mixing fabrics but, I’m nervous about it. Hopefully, your blog will help! -It has already inspired me to make some purchases out of my normal comfort zone. Thanks!!!!
I completely understand! I normally feel a bit nervous when I get out of my comfort zone too, as I did with this outfit. But, I’m so glad that you were inspired to make new purchases, maybe mixed fabrics is next!! 🙂 Keep me posted!
Great colors, nice outfit
Thank you! I love the bold colors, clearly :)!! Love your blog!!
Ah-ha so you do have a stylist/fashionista secret weapon! 😉
I love your use of prints and textures; you always pull it together so well without it being overwhelming or too busy. While I’m a little bit of a plain jane when it comes to my personal aesthetic, I’m trying to dip my toes into the more trendy prints lately!
So thanks for consistently providing me with inspiration (and courage) to wear this cute, colorful looks! 🙂
xx,
j. parker
Haha, I guess do after all! You have to wear what you love; that’s how you make it work, no matter what it is. I do think it’s fun to get out of the comfort zone some days- it keeps people guessing, right?? 😉 I’m glad my blog inspires you! Your blog inspires me too (especially to strongly consider using the word y’all because it’s so irrestible)-! xoxo
what great skills/attitude you learned at the perfect age. Love the orange shoe with the cobalt, and the pants are great too!
I learned a lot of valuable lessons there, and do feel pretty confident that I can whip up a presentable look within a couple of minutes, if need be…even if I don’t feel particularly presentable or prepared! Bless them for teaching me so well!!
Mixing prints and pops of color is so my style.
Very nice!
Definitely! It’s so fun, especially when it feels authentic. I love how clothes can represent aspects of our personalities without even having to speak. 🙂 xo
That shade of blue ❤
Yes! I love the bright cobalt color. I think it’s perfect for all seasons and so versatile!
You nailed it not confused at all! Though it is great for us colour and pattern lovers to have someone to intervene should we take it to far. My mother is mine.
Oh my goodness, yes, my mom is definitely my biggest outfit checker! She has a great sense of style and she will always be honest! 😉 thanks for visiting! Xo
I love that you shop so affordable!
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BusyBeeMarie
BusyBeeMarieBlogLovin
Thank you!! And, will do!! xo
YOUR PANTS ARE AAAAMAZING AND i LOVE THE COLOR OF YOUR TOP AND WHAT A GREAT DEAL.
Thanks, Sarah! I love cobalt colored anything these days! So bright and a good transitional color for summer to fall 😉
That’s one of my fave saying… and I adore red shoes!
I totally love it too! I think it definitely rings true! xo
I remember seeing that top and I never got it because I didn’t know if I would use it, until now! I love the top and I love how you paired it with the red shoes, so chic.
-Vogue&Heels
http://www.vogueandheels.com
Yes, the top was also really square looking on the rack. I saw how you wore your lace shirt the other day on your post. I’m wondering it I can do something similar with this one!
I like colourful clothes too. I totally understand you about the dress code… I have to wear the same uniform everyday to go to work and I hate it…
perfect top…
kisses
Ah yes, we’ve all been there! I wish we could do away with them!! xoxox
Why this works (to me): Both patterns, the lace and the print on the pants, are in a diamond shape, so they compliment each other, without being too matchy, matchy. You have to find a similarity in the print, like stripes on top and bottom (but different directions, to avoid matching), similar colors, etc. You know what you’re doin’, girl! Don’t second guess. Go with your gut 🙂
xo Ashley
Yes!! You explained that perfectly!! 🙂 Thanks for your support, Ashley! xoxo
This outfit makes total sense. I love that top, and I’m totally jealous of those SHOES! So cute.
XO
Katie
Thanks, Katie! I also love those shoes so much. I actually found them yesterday in turquoise at almost the same discount, so I grabbed them. They are so versatile! Thanks for stopping by! Xo
I love your new laced top, so vibrant colour what is must have, especially I love how you teamed this top with patterned pants and ballets, totally adorable combination!
Thank you!! I love bright colors (as you can see), and it was really fun to wear it with the orange ballet flats! 🙂 xo
I love bold prints and colors! This reminds me of a couple outfits I have on my blog too! Love it:)
XOXO
inconformistafashionista.wordpress.com
Thanks!! I just checked out your blog and I love it! Glad we can follow each other xoxo
That is a schnazzy outfit!!
Thank you! I LOVE schnazzy!! 🙂