Style Q&A: Showing your true colors

Q: I’m a classic dresser with pretty conservative tastes, but I want to move my wardrobe into more colorful territory. Help please!

A: Considering the wide range of color options out in the marketplace right now, there’s no better time to start adding color to your wardrobe. I see three color combinations as both flattering and fashion-forward this season. What’s more, they’re relatively easy to wear without being overwhelming.

• Blue + Green: The nautical theme on the runways has manifested itself again—this time in color form. But don’t think of the high seas when choosing your ocean-inspired colors. Instead, imagine yourself on a beautiful tropical island, complete with crystal clear skies and a richly hued seascape. Try sky blue and sea green, as well as sky blue and lime green. Blue and green never looked so fresh.
  

“The Bottom Line” Silk Shirt ($79) and “That’s a Wrap” Silk Skirt ($99), both at Kenneth Cole.

• White + ???: While the green and white combo was tennis inspired for Summer 04, it’s still around this year in more sophisticated permutations. Though the sporty outfits were definitely cute, I’m glad green and white have moved beyond the tennis court. Judging from retail store displays, green and white is here to stay for Spring/Summer 05—look for the color combination in stripe and colorblocking forms. Also hot: turquoise and white, and light blue and white. My prediction: as much as I love green and white, sky blue and white will dominate over the next two seasons.
  
  
  
  

Theory: Striped Shirt ($165), White Tank $45, Flared Pants, $195.
Find them at Neiman Marcus.

• Pink + Grey: Pink has traditionally been paired with brown, a pretty color combination (especially when pairing a dusty rose pink with a chocolate brown) that got kind of tired by last autumn. The new It Pairing for pink? Move over brown, and make room for grey! I love a light heather grey with pretty much any pink hue, light or dark. FYI—My pile of pink tops from last summer pair especially well with the Sasha Shrunken Cable Cardigan from the “Stylish Sales” post. Try pairing that sweater with the camisole below for a fun spring look!

Eva Lace Trim Cami ($44) at Guess.

And for even more daring color combinations, feel free to try:

• Orange + Yellow
• Green + Yellow
• Orange + Pink

Though I started this blog only last week, I already started to receive style questions by email. Thanks for being proactive—I applaud you! I plan to write a Style Q&A post each week—so feel free to email more questions to styleintelligence@gmail.com. Hope to hear from You!