yes, you can wear that color…

bags and accessories from Vince Camuto

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom. All ideas, words and opinions are my own.

Shown above: shoes | crossbody bag | scarf | tote | crossbody bag

First, I’ve come to believe that just as there are very few universally flattering colors, there are almost no universally “bad” colors. Sure, some are easier to wear than others, but for the 97 people who look atrocious in mustard yellow, there will be the 3 that were born to wear it and look amazing.

Let me also stipulate that I am not a professional stylist or color consultant. I have the utmost respect for those who have spent time and effort to learn the science of color and style, and have benefitted myself from their advice. But sometimes the rules were meant to be broken, or at least bent, and if there’s a color you absolutely love, there are ways to wear it.

I tend to love color most on other people. 😉 I find it very hard to break out of my neutral zone, even when I find a piece in a pretty color that suits me. But I do sometimes crave color, and have found that adding it via accessories is my best bet. (And a colorful accessory really pops against a neutral outfit.)

Some of the colors currently trending such a Citrine (lemon yellow) or various shades of bright orange or rust, or even soft pastels may not do your own coloring any favors when worn in broad swaths or near the face, but in a bag or shoe can add an interesting and unexpected accent. Adding a scarf in a flattering shade for your complexion can be a way to “buffer” a top in a color that you love but that may not love you as much.

Nordstrom has asked me to pick some of my favorite pieces from Vince Camuto to feature, and while browsing the current season’s selections, these accessories first caught my eye. How fabulous would those bright orange lace-up sandals look with a pair of white jeans? And how nicely would that mint green tote liven up a navy jacket? Nordstrom carries a wide selection of Vince Camuto clothing including petite and plus sizes, as well as shoes and accessories, and offers free shipping and returns. Their customer service is the best, and can help with sizing and other questions.

How do you incorporate colors that may be outside of your best palette?

More from Vince Camuto:

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9 Comments

  1. I tend to wear primarily black and white to the office. One day, at a new job, one of the men kept staring at my feet. Every time he’d see me, I noticed he would be looking at my feet so much so I became concerned that I might be out of compliance. Later, when we got on the elevator, he said “you know, I like your shoes and that pop of color…you do that a lot…just a pop of color”. He had been looking at my bright orange sandals. After that, he always commented on my daily “pop of color”.

  2. I like nice scarves so I’m not likely to buy one that’s totally not my color, but I will look for one with striking “not my colors” mixed into a pattern with other colors that flatter me. I will also seek out layering tops in jarring colors to wear under things. I feel like updating your accent colors is a way to recycle basics and keep your look up to date.

  3. Brava, Susan, for dispelling the notion that we must restrict our color choices to only those that look “good” on us. I found it frustrating to try to find clothing that met my style preferences as well as being exactly the right shade of red or blue or any other color. I now buy and wear colors I like; whether they are the best choices for my coloring, I don’t know. But if they make me feel pretty and confident, then that’s really all that matters, oui?

  4. I love color in accessories. I purchased a mint handbag a month ago and love it. I purchased at Norsdtrom for under $100. This made me happy, happy. Finally, they get that many of their loyal customers don’t want to spend 400+ for handbags. Some of us aren’t into status, but simply enjoy a pretty, colorful, functional handbag. I’ll buy another color next spring!

  5. The problem I have always found with wearing a colour in accessories only is that coloured leather shoes and handbags are hard to find and rather expensive (for me) whereas you can always get the right shoe/bag in black . Not being a scarf wearer I have a rule not to wear yellow/yellowish colours above the waist . I still remember a lovely pair of yellow silk pants and the vivid yellow sneakers of a few years later – both from my 20s .

  6. Nice! I am always looking for ways to wear color because I wear so many neutrals too. I love that you say rules are meant to be broken.

  7. Thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring the post! There are some great ideas for colours that I would never be able to wear, but are accessories that go with the colours I do wear.

    I use accessories to enjoy the colours I love that don’t love me. For example, in summer yellow goes great with pinks and plums, and orange suits fuschia. Looking forward to accessorizing this summer.

  8. Love accessories with great colours! In Paris in June this year I went shopping for the Chanel classic flap in Black. But my first impression was: yes, it’s chic and beautiful but it doesn’t sing to me and doesn’t make me feel happy. I said this to the very nice sales guy who undertook to find an alternative and returned with the same bag in emerald green (that season’s hot colour). As soon as I saw it, I fell in love.

    Not at all the colour I’d planned on – hadn’t even crossed my mind. But I have green eyes and streaked toffee coloured hair. Have always loved emerald green. Still, at that price I gave it a couple of days to percolate. A friend suggested I go for the black because it would be more chic and I could wear it with everything. So I went back, studied both, but couldn’t resist the emerald. Haven’t regretted the decision – I love it and have worn to a wedding. lunches, dinners, the opera and ballet and feel really happy. People actually stop me to admire it, including French women in Paris. I can always buy the black on my next Paris visit – but the green won’t be available next year as it was the seasonal colour. The green looks good with black, white, grey, navy. Also found a Sonia Rykiel faux fur boa in emerald green in their sale and a fab Lacroix silk scarf with a black and white background and touches of emerald, red and orange. It’s perfect. A black jacket and pants and a white shirt makes a good background. Best wishes, Pamela

    1. Pamela, that’s a great story and good reminder that the pieces that “speak” to us will always be the ones we use and treasure most. 🙂