What I Love This Week: Color, Comfort, Cardigans
Whew! I’m still catching up with myself after our Spring Color & Style Event. It’s always so energizing helping people find their best colors and styles, but it’s also very intensive. After working with so many (lovely!) people over the last few days, I find I need time for my brain to settle and to process the experiences. But I always come away reminded of why I love doing this so much.
Why Color Analysis Changes Everything
And doing color analysis drives home just how much the right colors can lift your energy. (My friend A. says wearing color “raises your vibration.”) If you missed the Color & Style event but you’re curious about your own seasonal palette, there’s no need to wait for the next event — personal color and style analysis sessions are available year-round. Let’s find your colors!
The Transitional-Season Cardigan (+ Colors by Seasonal Palette)
We’re in that weird late-spring weather pattern: cool enough for a sweater in the mornings and evenings, but warm enough for short sleeves by midday. Light cardigans — like this “featherweight cashmere” from J.Crew — are perfect for navigating the fluctuations. Just drape or tie it over your shoulders when the sun comes out.
The color I’m wearing is “Bright Kelly,” which reads greener online than it does in person — the photo above is a pretty accurate representation. I absolutely love this color, and it works beautifully for Springs, most Autumns, and some Summers. Another bonus: pilling is negligible, which is not always a given with lightweight cashmere.
The cardigan is available in several gorgeous colors. Here are my recommendations by seasonal color palette:
- Winters: Black, Crimson Indigo (stripe), Hthr Neon Snapdragon, Ink Navy, Dark Poppy
- Summers: Crimson Indigo, Hthr Graphite, Larimar Blue, Cool Lilac, Bright Kelly (may be too bright for the softest palettes)
- Springs & Autumns: Bright Kelly, Smoked Walnut, Snow (looks like cream/oyster on my monitor, but haven’t seen IRL yet)
Jeans That Feel Like Sweats, Look Like Denim
Comfort is non-negotiable for me, especially for travel. But despite their ease, I’ve never been comfortable wearing sweatpants, yoga pants, or leggings except as workout wear. I like to arrive at my destination feeling put-together enough to start exploring. So when I kept seeing rave reviews of these “Miramar” jeans, I was intrigued. They’re actually made from light sweatpant material and printed to look — convincingly! — like worn-in jeans.
The first few styles were too long for me, but I recently spotted the ankle-length wide-leg style I’m wearing above, and had to try them. They recommended taking your usual size, but I think the 28 is slightly too large for me, and have the 27 on order for comparison. (Update: yes, the 27 is a better fit, so you may want to consider sizing down.)
For those of you who only wear natural fibers on a plane [raises hand 🙋♀️] they are 100% cotton! And because they are lighter than standard denim, will be more comfortable in warmer weather and dry more quickly. Other styles and lengths HERE.
Open-Weave Ballet Flats That Don’t Sacrifice Comfort
While I do wear sandals in the warmest months, sometimes I find a closed-toe shoe more appropriate. Open weave styles are everywhere this season, but I’ve found that they’re not always comfortable. Stiff and scratchy leather, or soles without padding are a deal-breaker. These woven ballet flats from Margaux are both comfortable and chic! The insole is lightly padded, and the leather does not rub or pinch anywhere. And they are available in narrow and wide widths!
I also really like this Mary Jane style, which has a more padded insole, and an adjustable strap over the instep for a secure fit.
It’s also available in Ecru and Saddle (tan).
Where to Actually Find Color Online
Some of our clients booked a personal shopping session after their color and style analyses. The nearest large mall has a broad selection of stores and brands, but even there, we found color choices disappointing. Lots of black, grey, and beige. Even when we did spot colors, more often than not they were Summer blues and primrose yellow. Many brands stock fewer colors in the stores than they offer online. It’s really frustrating!
So I thought I’d put together a list of online retailers and brands that regularly offer more colors in their collections.
J.Crew – they always seem to have a nice range of saturated colors that don’t follow trends
Boden – known for their bright colors & splashy prints
Lands’ End – great for affordable basics, most styles are offered in several colors
Colorful Standard – quality organic cotton basics in a boatloads of colors
Banana Republic – loads of Autumn’s warm, earthy colors, some good Summer options
Alex Mill – great basics in natural fibers and lots of color variety
Frank & Eileen – most of their colors lean cool, great for Summers and Winters
ME+EM – while they do have lots of neutrals, you can also find some good colors in each month’s collections.
Talbots – seeing some Emerald and cool reds & pinks for you Winters, along with some warmer greens and reds.
Chico’s – lots of good saturated colors in both cool & warm shades, as well as some softer Autumn colors.
Polo Ralph Lauren – these colors are classic for a reason!
A few “trending” colors I’m seeing across brands (aside from light blue and pale yellow):
- Tomato – an orange-y red that’s close to Geranium in the Spring & Autumn palettes
- Cool pinks – Fuchsia, Magenta, Raspberry, Rose. (Winters, the most saturated shades are best for you. Summers, look for the softer versions of these colors.)
- Cool reddish browns – there are a lot of these Summer palette browns across collections at the moment. These work best with other cool shades.
- Emerald green – a cooler, blue-based green that’s good for Winters
- Bright blues – from cobalt to “Chinese Blue” from the winter palette.
Now I’d love to hear from you! Are you leaning into any particular colors this season? Have you spotted any of your palette’s shades out in the wild — or found a brand that’s doing color really well right now? Share in the comments below!
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Kettlewell Colours were the go-to brand for UK women who had been colour analysed for many years but as they now ship internationally their reach has extended. Good for basics, workwear, holidays and dressing up. https://kettlewellcolours.com/
There have been quite a lot of changes in the past year: ownership, sizing, manufacturing, styles, and frequency of drops. Long-time customers (I’m one) have struggled with aspects of this. Then they produce an item like the Western Dress which ticks all the boxes (length, sleeves, fit, side slits and pockets) for a wide range of customers and our loyalty returns https://kettlewellcolours.com/products/western-printed-jersey-dress
There are a lot of Facebook groups that show real women wearing and styling Kettlewell clothes. Which is helpful given the company still showcase with young, tall, slim models.
Gap has a version of the sweatpant jeans, much lower price point.
Yes, the Gap style are baggier and have an elastic waist rather than a zip fly. They aren’t offered in shorter sizes.
Hi Susan! I feel like you read my mind with this posting! Still trying to find those comfortable travel jeans. I like the Ruti barrel jeans but she advised the petite size and I just feel like they’re too short (my height seems to be in my legs). Anyway: about the JCrew sweater in that bright green–would that be a color I could wear. I like the dark brown but wonder if it’s too much contract with my white face and hair? I wonder if that bright green might be more ‘uplifting’? Thanks as always for your research and help.
Hi Sally, both would work for you. The green is a lovely color (also looks great with off-white jeans or trousers). I also have light hair and did get the dark brown too, as it’s a good neutral that I’ll wear in the fall.
Thanks so much Susan! The green IS a lovely color. I’ll go back and take a second look. Best, Sally
Your little dog is the sweetest thing ever!!!!
Thank you! She’s a wonderful companion.
I love my Miramar jeans and wore them to Europe last fall. They are super comfortable and everyone is surprised that they aren’t real jeans. I was lucky enough to find them on sale!
I was just searching for a lightweight cardigan! I’m always amazed when your blog topic ties into what I’m looking for. Thanks for comfort info on the Margaux shoes too. Last year when I did my color and style analysis, you also suggested Kettlewell. They have lots of colors and their corresponding season is indicated. Thanks for all your helpful info!
Thank you for this helpful post!!
Can you share what season the brunette in center above is?
All look lovely surrounded by their colors.
I also like catch up and processing time after projects that require focus and concentration. We all deserve that time 😎
Thanks, Elle! The brunette in the middle is wearing some of the colors from her Blue Autumn palette.
Hi Susan,
Which of the Alex Mill bandanas is best suited for the woman with autumn coloring ?
Thank you,
Nancy
Hi Nancy! Take a look at the London one, San Francisco, Paris (looks close to Kingfisher on my monitor), and the two-tone bandana in Persimmon.
Please tell me how to find my season.
I will never be seeing you. I enjoy your post
but nothing applies to me because I don’t
know my season. Help!
Wan
Hi Wan, having an in-person color analysis is the best way to know your best seasonal palette colors. If you aren’t able to visit me in Los Angeles, you might be able to find a trained consultant here. Find a Stylist
My problem with the Miramar jeans (by Rag and Bone) could be easily solved — if R&B would give different names to different styles. They are all called Miramar, whether they zip or pull on, have side seam or scoop or no pockets, are wide and long or slim and short — basically, ordering from somewhere like Nordstrom is a craps shoot as to what you will receive. I keep trying b/c I’m convinced eventually I’ll receive the perfect pair.
The only thing that’s keeping me from pulling the trigger on the Miramar is that r&b says dry flat, do not tumble dry. I have no problem doing that at home (we line dry just about everything) but while traveling I need the option to machine dry. I wonder if because it is 100% cotton it might shrink? That would solve the length problem for me. 😀 But on $100+ I don’t want to chance it.
I haven’t washed them yet (still deciding which size to keep) but the fabric IS much lighter than standard denim so should dry more quickly, though I understand the concern about travel. I’ll report back once I’ve washed.
Hi, Lin, I’ve washed and machine dried my Miramars countless times. By way of caveat, mine are 5+ years old so I don’t know if the cotton quality has changed. Also, different dryers (e.g., ventless) can use higher heat that may impact fabric. Back when I got mine, the only style offered was a pull-on denim sweatpant with ankle elastic. That look now feels dated for me, so they’re relegated to gardening. However, they have held up amazingly well. No stretching, shrinking, or thinning, and only a little fading. Worn on multiple international flights and super comfy. Recommend!
Lovely cardigan you are wearing.
According to my first (and only) colour analysis, I am an autumn and I as guidelines I got the words “warm, bright (no shxt..haha) and deep.
Colours: goldy brown, loads of orange and red shades, green, but also little to no pink + blue (too cool), salmon and peach, little contrast but ton sur ton (I always go for high contrast), powdered shades (noooo!). So, I agree with a lot but certainly not with everything and they left out the yellow which suits me so well.
Greetje
Thanks, Greetje! I suspect you are a Vibrant Autumn, which in our system does include shades of yellow and orange. We’ll test it out next time we meet… 😉
I’ll have to watch for J. Crew and rag & bone sales. I really like this miramar ankle pant in the darker wash
https://www.rag-bone.com/p/rb-miramar-wide-leg-ankle-pant-RC2J26P7MTE.html