As I walked into a grocery store in the north end of the city today, I noticed something of immediate eye-catching interest. A woman with an aqua-blue coloured handbag, of the sort that you would get at a Bentley's or perhaps an Ardene. Pleather, presumably. That's fine, however.. I don't get hung up on the price of particular goods, cheap or expensive (just know that you get what you pay for, dearest consuming public).
What was particularly interesting was that the handbag matched the shirt the woman was wearing perfectly. Cool, ya?
Well, the shirt she was wearing was a solid coloured tee shirt with a simple neckline. Nothing at all ornate or decorative about it. So, we had this fancy (looking) handbag and a very plain tee shirt. It was a bit out of place.
Colour matching is a great thing.
Colour coordination is essential when you're communicating with clothing (and no, I don't mean talking to clothing). But, also consider things like textures and weaves. Patterns. And audience. If your outfit is inappropriate for your audience, the message will get lost.
(ie- wearing track pants and a sweatshirt to the boardroom is inappropriate. You might be trying to say 'I'm a super-slick professional go-getter', but that outfit will send another message entirely... 'I'm a complete slob who doesn't really have any respect for any of you').
So, the moral of the story? Yes, make sure your socks match. Yes, make sure your necktie isn't coming out of your fly. Yes, make sure your black bra doesn't show under your white gossamer blouse.
But also consider the purpose of your outfit. Don't think that it has one? Maybe not for you (other than accessorizing your birthday suit)- but what you're wearing ALWAYS says something to the people around you. Every single time.
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Paulie, I disagree on this one
ReplyDeleteFancy accessories fancy up plain tees. It's in all the fashion mags right now especially with the economy. 'Inexpensive New Outfits for Spring' - just pick up a chunky bright coloured necklace to wear with your fave white cotton tee and jeans. I don't think she needs to be dressed fancy to carry fancy
A chunky, bright coloured necklace would have been darling with the shirt. Even a chunky black necklace would have provided a nice contrast because the shirt was so colourful. I completely agree with you though- you don't have to dress fancy to carry fancy. However, if you're going to carry fancy with a casual outfit it has to be done right.
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