Personal Stylist: Busy Patterns
How to work vivacious pieces into your everyday outfits
By Christina Eriksson 23rd May 2006
“Personal Stylist” is a new series of features here at Fashtastic. Their
purpose is to provide useful tips to solve your dressing dilemmas. I’m kicking
off with some handy advice on working busy separates into your wardrobe.
Have you ever bought something on sale, only to find that it never leaves your
closet? This is one way that crazy colors or patterns might have found their
way into your wardrobe. Bargains are great but sometimes we purchase things not
because we like them but because of their outstanding price. You may have found
yourself sorting through a constellation of seemingly mismatched clothes.
Whether zany skirts, dresses or tops, these easy tips will help you rediscover
your fussy pieces. The key is balance. Here’s how to work your idle steals into
favorite outfits!
Shop here: Emilio Pucci dress,
Sunglasses Asos.com, Bag Girlshop.com, Ballerinas PrettyBallerinas.com
The crazy dress
Finding the right occasion to wear a busy dress can be challenging. The right
accessories create a pulled together look. Instead of matching everything try
choosing one color to focus your complimentary pieces around. Metallic gold
shades are this season’s new “neutrals” and work well with this gorgeous Emilio
Pucci dress. To bring out the beach vibe this designer piece embodies, add a
pair of sassy ballerina flats or flip flops.
Shop here: Top Forever21.com, Jeansvest Forever21.com, Pants Forever21.com, Shoes BananaRepublic.com, Earrings Raina Tarantino
The busy top
A vivacious top is easier to wear than you may think. As with any wild pattern,
always remember that you can tone it down by adding solid color pieces. Draw
your inspiration from one or more colors in the pattern. Jean
pieces are always a safe bet. The shoes and vest match the dark blue found in
the top while the cropped pants work in contrast. The light color of the capris
tones down the look, while the striking Tarina Tarantino earrings add the right
amount of cool.
Shop here: Skirt Catherine Malandrino,
Tank top Forever21.com, Necklace Asos.com, Bag Girlshop.com, Shoes Asos.com
The wild skirt
This skirt is full of color and has a stylish flare. Believe it or not it is a
great complimentary item for your wardrobe too. Again, add simple, solid
colored pieces to tone down the amazing design. Draw your color-scheme from
the pallet of the skirt. Layering two tank tops over each other give this
outfit a casual summery kick. Add a chunky necklace for character and interest.
Top it all off with simple flat sandals and a bag in a slightly contrasting
color. Let your bag bring out one of the less intense colors in the skirt and
don’t worry if it doesn’t seem to match your shoes—that style “rule” is now a
fashion “don’t”!
Photography by Christina Eriksson
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