The ocean, the sky, and your wardrobe. What do these three things have in common? They’re made beautiful by blue. Though blue falls into the risky shade to wear category for it’s boldness, blue is the new black and there’s a hue to suit every woman. Be it dramatic or subdued, everyone can experiment with this color and enjoy not just the physical benefits (an eye catching look of vibrancy) but the psychological, too (a feeling of serenity.) Incorporating a bright shade of blue into your outfit can boost the spirits of self and of the people you encounter. The last sapphire blue dress I laid eyes on led me to conclude you don’t have to look up to see heaven.
According to research, blue is the world’s favorite color. Don’t deprive your closet of it’s beauty. And I don’t mean stop at that beloved, trusty pair of blue jeans, either. This isn’t an article on denim that will never die. Instructions on how to wear denim is like how to close your eyes. It’s that instinctive by now. No, this is about dressing up with the boldest shades of blue from electric to azure.
- But everyone else is wearing it: Black and blue is a popular pairing. While it’s a strong, classic look, and goes together like a horse and carriage, it’s common, and you don’t want that. It’s also safe, which is comfortable, but fashion is not exactly a life altering process and is a far more fun affair with experimentation and self expression at work. For the longest time, I steered clear of matching blue with it’s bold, bright relatives, apprehensive about channeling circus clowns. But it’s all about leaving your security zone and taking a risk. If that appeals to you, allow me to inspire you. You’ll be ditching the black in no time in favor of more unconventional, but attractive combinations.
- Switch up staples: I’m a big fan of black, but admit it’s a closet crutch. Dark navy blue provides the same comfort as basic black. It’s elegant and slimming, but because it’s not black, it’s a baby step out of the comfort zone. Better than no movement at all.
- Ahoy there! = “oh boy” : Blue and white conjures up images of sailor attire (and in some cases school uniforms) but in addition to that, there’s a tropical resort yacht vibe to this pairing that screams “summer holidays!” which helps it to work when worn together. But my advice is it’s common once again, and worse than that it’s dated. It’s unimaginative, too. While the modern look is to mix blue with bright shades (such as pink, purple, and orange) black, bright blue, and white makes for a quirky retro look and breaks up the generic appearance of blue and white.
- Go nude: Can’t get more natural than that, and it’s an alternative to black and gray. Nude is a safe, yet spectacular choice because it does nothing to detract from whatever shade of blue you choose, and ensures that shade remains the “Wow” factor of the outfit. Just because everything goes with black, doesn’t mean you should go with black. A black heel with a blue dress can look uninspired, while a nude heel with a blue dress not only elongates a leg, but it’s sleek and polished.
- Good as gold: Gold is an undermined color when it comes to what to wear with blue because it’s associated with tackiness, but it can just as easily be elegant, especially if used correctly. How so? Avoid yellow golds, and substitute with shimmery and pale shades that don’t compete with blue to make a statement. Go with the minimum for maximum effect.
- Color blocking: What was once an absurd suggestion, putting bold on top of bold (orange and purple in particular) is all the rage and when done right, looks spectacular and is an ultra modern stylish look. Don’t be afraid of it. Your secure neutrals haven’t gone anywhere if all else fails! But color blocking is a sure fire way to liven up your look and live a little.
- Accessorize: Still want to wear that black dress after all but want to take advantage of the season’s hottest hue? Strap on a vibrant blue high heel or dress up a basic outfit with a bright blue coat.
-In the pink: Whether it’s rose pink or hot pink, there’s a shade of blue to suit it. Just avoid the pastel pink and blue combination lest you look like you’re wearing a baby shower for a twin boy and girl.
Though blue is in and out of fashion, flooding runways one minute and nowhere to be seen the next, it’s a universal wardrobe staple for it’s versatility and instant burst of vitality. While not as favored as basic black and other neutral colors, don’t shut your wardrobe door to brightness whatever the season.
Blair Adele - sometimes better known as Vanity Blair has had a love affair with the art of writing since she knew how to hold a pen properly. While girls studied Seventeen magazine, she studied the dictionary, infatuated with expanding her vocabulary. Since the tumultuous teenage years, she has viewed trends with disdain, preferring to embrace individuality when it comes to style. “The Blair Necessities” is where she combines her objective: expressing femininity through fashion, and encouraging what sets a woman apart from the rest, with her passion for the written word. Let she who is without fear of fashion, cast the first stilletto.
