Classic Color Combinations

Like most stylists and image consultants, I often find myself mentally critiquing the clothes of people I see on the street. Not everyone, mind you - sloppy t-shirts and baggy pants rarely pique my interest - but those who take a stab at dressing well and just miss the mark somehow, like with the wrong shoes, the wrong bag, the wrong top, or whatever. It's not something I do consciously; it's because at glance, there's something amiss in their aesthetic that draws me back for closer inspection. Once I've worked out in my head what could be better, I move on.

I mention this because I saw some pictures from the new "S.ex and the City" movie that they're shooting in New York right now (click through the slideshow):

and stumbled time and again over the clothes that Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie Bradshaw, is wearing. Mercy! I know Carrie is supposed to be a fashion icon and all that, and I have liked a few of the things she's worn over years, but by and large, I just puzzle over the weird way this character puts really expensive pieces together. I don't get it. Kind of like the "fashion icon" status awarded to actresses Chloe Sevigny and Sienna Miller. I don't get that, either. I must be missing something. . .

So now that I've gotten that bit of cattiness out of my system
(me-ow!), what's on tap for today's article?

Something I DO get: the impact of classic color combinations. Thanks for suggesting it, Carol!

What's the easiest way to extend your wardrobe without buying a lot of new things? Use your existing pieces in different ways.

If you build a core wardrobe of basic pieces in simple styles and neutral colors, it's really easy to do. Simple styles like pencil skirts, oxford shirts, straight leg pants, and single-breasted jackets offer the most mix-and-match possibilities, while neutral colors like black, brown, white, navy, and beige pair well with a variety of colors. Neutrals can also be worn TOGETHER for a classic, evergreen style.

Here are a few classic color combinations you should try, depending on your coloring:

Black and White

Always a favorite, always simple yet elegant, black and white is so easy yet it packs a big punch. Try black with white accents in cool weather, white with black accents in warm weather, and equal parts black and white for year 'round chic.

Chadwicks.com

Black and Red

Red is the color of fire and blood and has long been associated with strength, power, and passion. While men can only get away with a little red in their business attire (like a tie), women have a lot more leeway. Wear a red jacket with a black skirt when you want to establish authority in business, or wear all red or all black with touches of the other color when you want to turn heads and stand out.

Chadwicks.com

Black and Gray

A hot look on a cold day, lots of black with gray touches or lots of gray with black touches will keep you looking warm as toast. Want something a little lighter but still in the gray family? Try taupe, which is a very light grayish-putty color that offers an easy chic factor all year 'round.

Chadwicks.com

Navy and White

Another perennial favorite, navy blue and white offers a crisp, clean look that means business without being overbearing. Worn by the military, the police, and business people for centuries, navy blue and white consistently ranks high for instilling trust and credibility. So what's a casual navy and white look? Why blue jeans and a white shirt, of course!

LaRedoute.com

Navy and Beige

Navy and beige also offer a crisp, clean look, yet it comes across as being more approachable than navy and white. Try a navy top with beige pants or skirt for a decisive, business-like look.

Chadwicks.com

Ivory and Brown

Tend to look better in warm colors than cool colors? Try ivory and brown to look strong and authoritative. You'll find plenty to choose from this season in a wide variety of browns, from beige and camel to rusty browns and dark chocolate.

Chadwicks.com

Camel and Brown

Like gray and black, camel and brown can be very flattering, depending on your coloring. Try wearing the darker color on body parts you want to minimize, the lighter color on parts you want to emphasize.

Chadwicks.com

By using tried-and-true color combinations, you can use neutrals to extend your wardrobe immeasurably, not only with other colors you like, but also with each other. Just pull them together for a quick yet elegant look on those crazy mornings when you can't figure out what to wear - or for those special occasions when you want to add a little punch to the equation.