8 July 2009

Posted on | July 8, 2009 | 13 Comments

8 July 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed.

Coral sleeveless sweater: Gap Maternity
Brown jersey skirt: ON
Patterned ballet flats: ON
Green jade bracelet: Gift from S. from San Francisco

End Notes:

Coral, as wise color analysts have frequently cited, is one of those (almost) universally flattering colors, yet it’s one that has not shown up that frequently in my own closet. I’m not sure why. I do love the color, especially in this more vibrant tone, and I love how it looks against my skin and hair. But, for some reason, I don’t have anything this shade of coral in my pre-preggers wardrobe and that’s something I’d like to fix post-baby.

I remember a few years ago Real Simple Magazine had an article on four universally flattering colors: eggplant, true red, Indian teal, and “mellow rose.” And you know what? Of all of those colors the only one I kind of have in my wardrobe is the teal. But before the temptation could strike to run out and stock up on “true red,” I was struck by how none of those colors really fit my own style. I’m sure eggplant would look nice on my skin tone, but it falls a little flat for me given my pull towards more vibrant colors. And the “mellow rose”…way to close to an unfortunate run-in with a pink dress in grade school.

I suppose what I’m getting at is that while there may be hues that are almost universally flattering strictly in terms of color theory, the associations that go along with that color may not be universally appealing. What do you think? Is a color just a spot on the color wheel or does it carry certain connotations with it as well? Do you like a color because it looks god on you? Or are there colors that you won’t wear because you just don’t like them — they remind you of your high school band uniform, your grandmother’s carpet, etc. — not because they don’t look good on you? How emotional are your wardrobe color picks?

8 July 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Category: Beltless, Our Best Flatware, Preggers, Research Casual, Skirting the Issue
Tags: color theory > maternity style > pregnancy > universally flattering colors

Comments

13 Responses to “8 July 2009”

charlotte
July 8th, 2009 @ 7:24 am

I could have sworn RealSimple had an indigo in that story. I have to go look at my scrapbook.

I don’t wear mellow rose, because of social connotations. It may look good on me, but unless it’s shoes, no thanks.
m
July 8th, 2009 @ 7:47 am

girl, your baby is almost as big as you are! i am so impressed with your style.
Sal
July 8th, 2009 @ 7:49 am

Definitely. I love red because it makes me look radiant … just as this shade makes YOU look glowy and gorgeous. And the idea of universally flattering colors amuses me. How could that BE? There’s so much variety in skin tone …
Meg
July 8th, 2009 @ 7:55 am

Orange repulses me for no reason. When I see the color in large amounts, it makes me feel frustrated, annoyed, and even angry. Sadly, I also make unconscious judgments about people who wear orange – in my subconscious, people who wear orange are smug and obnoxious. I only have one orange shirt in my wardrobe, and when I wear it I get lots of compliments on how nicely it complements my complexion. But I still can’t fully accept it. I think I need color counseling to explore these strong emotions.
Diana
July 8th, 2009 @ 8:03 am

I love, love, love that coral top on you. It is definitely a gorgeous color.

As far as colors that are universally flattering, I think that there probably aren’t any that will truly work for everyone, given such a huge variety of skin tones.
On the other hand, I do love eggplant, red and teal. I don’t like to wear pink as a main color though – I only use it in accents.
Jac
July 8th, 2009 @ 9:31 am

I have a great aversion to mustard. I know, it is weird. As such, I never ever wear yellow. Recently I was in a wedding where the dress was yellow and I told by several people that the color works very well for me. Yet, I own nothing yellow except that dress and do not plan on changing that situation!
Em
July 8th, 2009 @ 9:46 am

It’s funny, but I started out my week wearing yellow & blue because of the lovely weather and how bright and cheery they looked together and reflected the jubilance I’d felt that morning. Then it kind of set a theme for my weeks wardrobe so far…
Overall, I’d have to say if I have a strong mood – then it will take precedence and affect my color & style choices, otherwise, I don’t pay it too much attention.
kng
July 8th, 2009 @ 9:55 am

you are really missing out with eggplant, in fact i would expect you to be drawn to it! switch out one of your neutrals (brown, gray, black, navy) for something basic in eggplant and then pair that with your vibrant pops of color, it makes for a seriously striking outfit! i have a pair of eggplant patent flats that i wear with EVERYTHING!
tea rose disaster « classic notes
July 8th, 2009 @ 10:34 am

[...] the coral that E. of academichic refers to is not the tea rose of the J. Crew palette. I’d like to hope so, because otherwise [...]
lauren.
July 8th, 2009 @ 10:46 am

i very, very rarely wear red, it feels like an aggressive color to me. i like red in pattern, but not all over. i also rarely wear black because it makes me look more pale that i already am! ;)
MrsRoy
July 8th, 2009 @ 10:51 am

I definitely read that Real Simple article- I love the magazine!! I second whoever said you’re missing out on eggplant- I LOVE me a good deep purple-y color. :) Eggplant purple is like a neutral for me as well- and I think eggplant and teal is one of my favorite color combos! Whether or not we convince you to try it- you do look fabulous in that coral. :) And coral has been a new color fasination of mine- so far I’ve only ventured into it with nail polish. We’ll see where I go from there!
Clare
July 8th, 2009 @ 2:54 pm

I love how no matter how big your belly gets, your frontal photos are still deceiving! Almost 9 months preggers? No way!

In terms of colors, I love that you’re bringing this up. I agree with Sal that it seems highly unlikely that any color could truly be “universally” flattering. That being said, I think color makes a huge difference in how I see an item of clothing. I’ve recently discovered that I look damn good in purple and eggplant, and now I’m drawn to everything I see in that color. Pink is probably my exception. I just don’t like it, and I never feel like myself if I’m wearing it, so it doesn’t really matter if I look good in it or not.
Amy
July 9th, 2009 @ 1:05 pm

I have to agree with the chorus on eggplant. It does work great on everyone! And coral is one of my favorites – both on and around me. My bedspread is coral and my furniture is a deep brown; it is such an appealing color and looks good with everything.

I have an aversion to green clothes, since my miserable middle school had green plaid uniforms. I am only now, 13+ years later, starting to try on and occasionally purchase green clothing. Also, I don’t think I own a single yellow item of clothing because with my skin tone, it creates a sickly pallor.

You look fabulous, btw. I hope when I get to the kids stage, I’m half as stylish as you’ve been during your preganancy!