Color Scheming: Scenes of Arles 1

I love my Scenes of Arles skirt. With just a hint of stretch, it's more forgiving post-lunch than my other pencil skirts and from a distance, the pattern gives the illusion of ombre, which is also what makes it so fun to style.

For the next three days, I plan to post different looks for this skirt based on the color pairing ideas I blogged about several weeks ago...taking a single item and building outfits first using coordinating colors, then contrasting colors.

Coordinating Colors

Look 1

1. J Crew striped cardigan
2. J Crew long top
3. Anthropologie Scenes of Arles
4. Steve Madden Patent flat -- DSW
5. J by Jasper Conran logo handbag
6. FOSSIL metal watch

7. J Crew silk shawl

If you're unsure how to style a piece, choosing colors that coordinate is the safest way to go. It can sometimes be a little boring, but you can be sure no one will accuse you of not matching, and generally, using corresponding colors will look very pretty and pulled-together, which let's face it, is exactly what most of us want from our clothes.

When you're using like colors, including a second pattern can help keep things interesting (the striped cardigan) and a jolt of solid color (the scarf) always catches the eye.

Look 2

1. Anthropologie Breezy Polkas cardigan

2. Anthropologie Season's Way top
2. Scenes of Arles
3. Pure Collections Leather clutch
4. FOSSIL dial watch
5. Kohl's Mudd Gibbson Mary Jane Heels

If you need a work ensemble that's more subdued, the darker color shades will always do the trick and never, never forget the color gray. It works with absolutely everything. Note the small polka dot pattern in the cardigan and lace bows (texture) of the top...both these details help make this color basic outfit a bit more special.

Look 3

1. Anthropologie Curling Posies cardigan
2. Old Navy tank
3. Anthropologie Scenes of Arles

4. Seychelles vintage pumps
5. Melie Bianco ruffle handbag
6. FOSSIL white dial watch

There are no surprising colors in this ensemble, but it's everything I'd want in an outfit--striking, interesting and pretty. This outfit has texture all over...the floral detailing of the cardigan and the pattern in the shoes and bag all imitate the floral pattern in the skirt. Tone on same tone pieces are always more interesting when you've got texture and pattern. You could put a pale blue J.Crew Jacki cardigan with this and match just as well, but it wouldn't be near as intriguing to look at.

Which look is your favorite? I'll be back tomorrow with ensembles using colors that contrast the skirt. Much love, mah dears.