Orange…
Do you remember that old joke? You know the one that starts with, “Knock, knock!” I used to crack my grands up with that old chestnut. I could tell my grandson that over and over again, and he’d still giggle! Orange has never been one of my favorite colors, but I tend to think in primary colors. I’ve discovered, time and time again, that the actual color I choose is more important that worrying about its name…does that make sense?
Orange you glad…
In other words, the tint (color + white), tone (color + grey), or shade (color + black) is what you need to worry about. For example, if I were going to wear a pure orange hue (think primary colors), it would be a little too much for me. But, by adding just a hint of black, the shade now is much more becoming. Conversely, if I wore a tint which fell more in the peach realm, I’d be so washed out, and my neck would disappear. I think I’m beginning to get onto this color theory. But, I also know I will google it the next time I wonder if I’m wearing a hue, tint, or shade!
A museum visit…
The day we took these photos, I was taking part in an “exhibition interactive testing session” at Newfields. I always like to dress a bit more colorfully when we go because it’s art, right? That day, I had left myself plenty of time, I thought. I kept trying different combinations of dresses, slips, scarves, and what-not. But, nothing really spoke to me. Anyway, Nigel and I arrived at the museum in plenty of time. In fact, I was early which rarely happens. My session lasted about 30 minutes and was really interesting. I’m sure those poor women were not prepared for someone who just likes to chat about anything and everything! As we were saying our goodbyes, one of the women told me how much she loved my look…that it was nice to see someone dressed rather artistically! She made my day!
My outfit…
As I said, I had planned to wear a dress because, of course, I wanted to take some photos for the blog. I was just about to just throw on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt and call it a day! Then, my orange tee called my name! This tee has gotten so much wear! It is dopamine dressing at its finest! I pulled out a pair of straight leg jeans and added the ruana. Technically, there isn’t any orange in my ruana, but there are lots of adjacent colors. When I looked in the mirror, I liked the proportions of the ruana with the jeans. It might have been even better if I’d done some kind of tuck or ruching of the tee to give the look under the ruana a better proportion. I had, however, run out of time! I hope I won’t be wearing this particular outfit again for a few months since Spring is only a few days away!
The Lewk!
Yes, these are my old and grungy Sofft sneakers. They are just so daggone comfortable and have reached that wonderful level of grunginess! Continuing with my little bit artsy, little bit ditsy old lady look, I added this wooden beaded necklace and macrame-looking earrings…both from J Jill and a couple of seasons old.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
You know, some days, it’s an orange you glad it works kinda day! I used to trust my instincts for color a lot more, but they led me astray more than once! Now, as I understand color theory and my own outfits more and more, I’m a little more confident in choosing colors that compliment me and work together well. So, can we talk? Have you used color theory in building a look? How hard do you work at proportions when you get dressed? Is there a hue, shade, tint, or tone you avoid because you just can’t make it work? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as possible.
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Another lovely outfit, Marsha. I actually love Orange although my favourite colour is pink. Orange is so vibrant and reminds me of my friend, Debbie from Deb’s World because Orange is her favourite colour!
Now that I know Debbie, I will probably always associate it with her! It is truly the best color for her in all ways!
Thanks, Sue!
I’ve been loving orange but I noticed I don’t have many orange sweaters!!
I love how you think about dressing artsy to go to the art museum…I am the same way!!
Love this!
Xoxo
Jodie
I am discovering all these colors I didn’t think I liked! And, I think it’s because I was just picking the wrong shade or tint or hue! It just seems like the art museum is the place to wear the little bit more colorful, little bit more expressive things, right?
Thanks, Jodie!
Orange is such a vibrant colour, although I never wear it. I actually hated it when I was younger. Now I really appreciate it especially the shade you are wearing!
Thanks, Nancy! I wasn’t ever a big fan of orange because I never picked the right shade. Now that I know, I might wear more!
This is a lovely outfit! I will wear shades, tints, or tones of most any color especially when it comes to yellow and orange where I don’t feel I can wear the true colors and have then be at all flattering. I find that with my outfits I tend to just trust my gut because colors and shades are rather ingrained in me after nearly 40 years of painting and art lessons and such. In fact I used to blend 2-3 different nail polish colors right on my nails and make my nails match my outfits quite easily.
Thanks, Joanne! I sometimes second guess myself because I have been known to talk myself into something I just love but looks horrible on me. It’s funny how just changing the shade, tint, or tone can totally change the way something looks on you.
Hahahaha, I love that joke, it’s one of the few ones I can remember! I seem to get stuck delivering an entire joke.
I really like your ruana, the colors are vibrant and the flowy look is very art appropriate! Great idea to wear this for your visit!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! I know exactly what you mean. I can remember the beginnings of a joke and the punch line, but connecting the two is where I usually mess it all up! I was pleased with how the orange worked so well with the ruana. Now, I just need to remember it for next fall.
My daughter used to love that joke when she was little. I don’t think I have anything orange in my closet. Love how this look came together. Your rauna is gorgeous!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Oh, my goodness, Jill! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told that old joke. And, my grandson would always say, “Again, again!” Thanks!!
Orange is a hard color for me to wear in a shirt but a more muted version like this one (or a more “peach fuzz” one; something not so bright anyway) works better. Understanding about how various versions of a hue – like the various tints, tones, shades, and toasts (color + brown) – look on you makes such a difference compared to concentrating simply on the hue. We really can wear a wider number of colors than we initially think. Orange you glad you discovered your version of orange? Yes, indeed.
Hahaha!!! I love it! Oh, gosh…toast! I’ll have to add that one to my repertoire! It is amazing, though, when you realize you can definitely wear all colors (with, perhaps the exceptions of black and white which aren’t colors) once you figure it all out!
Thanks, Sally, for the new word and the chuckle!
I love this whole color palette, Marsha! The orange is super fun, and the floaty kimono has such a great print. You’ll be able to wear this piece again and again!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you so much, Ashley! Believe it or not, but I think this was the very first kimono I bought! I just couldn’t ever find anything that really seemed to work for me!
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I love the unexpected color mix of the orange and printed kimono! It’s so pretty and eye-catching. You inspired me to try something like this in the future!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I ordered this tee shirt on a whim or to pad my order to qualify for free shipping. Anyway, I was really surprised when I got it and realized it was the right shade of orange for me. I’ve got so many things it works well with. I was very happy with the way it worked with the kimono.
What a great way to dress up a casual oputfit! You look fabulous! #Stylewithasmile
Thank you so much, Lydia! I was so happy with the result!
I love that kimono! Such pretty colors and pattern. They are just so easy to throw on and make an outfit!
Thanks, Amy! I really like this one because they’ve actually sewn the sides together so it doesn’t go all whopper-jawed on me!
I love, love, love these colors on you! And I really love your “little bit artsy, little bit ditsy old lady look”. That is my current style goal! Your ruana is gorgeous and the deep orange is a stunning color. You created a very striking outfit, perfect for an art museum!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! I kept trying to figure out how to say what I am and little bit artsy, little bit ditsy old lady just seemed to fit! I really do love this orange tee which is very surprising to me! I wear it all the time because it goes with so much.