A January challenge…
In January, Jodie hosted a month long challenge of wearing bright colors. She did this for a few reasons: 1) Jodie loves bright colors! 2) Bright colors (think dopamine dressing) cheer us up when it’s dark. 3) The girl likes a good challenge! You may or may not have noticed I didn’t participate. I promise you I went into my closet every day on the hunt for a brightly colored outfit I wanted to wear. I just couldn’t find anything that spoke to me.
What is bright…
Of course, after looking at several of the submissions, I realized “bright” is in the eye of the beholder. Some considered anything not dark as being bright; therefore, white showed up often. When I think of bright, I tend to think of hot pink, neon green, aqua, etc. If I had not used my own definition, I probably had several looks that qualified for Jodie’s challenge. Oh, well!
What is dark…
My definition of dark is anything not bright or white. That’s pretty ambiguous, I know. I tend to gravitate toward greys, navy, and other muted shades in winter. In the past, I had to work to not buy grey clothing! I love grey especially if it has blue undertones. I liked grey before I went grey! Others, however, would probably define dark as colors that are much closer to black.
Why dark colors…
So, with a suggestion from Jodie, I decided to look into why we wear dark colors in the winter season. Most people would say it’s because dark colors keep us warmer. The sun puts out varying wavelengths of infrared, visible and ultraviolet lights. Darker colors absorb more of those wavelengths thus absorbing more heat. According to this source, if you’re wearing dark clothing, you won’t necessarily be warmer. In fact, depending on the fabric, you might even be cooler! Have you ever worn a black linen maxi skirt or dress on a hot summer day? Were you warm and toasty, or were you cool as a cucumber? Most likely, you were more cool than warm because your linen allowed for currents of air. The same goes for that off white puffer coat you have. Are you warm in it because it’s white or because it’s a puffer?
A teeny bit more…
Dark clothes may be worn in the winter for another practical reason. They don’t show dirt or spots as easily as lighter clothing does. Now, that makes sense. Unless you live where it doesn’t rain or snow, you probably encounter some sloppy stuff on the ground. Those splishes and splashes show up oh so well on light colors!
Well, not too dark…
This outfit is not really a dark one, but it definitely doesn’t fall into the bright category either. Paula describes this look as cozy chic, and I agree with her. I love longer cardigans, and this one is really cozy! I first ordered it in a medium and had to exchange it for an extra small! It’s still rather roomy. My guess is they’re going to have gobs of these left over because it’s huge! But, gosh is it cozy! As you can see, these photos were taken the same day as the Style Imitating Art challenge. That wind was fierce! When we left home, my scarf was in the right place! It’s an oldie but a goodie from Talbots. I added an Old Navy luxe tee and J Jill pima leggings. I wore this the rest of the day (and, yes, I changed in the back seat of the car…a first).
The Lewk!
As most of you know, I have a love affair with L’Artiste shoes. This is probably my favorite pair, the Suzette. They are comfortable and go with so many different looks. You can see them here, here, and here. The necklace and earrings are from J Jill. I try to buy matching sets whenever possible because sometimes that’s just what I want!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I was actually surprised to discover there is no science to back up the idea that dark clothing is warmer than lighter clothing. It makes sense, though, when you read about it. It’s the cut of the cloth as well as the fiber content that aids in keeping you warm or cold. So, can we talk? What is your definition of dark and/or bright? Do you have colors you look to in certain seasons? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as possible!
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Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, and I do deClaire and Mummabstylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties! Just a note…Traffic Jam will be back later today!
I love colour Marsha and wear it all the time. Grey doesn’t suit me much at all and I rarely wear black these days but I do love navy blue – that’s probably the darkest colour I wear. great concept for a post and interesting stuff!
Thanks, Debbie! I was surprised to find there wasn’t any science behind wearing dark colors in the cold weather. My husband likes me in black so I’ve tended to wear it a lot. But, I do love color, too. I’m just all over the place when it comes to clothes!
I love this cozy outfit! The pink against the gray is a wonderful color combination. I agree, all the neon colors are bright. White is bright, but you’re right, I avoid it when the streets are wet. And then I think of the colors on the warm side of the color wheel – yellow, orange, and red – as bright. Unless they are pastel. Ha! Your pink scarf is bright.
Michelle
https://funkyfashionstyle.com
Thanks, Michelle! I guess bright is in the eye of the beholder! And, I never felt like my outfits were bright enough for Jodie’s challenges…goofy me!
I definitely tend to have more bright and pastel colors in my spring and summer wardrobe though I do wear black all year long. Your outfit looks perfectly cozy and your bright pink scarf is a lovely pop of color.
Thanks so much, Joanne! I can almost look in my closet and say, this is summer, and this is winter!
My definition of bright is closer to your definition with bright colors, but the more I think about it, the more I agree. It makes sense that whites and other lighter colors could work. I like your addition of that pretty scarf to this outfit! Interesting about the science of wearing colors doesn’t make you cooler/warmer. I always thought it did! Haha!
Thanks, Laura! I think most of my clothing tends to be muted brights rather than bright brights! I was surprised to read that dark clothing doesn’t make us warmer, but then lots of people do wear black in summer and in hot climates! So, that makes sense!
See? Now this would’ve been perfect for the challenge with the scarf. That’s the easiest way to brighten up any look, right?
I also had to laugh because I bet that’s not the last time you change in your car. It’s a common occurrence around here (not for mom and Lesley anymore, but we used to bring an extra outfit and change in restrooms).
I used to have a love affair with grey. There was one winter that my mom gave me a hard time because I bought 3 different grey sweaters (like the lady can talk about buying multiple things, haha). Needless to say I’ve weaned myself off grey…usually. Mostly because it doesn’t brighten up my face. But I will wear it on the bottom half.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
PS. thanks for the research. It seems like you can find facts to support each way.
Well, yes, now I know it would! I guess I was thinking it had to be a super bright outfit! Oh, well! On to the next challenge, right?
I cannot imagine you loving grey at all! But, I’m guessing I’ll see some now!
Thanks, Jodie!
Marsha, these photos are beautiful! Your hair is blowing in the wind perfectly – did Nigel hire a wind machine for you??? I LOVE the pink scarf, it really pops. Such a pretty, pretty look!
xo,
Kellyann
Hahaha!!! Thanks so much, Kellyann! Nope, that wind is all natural…just like me!
Marsha, You photograph so nicely on that bridge. I mean you always look great no matter where you take pictures, but the nature all around really makes you stand out in the photos more. I love this outfit! It is my kind of outfit. Black and gray with a small pop of color. I live more on the dark side with colors all year round. But I do like a fuschia dress or fresh white too. I dressed way more colorful when I was younger, but now it seems the dark side has won my heart. Have a great weekend.-Meagan
Thanks so much, Meagan!!! There are a couple of really cool murals in town…I need to work up my courage to go there though! This is really a favorite of mine, too…very comfy, cozy, and kinda chic! Have a fabulous week!
This is such a cozy chic look! Love your pretty scarf and the pop of color it brings to this outfit!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks so much, Jill! I love this sweater, but it appears to be growing! Hopefully, it will shrink back to shape once I wash it!
This is a great outfit for the challenge with that bright pink scarf that pops so well against the neutral outfit. White top, grey cardigan, black pants + boots plus a bright scarf…you could work that formula over and over again! I do think the practicality of dark colors in snowy/slushy weather, esp. on the bottom half, is a big reason that people wear them in the winter. I do start transitioning to a lighter color palette in March, and this outfit with the white top + light grey cardigan is a nice way to do that.
Thanks, Sally! I guess I was thinking my whole outfit needed to be bright for the challenge! Oh, well! Trust me, this is almost my formula for traveling…long cardigan over leggings with a scarf to stir things up! When we took a train trip of 11 days, I packed very lightly. One of the reasons was this kind of look!
These photos are so full of warmth and joy, I love the energy of this post! I think your scarf provides the perfect amount of bright and it sets off the rest of your outfit beautifully.
I did a post recently about my foray into wearing brights through the summer (I’m from Australia) and there have been times where I just preferred the “quietness” of a neutral.
Thank you for sharing!
Donna ??♀️❤️?
https://donnadoesdresses.com
Thank you so much, Donna! I am really flattered by your words…honestly, they mean a lot! I just got back from visiting your blog…I do hope my subscribing goes through because I love your blog!!
Marsha, this is absolutely my kind of outfit! I love your bright pink scarf for a burst of brightness on your neutral outfit. I have always loved gray as well…long before I went gray. It is such a great neutral and not so dark as black. Although black is my favorite neutral and what I wear to anchor almost every outfit I wear. Fun post, my friend!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! I love grey so much and wear it all the time!
This is my type of winter outfit! I love the addition of the bright scarf: makes a bigger statement than a necklace would, adds a little warmth and a great pop of color.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! It is definitely something I wear regularly! And, yes, I wear scarves for warmth as much as for fashion!!!