I love to lean into easy, effortless style formulas that make getting dressed for my day a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. Today I’m starting a new style series here at Dressed for My Day and I’m calling it Classic Style Tips for the Modern Woman. Continuing on the theme of last year’s style series (and not putting an end date on this one), I’ll be sticking to the roots of this website and providing real life tips to help the modern woman get dressed for her day in a way that feels fashionable, but also accessible. These will be classic style tips that will stand the test of time, but we’ll apply them to modern fashions so we look and feel current when we step out the door. Today let’s check out a striking winter style formula that works flawlessly every time you use it.
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Where to Start with this Striking Winter Style Formula
In the winter I often start my outfit by deciding on my outerwear. Especially if I’ll be spending a lot of time out in the elements, it’s important to choose the right coat or jacket for the occasion. Once I’ve nailed down my coat, I usually select my footwear because those, too, help me navigate the weather I’ll be experiencing.
These days I’m opting for wool and wool blend overcoats more frequently than I choose casual coats. One of the easiest ways to elevate your winter outfit – even the most casual look – is simply to wear a dressier coat. And if you’ve spent the money for a beautiful coat like this Wilshire red double face wool and cashmere blend topcoat, why not wear it? Trust me, you won’t look overdressed in most circumstances, and you’ll be just as warm as you would be in a puffer coat.
It’s actually best to begin this winter style formula with your choice of coat because it helps you to establish what colors you can wear under it in that column of color we’re aiming for.
Of course you can create a column of color (or a neutral, as I’ve done here) under any color of coat. And yes, even those more casual style coats work nicely, too.
Tips for Creating the Column of Color
To create a striking column of color under your chosen winter coat, simply wear one color neck to ankle (or even toe). That outfit could be comprised of one dress, a blouse and skirt, a sweater and trousers or even a sweatshirt and jeans. Any combination of garments works.
Here are a few tips to make your column of color outfit more stylish:
- wear varying textures to create interest.
- don’t worry about colors exactly matching; a little variation adds depth and interest.
- if colors don’t match exactly, try to at least match the undertones: cool, warm or neutral.
- choose a color that works nicely with your outerwear, but don’t be afraid to experiment with new combinations.
What Accessories to Wear with a Column of Color Outfit
Choose your accessories to coordinate with your column of color outfit the best you can with the limitations you have. You don’t need to assume that you can’t create a column of color with those striking navy trousers and navy sweater just because you don’t have navy shoes, for instance. Here I’ve worn black booties and carried a black bag with my column of grey under my Wilshire red coat.
I do suggest that you have on hand at least a set of black shoes or booties and a black bag and belt, so that you can create coordinated winter looks. And my next recommendation would be a full complement of cognac footwear, handbag and belt. From there, consider your personal wardrobe and what would work with most things: maybe navy, brown or taupe. These are goals to work towards because it’s not always easy to create full sets.
When you’re accessorizing a column of color you certainly can add more color with a scarf or hat if you’d like. But here I let simplicity rule for a more pared back look. Trust me, you will always look striking when you step out in a column of color. And this winter style formula will make getting dressed both easy and more fun. I’d love to hear about a column of color you have created this winter.
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Blessed for My Day
When God created the first people, He gave them everything they needed. He put the man in the Garden of Eden – a perfect environment – and gave him purpose. He was to cultivate and tend the garden. He also gave him provision. The man could eat freely of any tree of the garden, including the Tree of Life. But alas the Lord also gave the man parameters. He could not eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Hmm. We love a perfect environment, purpose and provision. But we sometimes buck at parameters, don’t we?
Of course we can see in hindsight that those parameters were for Adam’s own good. We’ll be talking about that more in my upcoming Bible study, Clothed in Grace, which you can register for in my YouTube memberships. Parameters are life-giving, life-protecting, not kill-joys. God has given you parameters, too. Marriage is a blessing, but it’s also a parameter. The law of the land, the policies at work, the organization of your church, the boundaries of relationships, the rules of your homeowner’s association, even the natural laws of nutrition are all parameters that we have to function within. When we choose to ignore those boundaries we put ourselves at risk. Are you living grateful for the purpose, provision and parameters God has given you today? Or are you ignoring the parameters as though they shouldn’t apply to you?
Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and tend it. The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may freely eat; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for on the day that you eat from it you will certainly die.” ~ Genesis 2:15-17
Kay, like lilac/lavender-purples, burgundy-reds are your color! That coat looks stunning on you!!! That same coat in the “natural” would also look amazing on you, with one of your soft-white/tan monochromatic outfits. Love your elevated everyday style tips. Great BFMD!
Love this look of a column of color. The coat here is very pretty but unfortunately not in my budget for Winter clothes as Spring will be out sooner than I can imagine. I have seen this coat on your website before and always liked it. I am going to watch and see if it goes on sale sometimes and maybe it will be more due able. I like these classic posts. I dress this way the most.
The coat is beautiful. Love the whole outfit. Next time it’s really cold I will wear my wool coats. Lately it’s more like late fall here in Texas. We’re in weird pattern of warm or mild days and then one cold day. Looking forward to your series.
Love the column look on you. However the look is way over my price range.
I didn’t focus on the outfit pieces here because several were gifted to me and I know it is expensive. When that happens I try to make the post more about the outfit formula or styling tip. I try to make sure there is value for us all, even if the items may be price prohibitive. Thanks for reading.
This looks very elegant!
Thank you!
I like the column of color formula. I also have used it with a blazer or sweater. It’s a good way to use the items I already own. I will try it with my outerwear.