Creating outfits that use the column of colour concept is a simple way to look taller and slimmer. By using an unbroken line of colour in our upper and lower body, you are creating a longer vertical line for the eye to travel along.
a casual column of colour outfit
I thought I’d just share my casual column of colour.
I’m sure some people wonder what an image consultant wears when they’re not seeing clients. Today I’m seeing my bookkeeper and doing office-based work, so I’m dressed in jeans, blue long-sleeve cotton/elastane knit and red fine merino knit long cardigan.
What you’ll notice is that my outfit works with my ideal value (dark hair – needing an overall dark outfit and light skin requiring a contrast element to the outfit) and then back with a brighter colour (red) which creates the right value contrast and adds in that all-important colour contrast element to my neutral outfit.
The necklaces are two different ones joined together (one was not enough for me, the scale was too small and looked insignificant). As a larger busted woman longer necklaces can be harder to pull off than pendants, but I’ve found if they are chunky enough the whole way round they still draw attention away from my bust. Long pendants just don’t work.
You can see how the indigo denim and navy knit seamlessly create a lovely long column (by the way I’m wearing black ballet flats) and don’t draw any attention to my stomach (which is the area I tend to want to distract from).
So now you can picture me sitting in front of my PC writing in these clothes.
Create a Casual Column of Colour
- Find a top and bottom in similar colours (they don’t have to be exactly the same, just similar enough that they blend together).Then if you wish you can layer a different coloured topper over the top (see top middle and right images).
- Or find an outer layer (cardigan, vest or jacket) in a similar colour to your bottom you can then wear a different coloured top underneath your outer layer (see top left image).
- Blend shoes to bottoms for further leg elongation to create an unbroken line of colour.
So simple!
Love you to share your column of colour outfits over on my Inside Out Style Lounge on Facebook – click here to join in and share!
MoreColumn of Colour Tips
Creating a Trans-seasonal Capsule Wardrobe Using a Column of Colour
Looking good!! I wish Verily wasn’t so far from me.
And re: the other post – yeek! Even with very comfortable low-heel shoes one needs a variety to avoid problems? I usually have 2 pairs I use actively, is that enough? Generally my feet don’t hurt, but I am young, don’t want to be setting myself up for pain later …
Olga – It’s better for your feet to not wear the same shoes each day – plus the shoes last longer as they can dry out completely after each wearing. Each shoe rubs (even if you don’t notice it yet) so I’d get at least 3 pairs of shoes that you rotate each day to keep your feet in optimum health. Unfortunately when you start getting problems they’re hard to fix.
I love this outfit, Imogen. So simple and yet so vibrant.
Thanks Lisa! It’s amazing what a piece of costume jewellery adds to an outfit.
Imogen you look fabulous! Strong colours really suit you.
I have thought a lot about your column and I agree that being 5’2″ (and 3/4) this is a principle I should use. Being retired, I practically live in jeans, or in winter I wear tall boots and long skirts (I hate my legs and it’s cold here in the NE of England). I’ve decided that unless I want to live in denim blue (which is admittedly one of my favourite colours), I will need to collect jeans or chinos in different colours. I am naturally a mousey blonde (well, probably mostly grey now) but have sported dark auburn hair the last few years. The colouring is a hassle but I’m enjoying the high contrast look and the different clothing options it allows me. I know at some point I will be doing the more natural grey thing and I’m dreading the washed out look that I think will come with it. Any pointers for those of us who don’t want to disappear into pale neutrals? Also, have you ever noticed that different colours seem right in different climates? I have a sister-in-law in Sydney and the colour schemes in Australia seem much different to prevalent ones here in England. I find that white and bright colours seem garish here in wet, grey England. Any thoughts?
You are so made for that shade of red! Love your jewelry solution and it’s one I’m going to try to steal for the same reason.
Very bold. Love this.