Ask A CakeStylist | Matchy Matchy
“Can you wear shoes that match the color of your dress? Not black-on-black, but something like a cobalt blue dress with cobalt blue shoes.”—Sara, Chicago
We asked one of our CakeStylists, Kait, to tackle this question. Here’s what she had to say:
“We actually love mixing in different hues with your shoes because it’s refreshing! We do not like matching your shoes to your dress - it looks weird. Our rule would be to wear the darker hue on top and the lighter hue on the bottom, and the more extreme the color difference, the better! Don’t try to wear colors that are really close in hue - it will look like they’re trying to match.”
Based on Kait’s solid advice, we came up with the example above: a deep purple Peter Som tweed sheath dress with three different colors of heels you could wear with it. We think a cherry red, a light mint green, or a bright chartreuse pair of shoes would work well with this subdued shade of purple.
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Got a question that only a CakeStylist could answer? Ask us at questions@cakestyle.com!
Some gorgeous pieces we carry at CakeStyle from Jeweliany. Let us know if you’re interested in getting one of these beauties in your next box!
[images via julie simpson]
How To Mix Patterns
Mixing and matching different patterns in one outfit is a bold statement and a trendy spring look, but there are some rules to follow if you want to pull it off well. Check out this example from our Polyvore and read the guidelines below to learn how to mix your patterns right.
1. Never wear more than two patterns. Wearing two patterns makes you look fashion-forward and trendy; more than two makes you look like a mess. Make sure that when you mix patterns, you stick to just two.
2. Pair detailed patterns with bold patterns. For example, if you’re wearing a floral pattern that has lots of small flowers, pair that with a wide stripe. Or, if you have tiny polka dots on your dress, wear a bold check or stripe pattern with it. Wearing two eye-popping bold patterns, or two intricate ones, makes for a busy, overwhelming look.
3. Pair patterns with coordinating colors. An orange and white polka dotted dress with a green striped coat and a pair of red heels is going to blind everyone who looks at you. Instead, choose colors that are coordinating or wear only one bold color with neutrals to keep your look classy.
4. No additional statement pieces. If you’re wearing two different patterns in one outfit, chances are that adding a statement collar necklace, chunky bangles or a contrasting pair of heels is going to send your outfit overboard. Your two different patterns are enough of a statement; everything else should be simple, subtle, and should complement your look.
