How To Wear Primary Colors After Primary School

By Brian Maynor

 

 

Red, green, blue, yellow, learning the basic colors is part of childhood and they make up a large part of a child’s visual experience.

Between clothes, books, toys and media primary colors are often viewed as childish, basic and something to avoid as adults.  As we mature our tastes expand and we find ourselves drawn to more sophisticated, blended colors among other things.  But sometimes you just want to wear a primary color.

Here are a few ways you can embrace your inner child and wear primary colors and still look like a mature adult:

1.    Experiment with contrast.  Primary colors are loud, bold and in your face, which makes pairing them with neutrals a safe bet, but that’s not the only way to go.  Neutrals work well because they are in high-contrast to the main color, but to amp up your style quotient wear a low-contrasting color instead.  This will help mute the overall look by bringing the entire palette into balance instead of letting one color dominate.

2.    Mix up the texture.  One way to transcend the schoolyard with these colors is with textured fabrics.  Children’s clothes have to be durable and easily cleaned meaning most of them are coated cotton and denim.  That being said I would avoid these options when dressing an adult.  Instead look for more delicate, grown-up fabrics.  Velvet may be the first one that jumps to mind, but there are also tweeds, wools, and silks that have a variety of washes and treatments to fit your style.

3.    Play a little peek-a-boo.  Just because you work in a conservative office or industry does not mean you have to abandon all elements of frivolity.  You simply have to know where to place them.  Small bursts of color like a scarf or pocket square are safe, but if you really want to feel enveloped in your favorite color look for it in the lining.  A lot of conservative labels are adding fun and bold inner lining to help liven up their pieces, and the availability and affordability of semi-custom options mean you can pick the lining of your choosing.

There is nothing subtle about a primary color, so if you’re going to wear a big block of them you have to commit to the look.  Fortunately you have options on how to wear bright pieces that will control the overall tone, as well as its boldness.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

Sign up here to start your free subscription to MidlandsLife!

 

.

.