Summer Drabs – A Great Way To Shake Up Your Summer Wardrobe
July 12, 2013
By Brian Maynor
July 12, 2013
Muted colors tend to take a hiatus over the summer months for various reasons: they are contrary to the light, bright and cheerful attitude of the season and from a practical standpoint darker colors attract and hold heat longer. While those are both true, sometimes we just need a break from the color wheel and want to embrace the summer drabs.
Summer drab outfits are created with a muted color palette and although synonymous with dull can be very interesting and sophisticated. Here are two of my favorite summer drab outfits and tips on how to make them work:
- Break it up. Summer drab does not mean monochromatic or using just black and white. Those are all very different trends. To create summer drab outfits incorporate colors that are tinted with white and grey like chalks; grey-brown or grey-green. This is also a time when a faded black actually works in your favor.
- Keep the accessories dark. It is very rare that I refrain from introducing a pop of color with accessories, but to create this specific style, a pop of color would be inappropriate. However, you can shake things up by accenting with gold. Black and gold is a great combination that is not as expected as silver and like all accessories adds personality and individual flair to your outfit.
- Keep the layers thin. While we all move from one air-conditioned environment to another, temperatures vary and you may also find yourself outside for brief periods. During those times spontaneous combustion would be a terrible thing, as would be melting into a puddle of sweat, so keep each layer loose and porous. Open-weave layers allow air to penetrate and create a sheer effect keeping your shape discernable. Being able to see your body shape is what makes loose, boxy clothing work.
- Fabrics should be soft. Along with being thin your fabrics should be soft and flowing. The movement and draping serves to offset the dull palette and lightens the overall feel of the outfit keeping it appropriate for summer, while also allowing more air circulation to help keep you cooler.
When it comes to summer clothes typically you can’t go wrong with something bright and colorful, but we all want a break at some point. When you are ready to give color a rest try the summer drabs.
Woman’s Summer Drab Outfit
Man’s Summer Drab Outfit
I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty. Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums 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 receive MidlandsLife weekly email magazine.
