The New Blue
June 24, 2014
By Brian Maynor
Navy has long been a business staple, but during the long, hot days of summer it can be overwhelming, in all areas. Enter the new blue.
While everyone looks good in navy and it’s the color of confidence, it can also be a bit boring and predictable. Fortunately we are starting to see lighter, softer, friendlier blues popping up on the market and are perfect for changing up your go-to classic. You can wear these new shades with everything you would navy, and it instantly gives your outfit a brighter, more youthful look and feel.
1. Suiting. I empathize with everyone who has to wear a full suit during the summer months here in South Carolina. It’s not the easiest or most comfortable outfit to wear all day and still look cool, calm and collected. This is a great way to give your wardrobe a helping hand.
Lighter blue suits are perfect for days when the sun is out in full force. Whether you choose sky blue, pastel blue, cobalt blue or any of the other choices, light blues will reflect heat better, tend to come in lighter fabrics and are seasonably appropriate. Plus they go from work to casual really well.
2. Color balance. When you opt for shades of blue, instantly a myriad of complementing colors become available that you my not have worn before. Don’t worry, the general rules of color still apply: keep your colors all the same value, opposites complement and use in groups of three.
If you opt for a large all-over print like this skirt balance it with an equally weighted top like this solid green one. Where navy may have overpowered this softer shade of green, this blue balances it perfectly, keeping all of the pieces of the outfit working together. You could have opted for a white shirt, but then all of the weight and focus would have fallen to your lower body.
3. Pop of color. Just because you embrace a trend color, does not mean it has to stand alone. By adding a thin pink bracelet and accent scarf on your bag you complete a color story and add sophistication to the outfit. Remember a little accent color goes a long way. Since we used pink in two places we kept the concentration small.
The tie, on the other hand, is a much more intense and visually appealing piece because it is the only place we use an accent color in the entire outfit so it has to work harder. If you chose a printed or colored shirt then I would probably forgo the tie all together, or keep it solid and light.
Summer is hot. While we accept it and deal with it, sometimes dressing for it can be a real pain. Try beating the heat with one of this season’s lighter blues. Trust me, everyone looks good in blue, regardless of the shade.
Here are two inspiration looks and ideas on how to wear the new blue:
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.
