From a Woman’s Perspective Column October 12/04

Melissa writes, I have just cleaned my closet as you advised. I find that most of my clothes are well worn and need replacing. I do have a knee length jacket, pants, skirt and many tops in black and a deep rust colour jacket with a knee length skirt that probably still can be worn. I am uncomfortable wearing the deep rust suit because I feel too colourful. I want to add colour to my Black and make use of what I have. My hair is red and I have been described as an Autumn. What would you add to colour up a basic black wardrobe and incorporate an unusually colourful suit?

Dear Melissa, You are not alone when you describe a closet full of black. However, as an autumn or warm toned person you can add colours that most of us cannot wear and make a dramatic personal statement. First resolve not to acquire any more black for awhile. Next separate your colourful rust suit. If you haven’t already try using a black top and bottom with your colourful jacket. To add texture and to tone down the bold rust add a scarf that mixes black, rust and other earth tones. To add an effective neutral that will change your black and work with every colour try tones of brown. Perhaps a washable suede in a rich brown consisting of a pant and a jacket shirt. Then you can play the dressing game and mix the suede texture with the black items in your wardrobe.

For variety acquire tops in colours that you wear well. These can be turtlenecks, tanks, sleeveless shells-no matter. Definitely include a rust to match your skirt. Now you can add tights and jackets in black or brown to use your rust line of colour. As a warm toned person include accessories in gold or antique gold such as earrings, necklaces, broaches and chain belts. Amber coloured stones can embellish these items if you wish.

Ponchos, capes and shawls are very abundant this season. They add colour and incorporate easily to add a new shape and detail to basic clothing such as you mention. Once again select colours and colour combinations to play up your natural affinity to warm colours. Also, your black suit can be trimmed in fur, real or faux with scarves ascotted at the neck. I suggest that you wear your black basics into a store and then try on the items that I have mentioned and see the results. Experiment.

Your own personal taste will draw you to some items and let you leave others behind. If you need time make small changes and see if in fact you are comfortable and achieving the look you desire. If you wish bring your items to me and I will gladly walk you through some ideas.

The mirror is your friend. Add items, assess them and then decide. You’ll be rewarded with a wardrobe statement that looks great and feels good. Enjoy!