Summer Season Color Analysis

During our styling process at A Creative Cliché, use the season color analysis, a practice based on the four seasons, to determine the colors that look best on you. The concept has been trending, and we are going to break it down for you now.

The analysis starts with knowing whether you have warm or cool undertones. Once you figure that out, the next step is to determine if your skin tone prefers darker or lighter colors, and finally, if it prefers muted or saturated colors. Today, we will be discussing summer.

Those who fit under the category of summer have a cool undertone to their skin, the hair is usually lighter than medium brown, though sometimes it can be a deep ash brown. There is typically very little contrast between the hair and skin. The best colors for summers are soft, muted, and cool to mimic the skin, hair, and eye color.

Like the other four seasons, summer can be broken down into three categories: cool summer, light summer, and soft summer. Cool summers have little to no red tones in their hair, and the skin tends to be a cool, grey, or neutral beige. Their eyes can usually be described as grey, blue, or slate. Choosing colors that are muted with cool undertones, will allow your complexion to stand out and radiate. Avoid colors that are warm with lots of pigment.

Light summers tend to have pink tones in their skin, the eyes are blue or green, and the hair can be ash blonde or ash brown. Occasionally, light summers can have soft red hair. Because the skin, hair, and eyes are lighter, the color palette in your closet should reflect that. Unlike cool summers, you can handle a little more pigment, but not too much A classic teal or soft orange look best on you. Darker colors can be harsh. Think of refreshing summer air when it comes to your wardrobe.

Lastly, there are soft summers. As the name suggests, everything about the colors in your appearance is soft. The eyes are usually grey-blue or hazel, the hair is a light-medium ash brown with hints of blonde, and the skin is a neutral beige. It could appear almost ashy if you’re a soft summer with a deep skin tone. Your colors are complex, meaning the colors don’t look like they come straight out of a paint tube. Try gentle, desaturated colors like grayish greens and purples.

Here are a few celebrity examples to give a better idea of what a summer can sometimes look like.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon is one of the most popular summers in the media. This pink dress is cool, yet not too bright. Instead of overwhelming her lighter skin tone and bringing out the red in her skin, her complexion appears clear and youthful, a look we all want to achieve for as long as we can. Knowing your color season can help bring you closer to that goal.

Reese Witherspoon

This is an example of Reese in a color that is too saturated for her. This almost firetruck red is too warm and vibrant for a summer. Here, she looks washed out and grey. It’s emphasizing her cool skin in an unflattering way.

Olivia Wilde

If your favorite color is red, you don’t have to exclude it from your wardrobe entirely. Here, Olivia Wilde is rocking a sequined maroon dress. Instead of looking weighed down by the color, she looks lively. This is because maroon is a cool-toned red. It’s muted and complements her complexion. This is a great example of how to wear a color that is usually thought to be warm and vibrant. Choosing the cool, softer version of the shade will suit you better.

Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton is another summer with medium hair. This dusty blue coat makes her skin shine. It’s perfect for her skin tone. The color lacks intensity, which is exactly what you want to look for when you go shopping. Muted colors are your best friend.

Kate Middleton

On the other hand, this purple top is not as flattering on her as we would like. The blouse is a warmer shade of purple and very intense, everything you want to avoid displaying near your face. Kate, here, also looks slightly red rather than clear and bright in her complexion.

Remember, being a summer doesn’t mean you can’t ever wear warm colors. It simply means it’s best to choose colors that are cooler and muted. And if you love wearing bold oranges, then implement the color in your shoes, pants, or bracelets. Wearing it near your face will work against your natural summer beauty.

If you think you’re a summer, try out colors that remind you of that season. The best inspiration for your color palette comes from the imagery depicted in the season itself during the day and at night. If you think you’re a summer, try on a few pieces from the color palette and see how they look on you.

For those who are still unsure if the summer color season is right for them, then book a consultation with us today. We can help you figure it out so you can start looking your best.

Ways to Improve Your Shoe Game: Men's Edition

Let’s be honest. Men’s clothing is not as diverse as women’s clothing. When you walk into a clothing store, the masculine side is sparse and repetitive compared to the overflowing feminine side. For masculine dressers, it can feel like there’s no room for individuality. But, don’t become discouraged just yet. There are a few ways to express your creativity in your clothing, and it starts with your feet.

Yes, we’re talking about shoes. We’re going to discuss the most common shoe types and the few ways to improve your style by taking your shoe game to the next level.

One of the most important shoes to have in your closet is an Oxford. There’s a false misconception that the Oxford is only for special events. Having a good pair is extremely necessary. You can opt for a classic style or try an Oxford with a special design. The addition of holes placed in a pattern around the shoe can add a vintage look to a sharp outfit.

And if you want to be even more adventurous, experiment with a monk strap. This classic shoe has gone through many evolutions over the centuries, but it didn’t fully make its way on the menswear scene until the mid-2000s. The monk strap is the epitome of fashion-forward menswear. Turn heads with an unexpected, yet classic look.

Keeping in the theme of masculine formal wear, the next shoe to discuss is the lovely loafer. It’s less formal than its classic counterpart since it’s typically worn in semi-formal and casual settings. But the loafer is no less important in creating the perfect wardrobe. Consider upping your style by adding some texture. This allows dimensions to your usual formal wear colors and textures. And, of course, for the masculine dressers wanting to take risks, the unexpected blue, croc-embossed monk strap will always turn heads and add spice to a simple shirt and slacks.

Moving away from the more formal shoes, we enter into sneaker territory. Make sure to always have a pair of clean white sneakers in your closet. When it looks fresh out of the box, you have the option to dress your outfit up or dress it down. If you’re looking for an even more casual and sporty looking shoe, opt-in for a dad sneaker. Yes, the style is controversial, but the fashion world says it’s here to stay. Buy a pair, your feet will thank you. If your style is less streetwear and more classic, a fancier style sneaker made of quality leather will suit you best.

The most casual section for your fundamental shoe collection is your sandal section. The rubber slide from well-known brands like Adidas, Nike, and Gucci are fun, but there are ways to dress up this style for a more grown-up appearance. A simple brown or black leather crossover slide works well with chinos and casual, effortless outfits. Meeting for lunch outside during the day, a beach wedding, or other warmer and more dressed-up events make this show an ideal option. Just make sure you get a pedicure. For classier outfits, a loafer with open sides is a wonderful complement.

Having a quality pair of Oxfords, loafers, sneakers, and sandals are necessary for your closet, and having a variety of styles in each category is even better. Yes, shoes are less seen since they are at the bottom of the outfit, but that does not make them any less important. Don’t be afraid to take a few risks with your shoe collection. It’s one of the easiest ways to stand out with minimal effort

How not to over shop

Are you having to rein in your shopping and having difficulty doing it? The allure of flashy and fashionable new garments can be way to enticing at times. Especially since the pandemic with the sense of boredom and need of stimulation it has become easier for us to buy more stuff despite us not having a need for them. We came up with some tools and strategies to not only help me consume differently, but also to think differently about what it means to consume, and to think differently about who I am and what makes me feel good.  So, if you want to stop buying clothes, or just to be more thoughtful about the way you consume, I hope you will read on and give these tips a try.

1.Make Yourself Wait a Week Before Buying   

We can all face the fact that most purchases are impulse purchases most of the time we have no necessity for them it usually has everything to do with instant gratification.

When you see something in a store or online that you absolutely need to have, make yourself wait one week before you actually buy it.

This is so basic but so incredibly effective. And since I started doing it, I’ve eliminated 90% of my clothing purchases, effortlessly. Why? Because, as I’ve learned, most of them are made in the heat of the moment, after seeing something in a store or online, usually on sale, and deciding suddenly, on the spot, that I really need it. By the time that seven-day waiting period is complete, I can assure you that in most cases, you will have completely forgotten about whatever it was you thought you needed, or simply won’t care about it anymore. Maybe you will still really want it, in which case, congratulations! Go buy it. Or at least return to the question of whether you need it or not in a more sober, detached state.

2. Before You Buy a New One, Get Rid of An Old One

Do you find yourself buying more and more new clothes, even though you already have more clothes than you could possibly wear out in the span of an ordinary human life? Try this:

Before you buy a new one, make yourself get rid of an old one.

Want to buy those beautiful new jeans? No problem. Just show me which old pair you’re willing to get rid of to make space for them in your closet and life. Need new sneakers? Cool! Pass me the pair you have honestly worn out and are ready to part with. Welcome to the “One In, One Out” rule. It’s been a very useful tool in my life, not only to stop myself from accumulating way more stuff than I can enjoy, by making myself donate something before I can buy a new one. This approach is especially nice because it keeps your overall amount of stuff the same. And if you try it for a while, you’ll notice that it gets harder to find old things that you’re willing to part with, and easier to just keep and appreciate what you already have.

3. Still Really Need to Shop? Then Thrift It Up.

Okay, so you have implemented my first two brilliant strategies and effectively stopped needlessly buying new clothes. You realize you don’t really need more stuff, but part of you misses the actual act of going out and browsing in stores, trying things on and experiencing the excitement of a great find. No problem.

If you need to go shopping, go shopping at thrift stores.

Buying used clothes is more environmentally sustainable and more enjoyable, as well as way more affordable, than buying cheap new clothes that, for the most part, aren’t designed to last. It is truly responsible consumption.

Thrifting also makes for a far more interesting shopping experience. You don’t go to a thrift store with a specific thing in mind that you’re looking for. Instead, you engage in a process of discovery: you go and explore and sift through the racks and see what you find. Sometimes you don’t find anything, and sometimes you find something incredible and unexpected.

4. Wear Everything Once Before Repeating.

Having realized that I tend to favor what I bought most recently, or the same few pieces that I know make me feel great, I started forcing myself to share my love more equitably amongst all my clothes by wearing everything I own once before wearing anything a second time.

It sounds weird, and like it has nothing to do with shopping, but it works. How? By encouraging you to use and appreciate everything in your closet. And crucially, to understand to really feel how many clothes you actually own. Teaser… It’s more than you think.

Alternative Bridal Styles

If you have been considering wearing an alternative to traditional wedding dresses down the aisle there has never been a better time. Let this be your sign to be bold and break the rules! Your wedding should be a reflection of you; an unconventional wedding gown is one of the best ways to show off your individuality and personal style. A fashion-forward dress will leave your guest in awe using color, floral prints, feathers, and tulle are all unique options to consider for your big day and none of your guests will expect it! Up the ante with a mini dress or with an oversized suit. Modern brides everywhere are ditching classic white wedding dresses and choosing more unconventional styles to display their personal style for their wedding day looks.

Whether your wedding is a lowkey affair or a destination wedding there are alternative options for your big day to allow you to highlight your unique personality. We gathered up some of our favorite non-traditional wedding dresses that will have you saying “I do” to not only to your partner but to these dresses.

Florals

  We love a beautifully crafted floral gown, steal the spotlight by decorating yourself with flowers. Tasteful embroidery can take a classic silhouette of a wedding gown and make it much more unique to you and your venue.

Blushing Bride

  Turn heads in a gorgeous blush pink gown that will leave your partner and all of your guest in awe as you walk down the aisle. Opting for wearing some color on your special day can really showcase your personal style. You can choose your desired style from a from fun and flirty tulle midi dress, to an extravagant ballgown just add a little *spice* by changing up the color of your gown to make it truly show stopping.

Mini Dress

A show stopping mini dress on your wedding day is not as uncommon as you might think wearing a mini on your special day could be beneficial especially if you are having an outdoor wedding, whether your venue is on the beach or a garden. There are plenty of different aesthetics you can choose from; whether you like a more classic look with simple lines or a modern look with sequins or feathers. Another plus is you could dance all night at your reception comfortably without ever needing to change into an additional dress.

Blazers

 Wearing a blazer on your big day can be very chic and timeless, a baggy fit does not always mean sloppy you can look chic while being comfortable. As an ode to the 70’s you can go for a Bianca Jagger inspired look by wearing a tailored silk ivory blazer with a matching loosely fitted silk maxi skirt. You can also go with wearing a slouchy blazer with loosely fit trousers. What can really make or break these looks is your accessories a large church hat can really take your look to the next level.  

Jumpsuits

Bridal jumpsuits have transformed the wedding game if you want to rock an elegantly casual look, jumpsuits are a sure-fire way to ensure you’re able to dance the wedding night away while still looking chic.

How To Wear A Bright Colored Suit or Bright Colored Blazer

If you’ve been on at least one job interview in your life you own a suit. You were probably advised to purchase a suit in a blue, black or grey- which to be fair is still absolutely SOLID advice. But if you are someone like me who loves the look of a suit and wears them more often than not you may get bored with the idea of wearing muted and neutral tones over and over. Fashion has found a few solutions for you and today we are going to focus on a style absolutely taking over the workplace and even after hour scenes by storm the bright & bold colored blazers and suits.

1. Play with color-No color is off limits! Bold and bright suits are meant to be just that! These suits are bold enough to catch someones eye while still being dapper. If daring is your speed these suits are just that, a matching top and bottom of a gorgeous hue is sure to fit the scenario for several occasions. But if you love the color but perhaps feel it is a bit too loud no problem! Switch out your jacket or pant for a neutral to tone the suited look down a bit. Still dapper but a bit more muted.

2. You CAN mix and match separates! In this case the name kind of gives it away huh? Separates can be separated, who knew?!! LOL But in all seriousness purchasing a suit even a bright white suit and pairing it with a blazer can create a new look entirely. Treating your suit separates as such gives you a super power of an instantly doubled wardrobe! But tread lightly and be sure to distribute the love fairly or else risk over using one item and having to wash it more than expected which may lead to it no longer matching it’s proper pair’s color. This doesn't happen often but if you find yourself leaning this way try to purchase a duplicate to prolong the lifetime of the pieces.

3. Warm up to bold prints & suits by pairing them simply and letting the suit steal the show. Maybe the idea of mixing a loud blazer with loud colors feels a bit scary for you. Warm up to this bold style statement by pairing it simply, with an understated shoe choice or shirt choice. Over time you may decide to go bigger OR not. Maybe your style is more simple and clean, there’s no one way. Our goal is to show you that you have options make fashion work for you!

Making Leather Pants WORK APPROPRIATE

Ok you might have clicked on this because you’re like “who’s about to wear leather pants to work?” But I promise, leather isn’t always motorcycles, edge and sex appeal. Leather can be classy, polished and put together if you have a timeless leather item paired with the appropriate pieces. So I’ll show you how you can pull off a sexy leather trouser in the office, and still have executive respect.

1. It’s the fashionable lady in the office, everyone knows it and we all respect that she likes to turn heads.

While these trousers are bold, the wide leg gives an extra pizzaz! Paired with a more subtle material with a neutral color at the top and a neutral conservative shoe, these pants are a perfect office staple.

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2. Peek a boo, made you look!

These are subtle, but will definitely make them double take. Paired with outer wear and an office blouse will be perfect for a tighter fit leather trouser. The office will barely even notice, but when they do they’ll be looking at your outfit all day.

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3. Is she wearing leather trousers and making it corporate?!?!

Why yes, yes she is. These are simple and an essential, because these are an a straight leg looser fit, they’re easily very conservative while still being very fashionable.

Dress To Manifest: Clearing Out Your Closet for The New Year

Dress to Manifest: Closet Clear-Out

New year, new me, new goals, new resolutions! So let’s start with the first one to kick off our new year into the right direction. Ask yourself, how can I show up into 2022 being the newest version of myself? I can answer that. Start with a refurbished wardrobe, not necessarily new, but less old. It’t time to clean out the old, and bring in the consciousness. What do you truly want to look like? What piece of clothing in your closet goes against that?

The process may seem overwhelming at first but here’s a 6 step guide to help you pre plan.

1. Prep: Get a trash bag for the clothes your throwing away, a box for the things you’d like to donate and a hamper for the clothes you’ll keep.

2. Downsize: The goal is to let it go, so let it go! You haven’t worn it in a year and can’t think of anything to wear with it so we have to do what’s right. Let’s begin to only have things in our wardrobe that we love, and will use.

3. Remember the goal: Remember we want to be able to create outfits out of what we have, so its important that we keep our basics or things that can be layered and styled different ways.

4. Organization: After we’ve sorted through our keep and deletes, we need to organize out space so that we can clearly see what we have to work with. To be able to pick out an outfit faster I like to organize by color. If you have additional space, try storing some clothes that aren’t in season.

5. Mindfulness: After analyzing what you’ve kept and what you’ve gotten rid of take a look at what you need, make a list. When its time to shop, shop intentionally to get exactly what you’re looking for.

This should result in having a peaceful start to your new year, with a more clean and refreshed look that didn’t take too much effort.

Written by: Chantel Reed

Staying Fashionable at the Airport

What do you wear to the airport? A dirty, old, stained tee shirt with crusty old sweat pants? Why would you wear drab clothes if you want to always look and feel your best? Even while traveling it’s important to look presentable. And no this does not mean in an uncomfortable suit, you can be comfy and still look stylish. 

You never know what could happen at the airport. What if you run into someone from work? What if you meet someone that could help you advance your career? You never know what kind of opportunities you could have at the airport where you can meet so many different people from different places. You don’t want to be wearing that old and crusty sweat suit, you at least want to be wearing a fashionable one! What if you have plans once you land, or an opportunity arises where you have to be ready when you land? You want to at least look presentable.

So you may be wondering, how do you look fashionable and comfortable at the airport? Start with a matching loungewear set. These are everywhere now, everyone is wearing loungewear sets. They’re effortless, comfy, and stylish. This makes them perfect for traveling, especially at the airport. But don’t just stop at a loungewear set, we can make this even more fashionable. Layer pieces on the set, this is the cheat code for looking stylish at the airport. Throw on a blazer or denim jacket, and you instantly look way more put-together. 

Another fashionable and effortless airport look is styling a maxi or midi dress with a cropped denim jacket. Dresses are the easiest go-to because it’s just one piece. You don’t have to think long and hard about what to pair it with or if it looks cute together. The cropped denim jacket is a stylish touch that will bring together the whole look. Pair this outfit with a cute wedge to complete the look!

For the third outfit idea, break out your comfiest jeans, the jeans you’ve already stretched out and broken in. Pair them with a cool band tee and a blazer for a more chill, but still stylish and chic look. Finish off the look with a cute pair of white fashion sneakers. This outfit is still comfy because you’re wearing your comfy jeans and band tee, but look instantly polished with the blazer. 

It’s summertime, and that means summer vacation. The perfect summer airport look is jean shorts and a button down. But how we make this instantly more fashionable, is by doing a cute side tuck moment. Finish this look with some fashion sneakers, and you’re ready to show up to your vacation destination looking amazing!

It’s more than just looking cute at the airport, you never know who you might see or what opportunities you might have. You always want to be prepared and ready for anything. If you want to be comfortable, you don't have to look crazy. There are plenty of ways to be fashionable, comfortable, and ready for anything. But don’t worry, if you feel like you can’t achieve this by yourself, or that you can’t find the right pieces, you can always go to a stylist!

Click Here To Book Your Consultation with Personal Stylist Carla Nelson:

http://www.acreativecliche.com/