The Bright Stuff
Michelle Obama may look like a glowing angel in a yellow Michael Kors suit, but head-to-toe color makes most fashionistas look more like the yellow Power Ranger. For those not as daring as our beloved Mrs. Obama, a simple pop of color will still go a long way in lifting your mood and adding some much-needed pizazz to your outfit.
Here are the best tips for mastering summer brights (and for wearing your colorful pieces long into Fall).
Pop Star
If you love brights but want to avoid the 'fashion clown' look, regulate your brights to accessories. A pair of yellow pumps, a bold red necklace, electric blue tights or a neon pink bracelet are safe, chic ways to add a pop of color to your outfit. Better still, they inject your basics with a colorful flair that's on trend for the sunny summer season. Solange nails the look, literally (check her adorable pink nails).
Beauty tip: Bright nails or a bold lip do the trick too and spice up your look (but ladies, read my Rock & Republic cherry red lips, do it in moderation!!).
When it comes to shoes, your options are endless: you can do a solid bright pump, a neutral bootie with bright details or a crazy, colorful bright sandal. Just keep the outfit subtle and complimentary.
Steve Madden pumps, $60, stevemadden.com.
Moschino Cheap & Chic booties, $165, shopbop.com.
Report Signature pumps, $95, shopbop.com.
*Beauty girls, Check the AMAZING Essie Neon Nail Collection below. Ferocia is applying Perky Purple to her toes as I type.
Essie Neon Collection in Punchy Pink, Flirty Fuchsia, Funky Limelight and Perky Purple, $9 each, essie.com.
Oh and here's a beauty tip from the founder herself, Essie Weingarten: “Since neon nail colors produce a matte finish, make sure to apply a base and top coat like essie Protein Base Coat and Good to Go! top coat for a rich, high shine finish.”
Neutral Territory
When brightening up your fashion wardrobe, be sure to balance your colorful pieces with neutrals. What's especially great about this tip is that you can energize your old basic black top and khaki wrap dress with a colorful skirt or tank---and make it look brand new!!! My good friend and I did this recently during a weekday outing at a Spanish food restaurant - my H&M bought neon top made the black pencil skirt I've had since freshmen year of HIGH SCHOOL (I kid you not) look right on trend. Even better? You can bring your summer-bought neon looks into fall by pairing them with a khaki trench or gray cardigan.
Marc Jacob's Spring collection was an homage to brights --- and the black basics that compliment them.
Thank God Rihanna matched her killer Marc by Marc Jacobs blazer with a black tank and jeans - more yellow than this and she's giving me taxi.
My fashion stylist friend, Patrice, and I tone down our yellows with black basics - and she even throws in an animal print belt for fun - pure fabness.
Less is More
For the daring fashionistas who can work a bright outfit (hello Mrs. Obama!), please do the rest of the public a favor by complimenting your bright suit/dress/jumpsuit with subtle accessories. Bright accessories end up competing with your clothes and make you look like a walking box of crayons (see Angela Simmons below - who I LOVE but not in this outfit). Even my glamorous Brooklyn girls who pair a bright yellow dress with cobalt blue pumps---and look super duper fly btw---will tone it down by adding gold jewelry. By accessorizing her look with gold bangles and studs, Michelle lets her gorgeous yellow outfit shine on his own. Follow suit.
Blake gets it right in a pink Micheal Kors dress...Angela, not so much.
Follow these Glamazon tips and rock your brights in style!! And let me know how you're wearing the bright trend this Summer!
Kisses,
Coutura
