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Hi girls,

I have a question. I have this bright red dress I bought a short time ago at Dress barn. I was thinking of wearing it to my next CD meeting. I was going to wear hose (coffee colored) and heels with it. I have these red heels which I never wore and tried them on with the red dress. I didn't have a red purse but was going to try brown. It looked to me like they went but my wife said the heels were not quite the same color of red (but it looked the same color to me-maybe I'm color blind) and also said the purse didn't go. I then settled on black heels and a black purse.

I always thought brown and red could go together (i.e. a brown purse). I guess I was wrong about this.

However, my main question is this: Can shoes be close in color to the dress or do they have to be the EXACT shade of color? These red shoes I have never worn (I was looking forward to wearing them) and I guess if they must match exactly, I have to find an outfit somewhere. I have worn nail polish before that wasn't the exact same color as on outfit but can shoes also be like that ? The shoes, looking closely, may have been a tad lighter than the red dress (but it was still hard for me to notice this). Thanks.

Steffie

Hi Steffie,
I can address the easier part. Some of the better "drug store" grade polish and lipstick, by the same manufacturerer, have a corresponding number on them so that if you like a 128 lipstick color then find the 128 polish and they should match. Beyond that you are talking about a trip, and it can be an expensive trip to Merle Norman or take a shot at the "beauty consultants" at the major departement stores. Quick story, I have an off color orange blouse that I just love, took the blouse to Merle Norman to see if they could match polish and lip stick - they got a lot closer than I would have imagined!!! Actually it matches very nice!
As for the purse/shoes delimna, I have a black purse, a navy blue one and a bone color, but (no offense) I don't wear red much anymore. It would seem that black pumps would go better with a red skirt than mis-matched reds, but that is just this girls opinion!
Good luck and I think it is great how CD'ing seems to bring out a fashion consciousness in us!
Virginia

Hi Steffie,

If you are wearing a red dress the your shoes should be the exact same color or a completely different color, now if you have a red blouse and a black skirt or pants then you can afford to be a little off but not much at all. The skirt will break up the outfit. In my opinion a good rule of thumb is to break up your colors. Red top black shoes black purse, black top red shoes red purse, etc I always try to coordinate my shoes and my purse.

Hope this helps.

Hugs,
Stef

Thanks girls. I'm still trying to learn more about Fashion 101 but got some great tips from the replies. It is amazing though, how much more fashion conscious we are when ladies. In male mode, we don't even think twice about it (or at least I don't lol).

Steffie

Steffie

These days, you can get away with much more mix and match than before but there are still some established fashion rules that one should be mindful of. A complete outfit of the same colour can work depending on the style but contrasting or complimentary colours often work better because it makes the outfit more interesting. We all have our own preferences and usually we have a good idea on what works and looks best for our size and colouring.

I would suggest if you wanted a complete one-colour ensemble, you try and match shades as closely as you can. As Stef said (wow, another one?) choosing another colour piece will break it up if you can't completely match your reds. My own feeling is that too much of the same colour just doesn't look good unless it's a long dress or gown.

As an example, just this past weekend, while out on the town, I wore a short sleeveless bright red sequinned dress with taupe hose and black suede pumps. Although a little daring than what I'm used to wearing, I thought the outfit actually worked quite well in it's simplicity. I think red shoes would have been too much but that's just my opinion. If an outfit works for you, go for it.

One caveat though, if your wife (or SO) disagrees, take her advice. She knows what she's talking about!

Stephanie

OMG!

It's a thread of Stef, Steffie, and Stephanies.

Very cool!

OMG can I attest to that, my wife will give me the once over every time I dress. If it ain't right she will tell me so in many many words .
I have never really figured out what goes with what as far as solids, strips, prints,etc. Gee I'm glad she keeps me stright, Carol Ann

Just last Sunday my wife and I were in Church when I noticed a lady wearing a bright red dress but her shoes (also red) were a much darker color of red than the dress. I pointed this out to my wife and I smiled and wispered to her that how come it is OK for that lady to wear a different shade of red shoes but how come it didn't apply to me? My wife smiled at this and we both had a good chuckle. I guess a lot is personal preference too which my wife concurs with. However, still Stef, Stephanie and the other girls also brought up some good points. Any other Stefs, Stephanies, Stefanys, feel free to add any comments! lol It must be a popular name! lol

Steffie