Bright Ideas for Bright Clothing

Although the vast majority of items in my closet trend toward neutrals and blacks, I can’t help but be drawn to all the amazing bright pieces in stores for the summer. Perhaps it is the beautiful weather… when it isn’t raining, hailing, flooding or overcome by tornadoes, that is. While it may be a bit of wishful thinking on my part, my sincere view is that if I wear bright clothes the weather will follow suit.

Whatever the reason is, the bright pieces I keep seeing are exactly what I need to fill the void of bold summer items in my wardrobe. While I’m well aware of the deficiencies in my closet, a part of me knows that when push comes to shove I will more times than not end up just wearing black. Walking down the streets of NYC I find that even in summer I’m not the only one who is color shy… the streets and sidewalks of New York are filled with fashionistas wearing neutral and black items, which is totally out of sync with the bright colors seen in stores and on runways.

The neutral/dark palette phenomenon is one I attribute to the fact that bright and bold colors can seem rather daunting to wear. But fear not clothing compadres, while it may seem that bold and bright colors are difficult to incorporate into your outfits, or are too showy for your personality, there are a ton of runway inspired ways to add some bright boldness into your wardrobe no matter the color of your personality or the state of your bank account.

Check below for some bright ideas on how to add those trendy bright colors to your wardrobe this summer, while remaining true to your color personality and style.

Bright Bold Looks for Your Color Personality

1. Color Conservative
Yes, I know that some people love to just wear neutral colors, but this look below is so adorable that I am sure you neutral lovers won’t be able to resist. While it may seem neutrals are easier to mix and match, there is no reason you can’t have a neutral look that has a splash of color. The best way to do this is to add one bright accessory, such as the bright red polka dotted wedges below. Although they’re a bit bright and showy, pairing them with more neutral, understated items creates a look that still has that neutral feel with a kick of boldness…literally. The touch of boldness from a bright accessory such as these shoes, a bag, scarf, bracelet, belt, etc. adds just enough brightness to create a bolder look while maintaining that more conservative and neutral ensemble.

Tripp NYC: The Skull Crochet Tank Dress, $98; Now $66
American Eagle 77 Bleach Fade Denim Vest, $25
Opening Ceremony Ktz Polka Dot Shoes, $300; Now: $210
Mar Y Sol Marchella Clutch, $95
Foxy Originals Sage Brown Leather Wrap Bracelet, $45
Coach Poppy Flower Ring, $88
Arena CPH Kamille Gold Flower Pendant Necklace Flower, $100

2. Color Cautious
When it comes to wearing color, I definitely am a color cautious person. I will add color at times, but I usually am pretty hesitant to do so. In order to remain in my comfort color zone, I could mix a black top with a pair of super bright shorts. The contrast of the black and the bright creates a cute look for summer that won’t have you dying of heat from wearing a completely black ensemble. Big on the Summer/Spring 2011 runways and stores were friendship bracelets… yes, I know we are not in middle school, but these bracelets also can add a touch of playful color to any look.

All Saints Tassle Vest, $195; Now: $97.50
BKE Long Strappy Tank Top, $12
Sam Edelman Grenna Gladiator Sandals, $100; Now: $70
Stephan & Co. Braided Cord & Chain Bracelet, $12
Ettika Vintage Ribbon Tennis Bracelet in Multi Neon, $62
Dannijo Friendship Bracelets, $48
Forever 21 Hinge Feather Necklace, $5
Madewell Park Bench Fedora, $58
Runway Dreamz Vintage Pink/Purple Studded Shorts, $94

3. Color Crazed
This outfit is definitely not for the faint of heart or the color hater. Monochromatic outfits were all over Spring/Summer runways as well as the Fall 2011 runways. While I know I definitely don’t have the color chops to pull this off, I definitely think the brighter the better for all you color lovers out there.

Joie Deck Stripe Serene Tank, $128
Cimmaron Jackie Orange Skinny Leg Pants, $135
Giuseppe Zanotti Sandals, $650; Now:$488
Zara Block Colour Clutch Bag, $50
Mixed Bead Necklace, $18
Topshop Orange Jersey Bow Headband, $20

4. Color Confused
For those of you who claim that colors are too hard and confusing to mix and match…fear not and gravitate towards the prints. Use a colorful print to your advantage and go from confused to in the color know. If you wear a bright colorful printed item, such as the floral frock below, mixing and matching colors are easy because it’s done for you! But even so, you still achieve a look that is super bright, put-together, and trendy!

Rebecca Minkoff Rose Print Deo Dress, $228
Senzo Ruzzy, $230
American Apparel Medium Carry-All Pouch, $50
Linea Pelle Double Wrap Sliced Leather Bracelet, $65
Energy Muse Unity Necklace, $50
Ettika Gold Rondelle Braided Bracelet, $495

5. Color Connoisseur
Oh hey all you color lover’s out there, get excited because color block outfits are here to stay… well at least through the Spring/Summer 2011, Fall 2011, and Resort 2011 runway collections. Color blocking is a great way to add multiple colors into your outfit, while still looking put-together. This color-blocked outfit below is adorable, bold, and best of all bright!