Week 6 of the Wardrobe Architect is all about organizing our color palette. Sarai grouped hers into Neutrals, Nearly Neutrals, Statement Colors, and Metallics.
To begin grouping my color palette, I first put them into an organized rainbow. It helps me to think when things are in color order.
By putting them in color order, I can begin to see what colors are covered in the spectrum and what are missing.
I find it much easier to begin sorting and organizing from a place of commonly known order before I jump into reorganizing. That might take more steps in the long run. However, it is much easier to place a bet when you know you were dealt 2 aces and 3 kings, than trying to place a bet where you do not know what cards are in your hand.
As I began to place them into color order, starting with red, I noticed I had a lot of pinks, purples and blue-green shades. Placing those together, trends and patterns emerged.
I've electric pinks and purples, definitely influencing my entire palette. In many ways, I feel like Elle Woods. "Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed." Funny thing is, because of all the influences in my life I talked about during week 1 of the wardrobe architect, "I don't know why, [but I was] completely ignoring [my] signature color." -- Legally blonde
I have also noticed how purples have begun to creep into my field of vision. I had put purple out to pasture for a while, but it's really a lovely color. I'm talking traditional rich, french lavender that's a purple-blue, or electric purple. I'm not really into deep red purples, aubergine, or eggplant.
As you can see, I'm not attracted to warm tones or autumn color schemes. I classify my color preference as Florida, likely Florida Keys. Bright vibrant colors - like the water, the skies, the flora, and my colors are organized as such. The colors also talked to me of moods and nature. For example, I find it interesting is that I adore photographing the sky and I could not imagine my palette without blue sky colors.
It was rather difficult to identify anything as a neutral. Pink isn't really a netural, not just by standard terms, but because I don't always want to wear it. I love it and would wear it 70/5 - 80% of the time, but I like to give the other colors of my bright rainbow a chance too!
When I finally selected neutrals, they were dead last. I began thinking about what colors I use to balance out my brights. I always tend to pair a bright piece with denim, black or white. Perfect! I found switzerland and I don't even have to make any major changes to my wardrobe. SWEET!
To challenge myself in thinking about pairing colors for outfits, I began with a color combo I tend to adore - blue and orange - complimentary colors. Oh how exciting. I love these colors together and look, they also represent sun and sky or orange flowers (even maybe just the stamens, like crocus) and blue skies.
Now that I'm learning what significance my favorite colors and color combos hold for me, I'm even more excited. I better understand my passion and choices which is really freeing and empowering. I choose these not just because they are lovely, but also because I gravitate towards items that fulfill more than one purpose, such as functional and soulful. For example, I love flowers and sunshine surrounded by vibrant, clear, blue skies. Take that description and apply it into a windblock jacket and you instantly have "sunny days taking the clouds away..." everytime you put it on. Intent and significance appears to deepen the value for me. Interesting!!!
What does color do for you?
Do you notice any additional significance in your life behind the colors you choose?
Maybe you always choose autumn (or spring) colors because that is your favorite season.
Whatever you choose, I hope it brings a smile to your face every time you see it in your life.