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Time to Take Break…A Color Break
October 29, 2019

As we age, we lose color. This is no surprise to us maturing women. But, what is surprising is that our go-to neutrals may no longer flatter our complexions. How can you make a neutral work for you when it really isn’t working for you? Add a color break, that’s how.

Some of you might remember my very popular blog: NEUTRALS ARE NOT IN THE COLOR CLUB, where you learned that neutrals like black, white, off-white, gray, and brown are Not Actually Colors at all. (The literal definition of “neutral” means: not helping or supporting.) In the case of color, it means a neutral doesn’t actually draw your eye to it.

What is a Color Break?

In Quintessential Style, we describe a Color Break as the addition of color at your face, that separates the less than flattering garment color you are wearing. You can accomplish this break with the addition of complementary accessories such as jewelry, scarves, or makeup.

For many of us black is our go-to color. And, of course, all of us own some black. But, there is a danger of disappearing when you wear black, especially in evening wear, if you don’t add something colorful or light-filled that will bring attention to your face.

Consider Vogue Editor, Anna Wintour. When she wears black, she pairs it with what has become her signature necklace–one or more strands of colored crystals, that bring both color and light to her face.

The necklaces create a “break” between her black dress and her complexion.
Photo Credit: David Fisher
Gray is also a neutral.

Here are a few more examples of successfully using a color break when you wear a neutral.

Well, you get the message. So the next time you are tempted to wear a neutral, consider adding a colorful accessory at your face, to lighten and brighten your look.

One more example: This was Kate Snow anchoring the evening news a few nights ago. Good job, Kate!

50 Ways to Wear a Scarfneuteralsneutral dressingScarves
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Sharon White

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4 Comments


Cindy
October 29, 2019 at 6:06 pm
Reply

I love the visuals. The colors pop and really support the dressing tip. Thanks.



    Sharon White
    October 30, 2019 at 3:09 pm
    Reply

    I know, Cindy. Photos can tell it all!
    Thanks for writing.

Hilde Cort
October 31, 2019 at 1:26 pm
Reply

I loved the photos you used. They made a lot more sense to me about color break! 🙂 That is the first time I’ve ever seen Anna Wintour without glasses!!! I had wondered what her eyes looked like!! And they are beautiful; so I’m wondering why she wears glasses all the time, including inside!!
Also, I saw Kate Snow the other night and made a comment to my husband about that necklace! (I think he probably rolled his eyes! haha) I think she is slowly learning what to wear now that she is giving the news more! Thanks for the great advise!



    Sharon White
    November 3, 2019 at 7:41 am
    Reply

    Hilde,
    70-year-old Anna Wintour has been Vogue editor since 1988. She’s probably in the spotlight as often as the models she works with. Very stylish, indeed. And after working in the fashion business her entire life, it is interesting to see how her style changes as she matures.

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