HOW TO WEAR A COLORFUL TOP
I get comments all the time from readers regarding my use of color. I am always surprised by comments like these. Doesn’t everyone like to wear beautiful tops of a wide range of colors? I understand that you might have some reluctance to wearing wild and colorful pants, but I never realized that wearing a bright colored top would be a challenge.
Today I am going to show you how to wear a colorful top. The Coco Bianco top I have on in today’s post is a wonderful example of summer colors. You have different shades of blues, streaks of hot pink, a lovely shade of orange, several shades of green, and then a balancing color of white. The print is pretty crazy, with a lot going on. You have different size paisley patterns, along with some floral interest. I have always been told that when you wear anything with a print, you wear it in direct proportion to your size. So if you are petite, you should wear clothing with a smaller print. If you are a larger lady, your prints can also be larger.
Colorful Top: Hale Bob | Christin Michaels | Coco Bianco | Melissa McCarthy
When I am wearing an item with a lot of pattern, I will tend to wear a solid top or pant to offset all the craziness. The trend lately has been to mix it up with another pattern. In theory, I could have worn these pants then with this top. Would you have worn those pants?
I like to tone down everything else in my outfit when I am wearing a colorful or wildly printed item. I will even try to tone down my jewelry. Today I have on a necklace from Stella & Dot called the Zuni. I like this necklace, it has the look of layered necklaces, but it has done the hard work for you. My earrings (similar) are just some I picked up somewhere, and they are nothing special. 
Bangle Bracelet: Kate Spade | Michael Kors | Tasseled
I have had these stretch ankle pants from Jules and Leopold for several years. In fact, it is time I start looking for a replacement pair. This pair is starting to look a little dingy. I am going to see if I can “brighten” them back up, otherwise they will be known from here on as winter white. Lol!
White Ankle Pants: Liz Claiborne | Worthington | Rafaella (Plus)
I had finally taken everything out of my hot pink Vera Bradley Ella bag, and then I decided it was what I needed to carry today. Haha I thought the pink would look good with the blouse and bring out the pink tones. I still kept the purse a solid color, and stayed away from a print. I have on “Old Betsy” my favorite go-to shoes. These Aerosoles wedge shoes will go with anything. I like that they are almost the same color as my legs, as this helps to elongate my legs. I could have worn the shoes in this post, or even this one, but I went with a basic pair instead.
Wedge Shoes: Similar | Similar | Similar
I just wanted to give you a better look at this top. The bottom is banded and then the top half in flowy and loose. The sleeves are sheer, almost a batwing effect.
I am so glad to be back home. We had a blast at the GFWC Virginia Conference, but there is no place like home. I missed my puppies and my hubby, and not in that order. Lol! Several of you commented about the possibility of joining a woman’s club in your area, and I am working on getting the list of membership chairmen from your state. They would be able to tell you the nearest club. I want to tell you about a State project that GFWC Virginia Woman’s Club held several years ago. I am sure most of you remember the tragic shooting on the Virginia Tech campus in 2007. In response to that horrible event, the women of GFWC Virginia decided to purchase a fully equipped ambulance for the rescue squad at Virginia Tech. This was a HUGE task since the ambulance would cost close to 120,000.00, and we would only have two years to raise the money. This weekend, two volunteer rescue workers came and spoke to us about how much this ambulance has meant to the school. The ambulance was driven to the Inn, and we all went out to look at the ambulance, which supports the GFWC Virginia emblem on both of its sides. It was a moment of pure pride. We DO make a difference.
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I stumbled across this photo while looking for some ideas of something to wear to my 30 year class reunion. Thank you for the tips!! You look amazing in everything you wear! 🙂
When I found your blog and started following it I realized my wardrobe had shifted to mostly black! Now every time I shop I try to find some color, at least in my shirts that I buy. I have those shoes (got them at TJ Maxx also) I love them, they are surprisingly comfortable.
I love bright colors! It fits my personality. I don’t wear a lot of black.
What a great gift – an ambulance. Thank you and all the club members for that.
I recently bought a very colorful top due to your blog’s influence. It is not at all like what I normally wear.
Haha, I love that you stepped out of your comfort zone. NOW, you actually need to wear the top, not just let it hang in the closet. ?
Love color. I think it gives us that pop to an outfit. Love your blog.
That top is so flattering with the banded bottom- makes you look so skinny! BTW, what does GFW stand for?
It is Generation Federation of Women’s Clubs.
I, for one, LOVE your use of color! People are scared to be noticed I think. Love color, pattern! And you do it so well.
Do you have a system to easily changing out purses? I have a lot of crap in mine and changing out everyday, even if I had a lot of purses would be hard. I was curious what you do. I’m stuck in a rut of neutral colors but I’m trying to branch out.
No Tricia, I don’t have an easy solution. I have looked at those purse caddy’s that interchange, but I have never liked any of them. I do try to contain items in wristlets, so I have about three wristlets full of items. That makes it easier than all the items being loose in the purse. Just make sure you use different colors or different print on the wristlets.
I’m not drawn to paisley that often (other than Brad!) but I adore this look and how you’ve balanced everything. I’m going to do nude wedges next time with my white ankle pants, it really lengthens your legs! Thanks Tania☺️
Naomi, I am slow. It took me a few minutes to figure out what you were talking about. Brad??? Lol!!!
Tania your top is beautiful. I love the entire outfit.
I also want to congratulate you and the GFWC Virginia for your work on getting an ambulance for Virginia Tech. That has to be such a great piece of mind for the Virginia Tech Campus.
Thank you for your blogs. I really enjoy them.
Kelly R.
Love this outfit, especially the top. I love bright colors and prints. My Mom and I are so different in our clothes choices. She stays with the neutrals and I go for the colors. She wears white capri pants all summer and I have yet to wear the pair I bought to wear this summer. But I must say she always looks nice. Have a great day Tania.
Just as beautiful as a butterfly!
If I had the nerve to wear a lot of color ( and I wish I did) I’d likely leave the necklace off and just do a big earring…wouldn’t want to overwhelm those who are used to me in all black, lol !
Beautiful top. I noticed some bloggers just wear solid color tops which is so boring. I think you need both in your wardrobe.
Love this top!!
Jaymie
http://www.jaymieashcraft.com
I LOVE this top esp the banded bottom…..
Very nice outfit, I like to wear bright colors too!
I don’t wear white pants. My bottom half is my problem so I will wear a thousand colourful tops while wearing black pants.
You look great as usual, I love the outfit! I am glad I got you home safe and sound! Have a great week!
This is a very stunning top. The colors are my favorites and the soft flowing style add to the appeal for me. It is so pretty on you. I too would choose solid pants, either white or navy. In my opinion, adding print pants (even your cute picnic pants) detracts from each print. Too busy and the eye doesn’t know where to look. I was always taught that there should be one focal point of an outfit. I just wish an exact duplicate was available. Have a bright and happy Monday.
I always prefer one focal point, two at the most. Even with pattern mixing, I will try to let one of the patterns be the focal point. Thanks so much for following.?
I love the pattern and colours in this top and would feel happy all day wearing it. Bright colours really affect how I feel.
I just said that to Audrey, too. I love happy colors!
Happy Monday and what a beautiful way to start the day for us! I naturally go for something like your top. Looks great on you and reminded me to wear something bright today as I start my work day.
I love bright colors, they make me feel better. Happy Monday to you also.?
Style and grace with a pop! Well done, you!
Thanks, Tania.
Debs xxx
Awww, thanks Debs.?
Good Monday Morning To You Tania,
I can’t used to mixing patterns so I would not have wore the picnic pants. I like the ones you are wearing. I also like the neutral colored shoes since there are so many colors in your top. I also agree to tone down the jewelry with the pattern being so busy. Great combo. ~Lisa~
We are on the same page, Lisa. Pattern mixing does not come easy for me, and I am usually not a huge fan.
Super cute top – love the sleeves Tania!
Today I posted “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover” – relating really to trying clothing on before judging it…you might like it 😉
http://funkyforty.com/dont-judge-a-book-by-its-cover/
Wishing you a wonderful start to the week!
xx Yvonne
http://www.funkyforty.com
You’re right, Yvonne. Clothing looks so different on. You should always give it a chance before saying, “I would never wear that.”
Your top is really nice and some of the colours matches your hair. ?
Haha Pauline, I hadn’t noticed. Lol!
You look stunning in this gorgeous top, keeping everything else plain lets it take centre stage. Your pedicure look fab too!
I only like one thing to be centre stage also.
That is an incredibly beautiful top. I shy away from flower patterns for some odd reason, but I love paisley. I would wear that top!
I am not a huge floral fan either, Kathe.