The Occasional Woman — Color!

Dear Readers,

Let’s talk about color. The colors you choose can brighten your complexion, highlight your best assets, and hide a multitude of sins. The can also dull your skin, magnify any imperfections you may have, and highlight your underwear. Or lack of same.

Let’s start with Black.

We have been told that black can make you look thinner, and is always classy. While these are both true, I prefer black as a PART of an outfit — like a slim black skirt, tailored pair of black pants, or the little black dress-with colorful accents or jewelry. If you are a white lady, of pale complexion, and of a “certain age,” black worn near the face can sometimes make you look like a dead person — it is too severe and unforgiving. Try some navy, brown or a dark color that actually IS a color! If you are fortunate to have natural color, because of being Italian, or a Nubian Sister, this rule doesn’t quite apply, unless you are very ill.

Well, it does get dirty easily, so if you are a klutz or a messy person, go with beige! For the neat people among us, it looks best on paler ladies — if you have some skin color, or (goffabid) non-shiny teeth, try for a cream, ecru or off-white.

Then there is the Butt Conundrum — if you are decked out in white pants, your gluteal region will be an eye-catcher! Got a big tushie? If you love it and are proud of it, then go right ahead and make it the star of the show! If it is more…uh…deflated, then maybe pair them white pants with a slightly longer top, or a flowy jacket. And PLEASE — wear some damn UNDIES under white pants! Nobody wants to see a big red THONG under there.

It’s better for somewhat sloppy people. And if you are seriously Caucasian, just make sure the beige doesn’t totally match your skin — you might look nekkid. And do try to spice it up with some pops of colors.

Yellow is a tricky color. Best to hold it up to your face, under harsh lighting — if it makes you look deceased, then DON”T DO IT! Wear it as an accent, like a scarf, or a belt, or maybe pants, a skirt, or shorts. I love it, but when I wear it near my face, people always ask if I’m feeling okay. Darker skin — it’s a YES! Enjoy!

Orange — See Yellow.

With so many shades of red, this is a person-by-person, color-by-color choice. Some bluish reds are great for darker skin, while real explosive reds work better on some pale skinned humans. Bright lights will help determine which works for you.

I like it on just about everybody! Again, with so many differing shades, hold it up to your face and take it from there.

Blue can be a wonderful color on a lot of people; it also comes in eight billion shades, from deep navy to cobalt blue, royal blue, Cadet blue, Delft blue, teal, aquamarine, turquoise, pale blue and on and on. I think there is a blue for everyone — shop around and find yours!

Green is a lot like blue; Kelly green, emerald, lime green, spring green, etc etc. And as it is a mix of yellow and blue, it can kind of go either way.

The lesser shades, like pink, are generally lovely on everyone — the rosy effect of pink softens your look and helps you look healthy, hot pink makes you look, well, HOT. Fuchsia is a vibrant, flattering color on most people, test it with sharp lighting.

Grey, can go either way.

If I think of any other colors and their effects, I will let you ladies know next time. In the meantime, wear what you love, and don’t forget appropriate underpinnings!

Tags: fashion, featured, opinion, style

Category: Style, Transgender Fashion