Color Play - Black and Olive
I love color. Bright color, dark color, bold color, muted color, neutral color, pastel color, and all manner of prints and print mixes. I do not think I have met a color I didn’t like, or at least that I didn’t see potential for its use. Many people will disagree with me when I say, every woman can wear every color, but my reasoning is based on two factors: the shade or hue of the color, and where the color is worn on the body. While it is true that not every woman can wear a stark black next to her face, there are numerous shades and hues of black from gray black, to blue black and even brown black. In addition, if a woman just doesn’t like any shade of black near her face, there is no reason she can’t wear black pants, or have plentiful black shoes and bags.
My desire with this monthly look at color is to open your mind to embracing colors outside your normal comfort zone. There is no problem with being an all neutrals kind of gal, but start thinking about adding a little pizzazz to your outfit with a bright pink beaded necklace and earrings , or a lovely printed scarf with rusty oranges, reds and yellows. This isn’t just about how you look to the outside world. This is also about loving yourself and enjoying all the beautiful color in this world we live in.
For today’s post, I decided to start with two colors that are fairly classic and unobtrusive: black and olive.
Let me first say, having a daughter who is a professional photographer always makes me keenly aware of what I lack in the picture taking realm. I will give you pictures. I will either take them on my phone or on my camera, but they won’t be to the standard I would like, ha, ha. Now that I have said my piece, on with the post.
Olive is one of those greens that can come in a variety of shades. Check out this page from when I Googled olive color shades. The olive color of my older Sonoma cardigan from Kohl’s, and on this thrifted, Forever 21, camouflage sweater is what I would call olive drab, or military olive. It leans more towards brown than a true olive green. However, if you put it next to a brown sweater, it definitely looks green.
It is easy to pair olive with black. For that matter, any color pairs just as well with black as with white. Just envision this same outfit with a pair of white wide leg jeans instead of the black skinnies. It would work perfectly and give the look a whole new vibe.
My black skinnies are Simply Vera by Vera Wang and I either got them on the clearance rack at Kohl’s or at a thrift store. I really can’t remember. Yes, I know! I am still wearing my skinnies. They will likely come back around, as most things do, so I won’t be getting rid of them.
My Seven Dials combat boots are starting to show some wear, but they are one of my faves and so comfortable.
I added a few pieces of jewelry and a thrifted Tignanello bag.
I actually got this cute little bag when we were in Wisconsin for my father-in-law’s funeral. Since we ended up staying the whole week we were a bit underprepared, so I went to a thrift store to get us a few things for the funeral.
Olive and black are a great color combination for any season. In the spring you could combine a pair of black joggers with an olive zip up hoodie for a cozy, casual lunch as the temps are still cool. In the summer try pairing olive trousers with a black silky sleeveless for a classic work look. In the fall reach for that warm olive pullover to wear with your black maxi skirt.
Remember you don’t have to go full bore with these colors. You can just use each of these colors as accents with any other colored outfit. Wearing a navy dress? Reach for a set of olive beads and an olive bag and shoes. You can still have fun with a variety of colors without having to invest a lot of money.
What do you think of these colors? Do you wear olive and black together, or do you wear them separately? I’d love to hear your thoughts so leave me some love in the comments.
I’m including a few shopping links. I am going to try to find a few other affiliate programs so I can bring you more moderately priced shopping and brands you know and love. Keep an eye out for that.
Have a great Tuesday. Be sure to check back on Thursday for the first installment in a creative fiction series brought to you by me. Ha, ha.
Love and hugs!
