Exploring color theory with silk separates

It's exactly what the headline suggests!

Hi and happy Friday!

Today’s newsletter is a little different than the rest in that it has a full explosion of color! Only a few neutrals are present, otherwise we’re bold, we’re beautiful, and we’re hitting the broad spectrum. The last two weeks in New York have been grey and glum and I guess I needed to manifest some cheer for myself because as I looked through all my saved items of the last week, they were all bursting from the screen.

So to make merry while the sun is still gone, I’ve chosen to mix and match these pieces in different combinations than I ever normally would. In short: we’re dipping our toes into color theory. As well you know there is a science behind why some colors sing together and others just scream, but I’m no expert, so what you’ll find below isn’t some deep examination behind my choices, just a celebration that they’ve found each other in this crazy, mixed-up world. (Mainly, though, these work because they’re complementary colors.)

You’ll also notice these are all pant-based looks and silk separates. That was just where my brain was when sourcing this week, so even though you don’t need to be allegiant to these exact outfits, hopefully the different color combos inspire you to try something new with your own wardrobe!

Happy shopping!

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Citrine + White + Powder Blue

Rag & Bone citrine sheer top, $60 + White deadstock tank, $20 + Powder blue pants, $15

This was the outfit that started it all! This is the kind of outfit that I feel screams Gen Z by way of Gen X: it’s a bowling-style shirt worn open with loose trousers, but updated in color and fabric for a modern take. Like, this is a combo that Chandler Bing would have worn but add chunky shoes and teeny sunglasses, and you’ve got a Saturday in spring in Williamsburg.

Taupe + Chartreuse + Berry

Taupe bodysuit, $38 + Chartreuse silk pants, $25 (matching jacket if ya wanna make it a suit here)+ Marc Jacobs berry boots, $87

You knew I’d get taupe in here somewhere! I would wear this to work but I could also easily see this as a wander-around-town-bopping-between-shops-bars-and-cafes kinda look. Which pretty much means it will take you anywhere. Sterling or brass would be a great jewelry addition.

Tangerine + Periwinkle + Teal

Orange blazer, $31 + Periwinkle silk blouse, $15 + Teal silk pants, $45

This one’s also work-ready, but I could also see this as a meet-and-greet kind of look. Like if I were attending a reading - or if I was the one reading at the reading - I’d wear this. It’s bold and cool; unexpected but totally put together. I would round this out with some chestnut loafers.

Lime + Sage + Red

Green mohair coat, $79 + Sage silk button down, $10 + Red silk pants, $34

This is for a big family gathering, like an autumn reunion wherein you haven’t seen people in a while. You want to be comfortable but you want to stand out. Your current gig may be as the assistant to an executive but to your family you’ll look like the executive. (Also those jobs are so demanding - nothing but respect!).

Forest Green + Olive + Royal Blue

Forest green leather jacket, $19 + Gianfranco Ferre top, $135 + Blue silk trousers, $32

This is for a dinner and movie where you’re spending time with your friends and their other friends. If it was just your friends you would simply wear jeans, a tee, and the jacket, but you want to *show up* and show the other friends why your shared friends are friends with you, too. You get it. (This top really reminds me of this iconic Prada show and I love it).

Red + Rust + Charcoal

Red turtleneck, $24 + Rust silk blouse, $25 + Grey Chanel pants, $85

I actually wore this exact combo when I was a costume P.A., so…this is a great outfit as a costume P.A.! Wear the rust blouse untucked for sure (and add white sneakers). You look stylish enough that they’ll ask you to buy and style for a couple scenes, and you’re mobile enough to lug 15 garment bags from Barney’s (RIP) to your production van. Not to be too exact about it or anything.

Peach + Dusty Rose + Mustard

Peach linen button down, $19 + Pink silk pants, $25 + Aime Leon Dore loafers, $59

This combo reminds me of Rachel Comey in the summer. Love that the pink shades are *just* close enough and then a good pow! at the bottom with the mustard loafers. If I had a store, this would be my shop girl uniform. Stylish but approachable so customers would trust that the fashion advice I offer is in good faith and effective!

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On Tuesday I’ll be building outfits inspired by these sheer beauts (there’s more here), so sign up below if you want to upgrade to be a paid subscriber!

Regardless, thank you as always for being here and I hope this bright newsletter brought you some cheer! xx Maggie