Pantone's 2014 Color of The Year, as I'm sure you all know by now, is Radiant Orchid.

According to Pantone..."Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple—one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health."

If you aren't the type of person to wear a lot of color (anyone else totally guilty of living in black clothing for the winter...?), now is the time to bust out a little something something for your outfits. Spring is fast approaching, or so we New Englanders like to hope, and everyone is pining for something to rejuvenate their dull wardrobe.

Let me show you how to wear Radiant Orchid, whether you love wearing bright colors or refuse to wear anything that isn't monotone.

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Radiant Orchid by asmallbit featuring a clear nail polish

LOOK #1
Going Out With The Girls

Black is such a safe color to wear when you want to look put together but also dressy. Wear a flowy cropped tank top with high-waisted jeans or pants and strappy heels for the perfect outfit to get your groove on! Incorporate a bit of Radiant Orchid with your accessories, whether it be studs for a subtle touch or a small crossbody bag to break up the black.

It'll give your outfit a little more interest and on the bright side, you'll be able to spot your bag easily if you leave it somewhere!


LOOK #2
Lunch, Brunch, Dinner Date

A striped top is an essential. Skater or circle skirts have been in trend for a while now and pair well with fitted tops to give the illusion of an hourglass figure. Go for a cropped version for a more springtime appropriate look and choose a skirt that is bold in color. The Radiant Orchid color will speak for itself and the brightness of the color will lift the entire tone of the outfit. It's a wonderful alternative to the showstopper red that most people would consider a "sexy" or "attractive" color if you plan on wearing this on a date.

Tie in the color of your skirt with a necklace and keep the outfit balanced with some nude heels (they'll lengthen your legs, too. bonus!). If you really aren't feeling the colored skirt, pair the top with a black skirt and opt for a bright lipstick instead. It'll instantly brighten up the face.


LOOK #3
Frolicking in the Fields

Whether you plan on going shopping or having a picnic, this outfit is great for casual activities. Overalls have been making a comeback in the form of skirts and shorts. Go for a lighter wash denim to contrast with a bold colored top. The graphic tee I chose is fitted and cropped, to maintain the figure against the looser silhouette of the overalls. Graphic tees are fun and easy to wear. Depending on the graphic, it can be a great way to showcase your personal style and be a conversation starter!

Don't like how crazy the print is? No problem. This will look just as good with a white tee. Try a bold nail polish color to add a bit of color to the outfit. If you just aren't a fan of the brightness of the Radiant Orchid color, try a lighter tone of purple in your accessories or your shoes. Canvas sneakers are an easy way to incorporate color to an outfit (and they're wicked comfy!).


I hope these tips were helpful and you can use them as a general guide to wearing any kind of color. Happy styling!



~Jenn

These outfits don't necessarily have to be worn just for dates. They're perfect for hangouts with friends, lunches with your family, and any other occasion you see fit!

I've taken some basic outfits and used various accessories to give the outfit a different "look" depending on what you personally like to wear. Some people tend to dress a little more feminine than others and some really prefer being casual at all times. The types of accessories you choose should also depend on what you and your date plan on doing as well.

Quick Recommendations:
Wear flat shoes and sneakers if you're doing a lot of walking or maybe going to an amusement park. You won't be able to have fun if your feet are hurting!

Likewise, if you know you'll be doing minimal walking, such as spending time at a restaurant or the movies, then you might consider finding accessories that you can feel comfortable wearing in a sitting position for an extended period of time. For me, bracelets can get irritating during the movies because they make sounds when you move. And, in this case, you can definitely wear shoes with a little more height as your feet won't wear out as quickly.

If you're really confident and know you can handle the height, by all means, go for a platform pump! I think this type of shoe is perfect for evening dates and can turn a daytime outfit into a nighttime outfit. If you'd like the height but don't think you can walk around in such a high heel, then wearing boots with a chunky heel might work better for you. :)

This first outfit features an open knit sweater (somewhat cropped) and a bright floral dress as the foundation. Depending on where you live, it could get chilly at night so the sweater will come in handy and it looks really cute when you have the patterned dress peeping out underneath.
Of course, these accessories will look great even without the sweater so play around with the ideas to make it fit your own style!


This second outfit is a go-to for me. You can never go wrong with a nice fitting pair of denim jeans and a cute T-shirt. It doesn't expose too much skin (which, I think is a good thing!) and it gives off a very down-to-earth vibe. If that's the kind of look you're going for, then this outfit is perfect for you!


The third outfit features chiffon dresses! One of the biggest trends from last year moving forward into this summer is the chiffon material, whether it be used for a dress, blouse, or skirt. It's lightweight and perfect for those hot summer days. I find that dresses with an A-line are also flattering on many different body shapes and sizes so I'd recommend this option to anyone!


If you have any other suggestions or ways you'd style these outfits, let me know! I'd love to hear about it!
I truly hope you enjoyed reading this post and that it's sparked some new outfit ideas :)


Until next time,
{kissies}
~Jenn