Well ladies, it’s that time of year again: there’s a chill in the air, Riverside park is strewn with fallen leaves, and pumpkins line every front stoop. It’s October, and you know what that means… Breast Cancer Awareness Month! (Were you gonna say Halloween?) It’s time to don our favorite pink clothes in support of the fight against breast cancer.
Pink can sometimes be a hard color to pull off, as it often comes off as cloyingly girly or like straight up Pepto-Bismol. With a few tips, however, you can avoid looking like princess Barbie this year, and create an elegant, mature ensemble. Most importantly, you can make pink the focal point of your outfit in a sophisticated way to truly show support for breast cancer awareness.
Pink Pants
Pants are a fun, unexpected way to incorporate pink into your outfit; since pants are usually darker colors, like black or denim, switching it up with bright pink will make the color the focal point of your ensemble. To avoid clashing colors, pair with neutrals, like white, gray, or even navy. Keep in mind that the shade of pink can make or break your look. Coral, paired with a button down, pearls, and wedges, is a bright, preppy outfit perfect for class. Hot pink and neon will make a bolder statement, sending a strong, confident message. Dusty rose or pale pink tend to look more subtle and understated, and can sometimes double as neutrals.
Pink Blazers
Opting for a pink blazer, as opposed to black or gray, is a great way to spice up a professional look. A twist on a classic piece, a pop of pink can make a work ensemble fun and unique, and showcase your personal style (although note that this may not be appropriate for every workplace.) For a cute day-to-night look, throw a pink blazer over a dress as an alternative to a jacket; this look can transition perfectly from the classroom or internship, straight to a dinner date. Pair with statement jewelry and a leather bag to finish off the look.
The LPD (Little Pink Dress)
As New York women, we know that the Little Black Dress is a wardrobe staple – it can be found in any woman’s closet, and is appropriate for any night out. I’m in no way belittling the versatility of the LBD, but I think it’s time to step out of the box: go bold with an LPD! When done right, pink dresses can be unbelievably chic, highlight your complexion, and make you stand out in a great way. In a pink dress, you will definitely stand out in a sea of black and gray, and any woman daring enough to sport this look at a bar or party will exude confidence. Pick a shade of pink that complements your skin tone to boost this look to the next level: ladies with tan or olive skin can go for neon or bright fuchsia, while those with lighter skin should opt for pale pinks with beige or peach undertones.
Be Mindful of Color Scheme
Since pink has the ability to make a strong statement, it’s important to pick the right shade and pair it with complementary colors. What you match with your pink pieces can either tone down the color, or make it pop! Here are some examples:
Pink and Beige
If bright pink is too vibrant for you, tone-down the color by matching it with light neutrals, like beige, white, and tan. A light dusty rose can go perfectly with a brighter blazer and keeps it from popping too much, creating an understated, sophisticated ensemble. For an even subtler look, try pairing a peachy pink dress with cognac leather – it balances out the pink and appears more neutral.
High Contrast
Pairing pink with black and white is a sure-fire way to make pink the focal point of your outfit! This look is bold, and can draw attention to your favorite pieces. Stick with one pink item to be the centerpiece of your look, and match it with black, and touches of white, to emphasize the color. This high-contrast style will get you noticed, and make a statement for Breast Cancer Awareness by highlighting the pink in your outfit!
All Pink, All Day
Not for the faint-of-heart, this look is definitely a risk… But if done right, you could be the best-dressed woman around. Wearing pink on pink (on pink) is a fun, feminine way to express your style – it shows that you are confident, unique, and spirited! Once again, the shade of pink is crucial to the message you send with your look; hot pink is vivid and powerful, while light, baby pink is a little less audacious. Layering different shades is also an eye-catching alternative that will highlight your creative side: it takes serious artistic skill to fearlessly make 4 shades of pink work in one look! Though the “pink on pink” look is difficult to execute, it can be stunning – and going completely pink is a great way to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
You can also show your support by purchasing pink items here, to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and give free mammograms to women in need: http://thebreastcancersite.gre…
*All images from Pinterest.com*