At my work I am kind of known for my colorful wardrobe. My two coworkers pretty much only wear black. They occasionally throw in white, gray, and navy, but for the most part they stay with cold colors. I constantly try to convince them otherwise but they end up telling me that I can pull it off and they can’t. So I always ask them, “well have you ever tried?”

I was reading this month’s issue of Redbook magazine and they have a short list of “5 Ways to be Fearless in Color” (pg. 55). There are some great tips here like the first one “Play it (deceptively) safe”. In this first tip they advise that if you are just getting into vibrate colors start with you favorite shape of clothing. Many women like to wear black because it is “slimming”. Wearing colors makes them fear they will look bigger. If you wear something colorful in a style you know fits well and looks great on you, I completely agree that you will be more comfortable.

The second point was one I never really thought about, “Have flawless protection”. Reading the subtitle of this point I wasn’t quite sure where they were going with it. Turns out we need to keep our moisturizer and deodorant more in mind. I’ve never really liked white deodorants because you can usually see it on you AND it gets on your clothes. For this reason I use the Tom’s of Maine natural deodorant in lavender. I know there should be more reasons why I use this deodorant like the fact that it is natural and aluminum free and all that, but if I am being honest I started using it just for the fact that it was clear and smells amazing. Anyways, I never thought about how what is in our lotion and deodorant can be staining our clothes, especially colors. Something to think about!

Third, “Add a mighty little pop”… of makeup! This is a fun way to add some color to your look. I do love this idea, but I am not always brave enough to try it. I think the simplest way to try this out is with eyeliner. Redbook suggests a turquoise liner or a lavender shadow. I am all for the lavender shadow but I will have to build up to the turquoise liner, maybe start off with a darker blue. I do have a plum liner that I never use even though it is so pretty. Maybe I will be brave a day this week and give it a go, stay tuned for that.

This next point is a definite yes, “Give your clothes TLC” with washing. It does not look good when you go to wear a vibrant color and it is faded from washing it. You end up not giving off the look you were trying to. I do exactly as Redbook suggests, “turn new pieces inside out and use a cold-water cycle.” The cold water really makes a difference. The end of that sentence though I do not do, use “a detergent that’s formulated for colors,” I generally just buy the generic brand which probably isn’t the best for my clothes.

Lastly, “Forget the rules”. Wear what you want and like! As I mentioned earlier and Redbook also mentions in this point, don’t worry about colors making you look bigger because it isn’t true. They also mentioned a point I always struggle with, that redheads can’t wear pink! I worry about that but pink is my favorite color so I wear it anyways. Just be confident in what you wear and try new things. Style can and should be really fun!