WIW: Red and Brown

It took a few days to figure it out, but I finally came up with a red/brown combo. I don't wear much brown, having been traumatised at an early age by a chocolate/cream coloured school uniform, so it tends to be reserved for accents.

I found this little top, another gift from my awesome sister, when I was purging the holding pen over the weekend. I'll be honest, I'm not sure about it. I quite like it, it fits nicely but it doesn't thrill me and I wonder if it's adding pounds to my somewhat top-heavy figure. Also perhaps a bit dated, but that's rarely a deal breaker for me if I like something.

I paired it with navy tights and this skirt, a genius number from local hero BYBROWN, one of my favourite Amsterdam brands. You can't see from the picture but the ruches can be undone and adjusted on tiny hooks in the blue band.

The other things you can't quite see are my lovely Dr Martens Elizabeth brogues, which I had to have since that's my name, and who can resist a gorgeous pair of shoes with her name on?

I never would have thought of putting these two items together but the colours and the ruches are playing so nicely that I think I might give the top a reprieve and see if I can find some other ways to style it. What do you ladies think?

Thanks for the inspiration Angie!

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14 Comments

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    I think this is excellent. I see what you mean about the top - in itself I don't know if I would love it, but here with the similarly ruched skirt it works really nicely. I love the shoes too - I recently picked up a pair of wedged oxfords with fringe and Doc Marten style stitching that look a bit like these. 

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    Agreeing with Shevia. I LoVe the brogues!

  • Classically Casual replied 9 years ago

    I like this a lot...all the ruching and your hairstyle contribute to a coherent whole that's simple, but distinctive. This color combo works amazingly well, doesn't it? Like you, brown rarely gets a chance in my closet.

  • Astrid replied 9 years ago

    It looks great! I like the jacket in this outfit, paired with the ruched skirt. I almost bought Docs in the same color a while ago, but they ended up being too small for me.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    FABULOUS.

    I love those tones of red with your orange hair. Nice that you wore flats with a skirt too. The ruched detailing in both the top and bottom complement each other. 

    (I don't wear chocolate brown either - school uniform killed the colour. But I LOVE cognac, toffee and a warm tan). 

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    Luxurious!

    ETA: I need the rain dress!

  • Helena replied 9 years ago

    It's a beautiful color on you!

  • approprio replied 9 years ago

    Thanks all!

    Angie, CC, TG - thanks for the colour advice! I wear a lot of red but the orange end of the spectrum can sometimes look a bit harsh on me. And I don't think I'll ever overcome my fear of brown (what is it about school uniform?!) But it was fun to wear today, and I LOVE the combination!

    Astrid, Shevia, great hair! Shevia, does the new profile pic mean we'll see some outfits soon? 

    Astrid, jackiec, if you're thinking of buying Docs, look out for the Made in England classics. More expensive but much better quality!

    Rachylou, if you ride a bike you do indeed need the Raindress. I took delivery of mine today (in Army Green) and I can't wait to get dressed up for the lousy Amsterdam weather. It looks darn cool and there's so many little details that make it work as practical rain gear.

  • gardenchick replied 9 years ago

    Lovely, great color combo!

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    Oh, I'd love to see a pic! I'd probably go with the black - black is always safe in the city.

    I could sure use a raincoat. We are having a 30-year record winter of storms. Right. And so I went and threw out my rain poncho earlier this year, because not only are we having a record drought at the same time (it's bewildering), it didn't work at all. Left my arms to get all wet!

  • replied 9 years ago

    Holy moly I love those shoes! Not sure it's my look at all, but man I love them. Anyways, same with your two pieces here: from a purely objective stance, I really like the colour mix, the ruching on each piece, and the entire effect is one of considered artiness. Made up word. I think you look quite fantastic!

  • frannieb replied 9 years ago

    love the outfit -  the top and skirt are both killer and together I guess they are killer squared. love  having to have shoes with your name makes all the sense in the world to me.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    I like this outfit! The echoed ruching works really nicely. I love, love the brogues with this outfit, too!
    How about trying the top open, as a jacket with other outfits, to extend its functions in your wardrobe?

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    No kidding you had to have those shoes!! LOVE!! 

    I also love the outfit on you. It's fun and subtly romantic with the ruching. I love the way it plays with your hair. 

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