Reader Question - Adding Some Spice

Hi! I have been reading your blog for a while and I LOVE all of your awesome outfits. I was wondering if you could help me out. I will be starting work as an assistant kindergarten teacher in the fall. I want to wear outfits that are practical and comfortable, but I recently realized that almost everything I wear is a solid color! I need some patterns in my life, like some cute colorful tops. Can you please make some suggestions? I am 5'5 and a size 4 if that helps.

Thank you, have a great weekend =)
♥, Jessica

Jessica, I can totally relate to your question. I can remember a time (really only about 5 years ago) when I wore basic outfits (built more for comfort than fashion) and lots of solid colors. Given your job you need to keep things practical and comfortable like you said. With that, here are a few things that come to mind.

Play with color! Use the solids that you have in your wardrobe in new ways. Take a lesson from the Academichics with their color wheel lessons. By mixing different pieces together keeping in mind Monochrome and Split Complementary Color Combinations, Neutrals and Neutrals with a Pop, Complementary Colors and the Two-Thirds Rule, and Triads and Analogous Colors you can really utilize your solid wardrobe pieces.

If you want to start adding some pattern in the mix scarves, shoes, tops and sweater vests/cardigans are great pieces to start with. Here are a few things that caught my eye:

Pattern Spice by dddgirl79 featuring Old Navy

Here are a couple of looks I made on Couturious to show how just a couple of pops of color, pattern or accessories can add a lot of spice to an outfit.

Hope this helps, Jessica, and lots of good luck in your new position.