Sharon Batts Style

Inject Some Life into Your Winter Wardrobe with a Hit of Citrus

 

We’ve entered that blank space in the calendar between New Year’s and Valentines. All the sparkle and shine of the holidays has faded and we are left with closets full of dark clothing that runs the risk of being murky and depressing. Those deeper, richer colors were so exciting when the air first had a bite to it and the trees were ablaze, but now they seem to dull in the grayer days of January. It’s time to inject some life into our wardrobes with a vibrant hit of citrus!

 

Citrus hues bring a bright contrast to winter shades. They burst with energy. It’s just what’s needed to spark some interest and drive away the gloom.

 

I dipped into my own winter wardrobe to show you the possibilities. First, I started with this slinky knit blouse with black and wine colored stripes, and a black pencil skirt. The deeper hues can read flat on overcast winter days.

 

Time for some fun! My citrus hit comes from a silk scarf with shades of Meyer lemon, ruby grapefruit and blood orange. It gives an immediate lift to the wine striped top, intensifying its hue. Polishing touches of a chain belt, and layered necklaces in shades of garnet, gold and mulberry complete the look.

 

Next, I decided to play with one of my favorite jackets, a sumptuous velvet number. I love the way it transforms a simple black top and jeans, but it hasn’t reached its full potential.

 

The addition tangy tangerine and pink grapefruit turn up the volume with unexpected color. It draws out the rusty highlights on the velvet rose print, warming the entire look. A sparkling vintage brooch is the finishing touch.

 

 

Style Tip: I combined a summer weight silk scarf with a winter weight rayon scarf to create a “new” scarf look full of changing textures. I simply laid the lighter striped scarf on top of the heavier solid scarf, and tied them as one. The scarves together had tremendously more impact than they did apart.

 

 

Lime is a citrus shade that plays particularly well with other colors, as you can see in these three outfits. A little lime can quickly punch up the energy of darker pieces.

 

 

What do you have in your closet that needs some new life? Try an injection of citrus and see your winter wardrobe come to life.