We all tend to get in some kind of rut or be it a daily routine, eating habits, or a fitness regiment. Ruts can even extend into our wardrobes, turning our favorite classic pieces into safe and easy outfits. Don?t fret: it happens to the even the most stylish of us. It?s very easy to just throw on a shirt and pants, or a dress and run out the door. So, here are a few helpful and easy tips for how putting the ?za za zoo? back into your wardrobe.
nThe most important thing to remember when spicing up your wardrobe is to use color, texture, and pattern to give your outfit a little punch of excitement. The best and easiest way to do this is to accessorize with all of your favorites. In terms of colors, be sure to use contrasting hues (colors that are directly across from each other on the color wheel), or complementary hues (colors that are next to the each other on the color wheel). With textures or patterns, be sure to use either texture or pattern–not both–to compliment your color element. This will keep your outfit from being too busy or overwhelming to look at.nnBelow are three great outfits dressed classically and with a little za-za-zoo. While the classic looks are timeless in their own way, sometimes adding a little punch of color, texture or pattern adds an extra “wow” to your favorite pieces.nnLook #1: Oasis Scallop Shift DressnnThis shift dress gets a boost by swapping out the nude and gold accessories and adding a color-blocked sandal in pink and coral. The beauty of color-blocked items is that you can combine accessories in multiple colors to add depth (don?t go crazy though! I?d stick to just two additional colors). In this example, the pink is very sparse in the shoes and clutch, and the coral plays a more starring role in the statement necklace, and the clutch being our texture element.nn
nn nnClassic “Za-Za-Zoo”nn1) BCBG Paris Jaze d’Orsay Pump 1) Bandolino Alelia Sandalnn2) Astley Clarke Sihouettes Stud Earrings 2) Coral Macrame Bib from Bauble Barnn3) Gorjana Aurora Large Necklace 3) Fossil Round Stone Earring – Coralnn4) Gorjana Cat Eye Bangle Braceletnn5) Kelly and Katie Z Weave Straw ClutchnnLook #2: MANGO Ribbed panels shirt & MANGO Linen Cotton-Blend Trousersn
This typical (classic) work-day outfit of a white button down and navy trousers gets another boost with color, again swapping our neutral accessories with a bold statement bag in tangerine. If you?re a ?flats? person, a leopard print is fun to have peeking out from your pant leg. Now, I know I?m using two patterns in this outfit, but I regard leopard print as almost a neutral, so the scarf is really the focal point. Beside it?s up by your face, so the eye will tend to be drawn that way anyway. The orange trim on the shoe, though will carry that color nicely throughout the outfit.
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Classic “Za-Za-Zoo”
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1) Zigi Soho Sprite Patent Flat 1) Chinese Laundry Lucky Charm Sandals
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2) Michael Kors Gold Watch 2) Adrienne Vittadini Creole Flat
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3) LAUREN Ralph Lauren Chain Hoops 3) Kate Spade New Work Bar None Hoops
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5) Orange Togo Padlock Satchel Handbag
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6) Veda. Single Loop Infinity Scarf
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7) Sole Society Smythe Oversized Sunglasses
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Look #3: DKNY Striped stretch-silk crepe de chine skirt
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The skirt in this fun date night outfit is in itself a focal point of the outfit. However, when you pair it with a matching top, it can look flat. The red top stands out with the graphic chevron skirt without overpowering it. Adding a jacket pulls the outfit together. To keep everything in balance, I chose metallic accessories: neutral, but with a little edge.
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nClassic “Za-Za-Zoo”nn1) Zara Basic T-Shirt 1) Zara Top with Frilled Frontnn2) Via Spiga Habitat Leather Sandal 2) J. Crew Lillian mirror low wedgesnn3) Marc by Marc Jacobs Stud Earrings 3) Miss Selfridge Silver Spike Bandnn4) Sterling SilverI Love Paris Pendant 4) Daytrip Spike Necklacenn5) Forever 21 Chain Bracelet 5) Urban Expression Avenue Cutout Clutchnn6) Black Crepe Blazernn n
-Written by Lisa Anzell of The Daily Martini