One glance in my wardrobe and it becomes apparent that I have a pretty solid ‘uniform’ of black (in the form of blazers and jackets galore, skinny jeans and slouchy tailored tapered pants), white (dresses and silk blouses in various incarnations), sharp tuxedo shirts, and the occasional flash of preppy blue, faded denim and blush pink (summer) or emerald green (winter) accents. All worn with super high heels, a Chanel bag and a few kilos of jewels, naturally. In fact, until now, I could count on a single hand the number of garments in my wardrobe that could even remotely be considered ‘bright’. It took me a while to really settle into a particular style that felt like my own, so I’ve tended to stick with it fairly solidly for the past few years – shopping for the perfect items rather than the latest trends. But after seasons of searching for the ultimate wardrobe building blocks – or maybe it’s just an over-enthusiasm for colour and light after months of European winter – I’ve decided it’s time to break out of the rut and have some fun with my wardrobe.
These unashamdely lolly-pink Current/Elliott chinos were the spoils of a recent Net-a-Porter binge (along with the black crochet lace tee and another blush silk top from Sandro, one of my favourite labels at the moment) one sunny Spring day recently. They remind me of the perfect shade of peachy-pink lipstick (which I’m still hunting for – if anyone finds it, send suggestions my way!) and the dandy bright chinos the preppy Cambridge boys wear each summer.* And despite their shouty brightness, their classic shape seems to magically work with all my usual clothes when black trousers or dark jeans feel too hot and heavy.
I’m going to rename them my ‘magic pants’, 1) for getting me out of my rut for Spring (which has in turn has made me suddenly crave an entire collection of clothes the colour of a box of Laduree macarons), and 2) because no matter what, it’s impossible to frown when my legs look this fun and happy. Pull something like this on, add a favourite pair of heels and some bright lipstick and you’ve got an instant sunny disposition!
Top: Sandro, Pants: Current/Elliot, Shoes: Isabel Marant, Clutch: Lulu Guinness, Watch: Michael Kors, Bracelet and cat-eye sunglasses: Mimco
Have you tried anything uncharacteristically new lately? How do you have fun with your wardrobe?
Love, Miss B xx
* The sight of the preppy Cambridge rowing or cricket captains in their bright raspberry or red chinos, worn with crested blazers or white linen shirts rolled at the sleeves, is always a sartorial highlight of my blissfully lazy days spent luxuriating on the banks of the river in summer.
P.S. Since so many of you email me asking for more personal style posts, I’ve decided to finally relent and post more regular outfit/personal shots (despite the demonstrable absence of a model’s body and a photographer boyfriend…). As always, I’m more than happy to take suggestions for particular things you’d like to see on here.
You look absolutely gorgeous! This has just confirmed that I need pink pants! I have recently purchased some red skinny jeans and I absolutely love them! I think this colour blocking trend finally makes it alright to wear bright colours and still be dressed chic! Love xx
Thank you! And I’m definitely advocating bright red jeans for summer too
B xx
I love this outfit, I’ve just ordered some pale pink jeans from Mango. I also love your watch – I have a similar one but I might prefer yours, is it rose gold?
Thank you so much! And the watch is this one in the rose gold: http://www.my-wardrobe.com/michael-kors-watches/large-rose-gold-chronograph-watch-359928
B xx
B! You look fantastic. I am in love with the pink trousers. I too seem to usually stick to the staple of black with the occasion neutral, or rich seasonal colour here, and there. A rut I need to break out of! You’ve shown have colour injected tastefully can be fabulous! Oh, and how could I not love the mention of macarons? I love your preppy style, and this makes a nice chic change. Love the top too. x
As you’re a man, I’m advocating the bright chino look (worn rolled up with white converse or espadrilles or something relaxed) even more so!
B xx
You look fab and very summery 🙂
Somehow, I instantly *feel* more summery when I put them on. Yay for clothes that feel like a blue sky day!
B xx
Love the pink. I always wanted a pair of coloured jeans, maybe this coming summer (winter in Welly at the mo) I will venture out and get a pair.
PS love the lace top too. M xox
happy to see more outfit posts! lovely top, these colors look fab on you!
I love the pink pants!! They look great on you!!
If you get a chance to capture it on camera, can you post a photo of one of the preppy boys with the coloured pants?? Sounds great!! Love that preppy look 🙂
And yes you should definitely do more personal style posts! Big fan!!
Alright, I’ll make it my summertime mission to capture the posh Cambridge boys in their preppy refinery and share it on here! Thank you lovely 🙂
B xx
This dash of colour looks perfect on you, now next step some daring fuschia heels and you’re all set
I need another pair of shoes like a hole in the head, but you might be right about those fuschia heels….!
B xx
The pants look fabulous as does the whole outfit. What I’m also coveting are the shoes and bag! 😀 😉
Oh, thank you darling! And yes, the shoes would look SO good on you!
B xx
Sooo cute! I absolutely love the pink chinos on you and that top is freaking gorgeous!! Really lovely post! Hmmm… what have I tried recently? I think a pair of really slouchy loose boyfriend style jeans is probably the most uncharacteristic thing which I am seriously now addicted to.
Looking forward to more outfit shots! You’ve got such an enviable wardrobe! xx
Thank you so much Jen! And I can totally see you and your amazing legs working a pair of loose, rolled up boyfriend jeans (I have a pair, also by Current/Elliott that I love, but only seem to work with sky-high heels & tanned legs).
B xx
i think this look is absolutely perfect. everything about it – from the fit and color of the pants to the delicate details in the top to the stunning bright and graphic clutch. i’ve been coveting that clutch for years, but ESPECIALLY since you got it some months ago… it’s the perfect accent piece. i’m right there with you on the style rut, and stepping out of my boundaries looks good on me, but it looks much, much better on you!
Thank you so much Nicolette! I covered the bag for years too – it’s just so silly and kitch that it makes all my black seem instantly funner. I’m the first to admit it’s absurdly impractical (can only fit a lipstick, phone, keys and cards in there…on a good day, but then, when has ‘practical’ ever been a consideration of mine? And I can definitely see you in a pair of lolly-bright pants of your own! I’m taking it upon myself to be the bright pants enabler for all us colour-phobes!
B xx
Speaking as someone who is also trying to break away from her monochromatic collection to embrace colour (I keep having to remind myself that “nude” does not count!) I was very inspired by this post. The pink and black works really well for you, even if I am incredibly jealous of those shoes…
PS I am in London Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th July if you have any time to meet and eat macarons, of course 🙂
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Love Love Love!! You look absolutely gorgeous in those pink trousers… and now you have me wanting a pair! Yes… please do more outfit posts! Surely it has to be about the great sense of style you have and not doing it just because you have what the industry says is a standard model body? I love the sneak peeks into your wardrobe and want more! xxx
LOVE your style. I think we may be style twins separated at birth. I have been stalking those Marant shoes for months and unable to find in my size anywhere in any color. Fits of jealousy. The pink pants are sublime! Love the whole look.
Thank you so much! I stalked those Marant heels for month, mourned when they sold out, then found the only pair in my size thanks to a lovely reader actually!
B xx
I love this sooo much! You look so lovely! I’ve been on the hunt for pink jeans myself, but my local zara never gets anything nice! Well, almost never! lol!
You look SO beautiful, everything is so well put together and I have MAJOR envy over the Isabel Marants!! I say Yes Please to the outfit posts, more of them! p.s. if you don’t my asking-only because i too lack a photographer boyfriend-how are you taking pictures for outfits? I have to reply on tripod and self-timer which is such a chore and I’m not very good at it :/ your pictures look great!! XX
how could you not be cheered by pants so lovely? this outfit is just perfect for spring, it makes me wish it wasn’t getting so cold in sydney. (And oh! your shoes! do not get me started on those IM beauties..)
i am coming to europe again – i know, i know, i’m too lucky.. i’ll send you an email asap about dates and hopefully we can get that berkeley afternoon tea like we planned!
X
I LOVE this look! The pink trousers are sublime.