ever since i snagged these cute little rust shorts (seen styled here), i’ve been inspired to add a little bit of color to my otherwise neutral wardrobe. i love how fresh the orange-color feels, especially with my slightly less pale skin (let’s be honest, i’ll never be tan) and when paired with denim blues or crisp summer whites.

 

 

madewell lace-up pants || jenni kayne cami (last seen here)

carrie forbes sandals || j.crew factory denim jacket (alt. washes here & here)

natalie borton earrings (c/o) || cuyana hat || madewell bandana

hobo bag (c/o)

 

 

when introducing a new color into my wardrobe, i try to follow a few guidelines. first, i make sure that the color compliments my existing closet. in this case, the rust-color is on the same spectrum of camel, a light brown that is heavily prevalent in my accessories collection (these shoes, this belt, this bag). for that reason, i know that rust pairs perfectly with blue (they are opposite on the color wheel), especially chambray (which you know i have an abundance of) as well as all three standard neutrals -white, grey, and black. obviously the latter is a little tricky especially around october when you could be perceived as a manifestation of halloween, but if done in small amounts and thoughtfully, they are a perfect pairing indeed. lastly, and perhaps the easiest way to incorporate a new color into your wardrobe, is to buy the silhouette you’d normally gravitate toward, just in a different hue. for example, these pants are the style i know and love -wide-leg and cropped. instead of purchasing them in black or white or even this adorable blue and white striped version that sold out before i could get my hands on them, i opted for the “dark sahara” color instead. that way, though the color was new to me, the shape of the pant was not.

 

 

besides rust, i also recommend adding pops of olive to your closet to make your existing pieces feel fresh and new.

other rust picks include: this off-the-shoulder dress, this striped tee, these shorts, this silk blouse, this cute sunglasses case, these sunglasses, and these sandals.

 

p.s. this sprinkled confectionary creation i’m posing with is called a “balboa bar” and was an integral part of my childhood growing up in southern california. it’s a vanilla ice cream bar dipped in chocolate and rolled in rainbow sprinkles and it can be found at dad’s on charming balboa island. 

 

shop the post:

madewell lace-up pants || jenni kayne cami (last seen here)

carrie forbes sandals || similar jackets here & here

natalie borton earrings (c/o) || cuyana hat || madewell bandana

hobo bag (c/0)

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