OverDressed for Life

I liked Patricia Field’s outfit on the day she visited Britex Fabrics. It was simple – gray slacks and light knit sweater, velvet jacket that she told me she’s had for years and wears a lot, and a single long silver pendant. She popped her outfit with the red shoes and of course her hair color is her signature piece.

Her hair got me thinking. When you have one distinguishing element in an outfit such as ruby-red hair or a grand hat, an opulent coat or exotic jewelry, that’s all you need. The rest should not compete but instead stay quiet. (Since Ms. Field’s signature piece is always her hair then her outfits probably tend toward sleek and simple.)

But if  there is no one outstanding piece then the whole well-coordinated ensemble can deliver a punch using color, vintage silhouettes, structure, or texture.