aqua pump.

Last winter, I left my comfort zone and purchased a pair of aquamarine stiletto pumps at h&m for around $25. A classic shaped shoe but in a trendier color, I admit I didn't exactly have a selection of clothing items to pair them with in mind as I joined the checkout line.  Still, they called to me and once I tried them on, I figured I would find complementary options once I got them home.  Cue a year later, and I've probably worn them out twice.  Not exactly making the most out of a purchase I was initially so excited to make.  How many of us have found something so unique, yet so "gotta have it", only to have the item sit unused because the options to pair with seem so few and far between? I began playing the "what-if" game with these colorful accents: what if I paired the aqua with a monochromatic neutral? Or, more unexpected, another pop of color? The first new ensemble I discovered would be great for a date night with the husband, or maybe dinner with friends.
































The purse I own is a similar casual shape, but has white accents.  I also own an similar necklace, the only difference being it is a single strand instead of this multi-layered piece.  The end product remains the same however; a put-together, stylish look with a fun pop of color to add interest.  I also love the idea of adding non-black neutrals; in this case, the browns and grays work well to downplay the blue while remaining complimentary.
This next option would be great for running errands on a mild day, attending a family function, or even a casual workday.


I love the look of the yellow and aqua together; it is so unexpected, yet works terrifically! By keeping the rest of the outfit simple and non-fussy, the accents stand out without overpowering the look.  I will definitely be trying this look on our next mild Saturday.
Finally, a more formal look remains fun and interesting by pairing two surprising hues: aqua and cherry red.

 

The key in allowing this outfit to work is the monochromatic structure of the rest of the outfit. An important tip when pairing pieces in the same color: be sure the shades of the color are close or exactly the same, or the effect can look dingy.  For instance, refrain from wearing a well-loved black shirt with a brand new pair of pants if the shirt has been washed several (dozen) times; it will almost certainly look faded and worn compared to the bright look of the pants.  Pairing different fabrics in the same shade is a great choice; a black cashmere sweater will look beautiful against a pair of black cotton trousers without looking too "matchy".  Because the accent colors are so bright, keep even the jewelry to a minimum and let the colors really stand out! The clutch I actually own is a bit more formal than the piece shown here.  I would love to wear this outfit to an upscale restaurant or formal event.
By finding new and fun ways to incorporate this always-loved but hard-to-pair heels into my wardrobe, the most important thing I learned was how well the bright aqua looked when paired with other strong colors.  Do you have a challenging colored piece you could dare to wear with other bold colors?