If you’re not familiar with column dressing, it is a way of putting outfits together where you layer a topper piece, like jacket or cardigan, in a contrasting shade over a monochromatic base. The column comes from the head-to-toe appearance of the use of one color as the foundation. This style of dressing is very popular among women for its ease, modern and streamlined look and for the slimness created through the use of one color.
However, on the flip side, if all you do everyday is throw cardigans and jackets over monochromatic bases, column dressing can get very monotonous and formulaic. This is not to say the look is bad, it’s actually quite pretty, not to mention, great for business trips. Yet, too much of anything can get tiring and can sometimes look a little flat and one dimensional.
Today’s post is not an attempt to sway you from column dressing, if that’s your thing. These are tips on how you can spruce up and add more flavor to these very dependable outfits so that you can still keep the ease of dressing this way while also making it interesting and more inspired.
Below are five column outfits that I have shown both accessorized and unaccessorized, to illustrate that you don’t have to abandon column dressing, or add too much more effort, to make these outfits pop.
Column Dressing: How to Add Excitment
Outfit #1
A black column base is probably most common starting points for most outfits like this. How much easier can it get than wearing all black with a little pop thrown over it, like I did with this drapey cardigan from Modcloth? With such a basic foundation, it doesn’t matter what you throw over it, it will work.
However, if you look at the unaccessorized outfit on the left, that is styled with a pair of black leggings from Alice + Olivia, a pair of black Aerosoles riding boots and a cowl neck top from Lord & Taylor, while a woman could leave the house just like this and look great, after too many wears this outfit could potentially start to feel a bit lackluster.
In this outfit on the right, the ease of this outfit was not lost at all. It’s the same base, only I added some accessories to enhance the look– a pair of black earrings from Macy’s, a bib necklace from Nordstrom, that picks up all the colors of the outfit, a black leather and gold bangle from Banana Republic and leopard print handbag from Nine West.
Outfit #2
Navy is another common base color for a column outfit. This look is comprised of a pair of blue Stuart Weiztman suede booties, a pair of navy Reiss pants and a navy cap sleeve tank. Over it I used a turquoise velvet jacket from Boden.
While the outfit in navy and turquoise is great with these two colors mixed, it can still be taken a step further. In this outfit on the right, I added a printed scarf from Kate Spade that not only picks up the colors in the outfit, but adds some more color. What this scarf enables is the ability to bring in additional colors. The wow factor is created simply with a pink handbag and multi-colored earrings from Max & Chloe. Even if the handbag and scarf is removed, these colorful earrings enhance this basic outfit.
Outfit #3
In this column outfit consisting of burgundy pants from J. Crew, a burgundy top, burgundy suede boots and cobalt cardigan, a scarf, like this one from Nordstrom, is, again, used to add some interest to the outfit while also adding some more color. Finishing the outfit, I used this pair of light pink Marc Jacobs earrings and a light blue bag. Now, instead of flat, with these tonal touches the outfit has more dimension and interest.
Outfit #4
Here, I am creating a column look using this grey sheath dress from Reiss, a pair of grey Spanx tights and boots from Seychelles. Over the dress, this burgundy blazer from Anne Klein adds a level of trendy richness to the outfit. If this isn’t enough for you, try adding one more color. Yellow and burgundy is a combination that isn’t as expected, but works beautifully. With just a pop of these yellow earrings from Kendra Scott the outfit looks more interesting, even when the yellow bag from Brighton isn’t carried. Again, adding interest to column dressing isn’t about making the outfits more complicated and these small touches can go a long way.
Outfit #5
Technically, I don’t think this outfit would be called a column because the topper isn’t a sweater or jacket, but I still wanted to touch on it because it isn’t uncommon to put a sweater, like this ivory v-neck fro Athleta, over a monochromatic base. In the outfit on the left, consisting of this pair of olive jeans from Lord & Taylor, a Jones NY Tank and olive booties from Nordstrom, the outfit is neutral and a great foundation to pop any color of off. If orange isn’t your thing, like how I accessorized the look on the right with this Modcloth necklace, orange bangles from Max & Chloe, and orange Michael Kors crossbody bag, you can add any pop shade you would like. And this is the beauty of a neutral column outfit, you get limitless accessorizing options because any colors can be added to look.
When putting together column outfits, don’t stop with just the base and the topper, think about that final step of what could be added to these looks to give them that little something extra. By doing this you will not only get the great advantage of the simplicity that this type of dressing offers, but, by taking it these looks that last step, you’ll also look stylish at the same time. Stylish and easy! It’s a total win!
Hi Bridgette,
Thank you for this post!
I can see how important accessories are to finishing off outfits.
Taking them from “Bland Chicken” to interesting;)
Off to reread your “creating colour palettes from accessories” post & to to stock up on some colourful jewellery & scarfs.
P.S. I am in love with all the shoes you picked for these outfits.
Hi Bridgette,
Thank you for this post!
I can see how important accessories are to finishing off outfits.
Taking them from “Bland Chicken” to interesting;)
Off to reread your “creating colour palettes from accessories” post & to to stock up on some colourful jewellery & scarfs.
P.S. I am in love with all the shoes you picked for these outfits.
Hi Ebony, thanks!!! I am glad this was helpful for you! Happy styling!
Thanks for that Modcloth necklace. Those lovely warm colors! Managed to fit in a little Christmas shopping as well 🙂
Love that necklace, right?
Oh. Bridgette, I love this style of dressing!! You’ve really helped me take it to the completed stage. I have a straight, small frame that just doesn’t look good with multiple colors in the basics. I am always trying to find more ways to wear a monochromatic look without being matchy-matchy.
Any and all suggestions are soooo appreciated!
Your the best!!
A faithful fan.
Pat
I’m in the same boat as you Pat! Im not petite but I’m small framed and slender so this really helps, doesn’t it?! This use of color suits me too
Pat & Mare,
I am the opposite body type, fairly tall, very voluptuous bottom half, with small waist.
But both like you, I feel best in column dressing.
I tend to look messy & not my best with multicoloured base outfit.
I love the look on others, but after many years of trying to recreate Pinterest outfits on myself, I have found it rawly suits me.
But I absolutely love colour!
I am now learning Bridgette’s “pop & accent formulae” works best for me in accessories & shoes (but only high heels when wearing skirts).
I just found an inspirational blogger/artist who does the most amazing colour combinations with many column dressing outfits if you want some inspiration.
http://www.pinterest.com/veronicapopoiac/my-bittersweet-colors/
Thanks for sharing that with everyone! I am sure readers will get some great inspiration! The great thing about column dressing is it works for every body shape because it is slimming and elongating. I am glad it works for you and also thrilled to hear you have benefited from the base, accent pop approach! Thanks for your comment!!
What a great Pinterest board! Thanks for sharing it
Thanks Ebony, your board suggestion gave me some great ideas. I love camel, olive, mahogany, medium mustard, rust; easy for you to get the picture. Let all keep sharing to help our sisters.
Thanks, Pat
Happy it helped, Mare!
I’m starting to realize two things, thanks to you:
I love color, but I’m just not a high contrast person (you and I like similar colors and I think that one of the reasons black has never appealed to me is because most colors – unless they are dark – tend to be high contrast against it and not only does high contrast does not suit my body or personality, it also doesn’t suit my complexion). I can wear much more color so long as it’s not with black, so I’m just going to stop trying to fix something that isn’t broken.
I’m not too old to wear the styles that appeal to me; I love moto and cargoesque style bottoms, boots with buckles, straps and details and I’m not too old to still wear these and can likely pull it off easier using this column of color approach to make it less hard looking since my go-to neutrals are olive, grey and cognac.
When I combine color, it’s generally the purple with olive, or mustard, or cognac so I just need to allow myself to remain confident and not think because I’ve hit a certain age that my style must change or that I suddenly have bad judgment
Ditto to everything you said….we must be sisters in another life.
Thanks for clearly defining what works for you. It encourages me to keep trying.
Pat
I can’t tell you how much it pleases me to see you guys talking to each other on this blog. It creates a nice supportive community! I am thrilled to hear about your aha moment! You are definitely not too old to wear what you are describing. Typically it’s not the item that doesn’t work, it is how it styled. Also, I think that when a woman feels comfortable in what she is wearing, the best accessory that she has on is her attitude. It truly makes a huge difference! Stay confident and you’ll always be stylish!
Mare,
You give me hope that I will discover my own style!
Your observations on what works for you, and “dressing for your age” (rock what ever makes you confident) are very interesting to me:)
The colour combinations you mentioned sound awesome.
Yes, Mare, color in accessories helps. I think more texture would also enhance this style of dressing. Like you, I do not wear petite sizing but a slim frame doesn’t leave much room for extras.
Thanks for your help and suggestions.
Pat
Texture is something I have been playing with, but need help.
Why is it that I love the fisherman style sweaters available this fall, but on me they look too rough & not right with my skin & hair texture? Maybe too nobbly.
Do you think that your own nature texture in your skin & hair indicate what type of texture looks best next to your face?
OMG, yes!! See, this is what I find so fascinating about women and fashion and why I am so committed to this blog, women often know that something is wrong but they don’t know why. I always try to answer these whys.
You are absolutely correct in your observation. In fact, I wrote a whole section of my book on the topic of texture. You can also read my blog post about texture here. https://www.bridgetteraes.com/2012/10/16/textured-cardigans-are-trendy-but-are-they-trendy-for-you/
Basically, here is what is happening. When it comes to what you wear, the general goal is to have the focus be on your face, not what you are wearing. So, what you want going on in your clothing to achieve this is to choose pieces that work back to your facial features. In regards to texture, the more texture you have in your hair and skin the more texture you can wear. This is why older women with wrinkles often look older in shiny fabrics, not only does the sheen cast a reflection but the flat surface of the fabric enhances the wrinkles. The more texture you have in your skin and hair the more texture will work in your clothing and vice versa. People with very smooth hair and skin often look good in flatter fabrics.
If you want to get really specific, you can also use your facial features in prints too. People with rounder features look better in rounder prints and people with more linear features look better in more geometric prints.
I hope that was a helpful explanation!
What a great response. Thank you. Extremely helpful.
It is fascinating that we intuitively feel when something is off & what looks best on us (well sometimes). That is why I was in awe of Mare’s observations on her own style written below.
You are so welcome! Yes, I have found that most women instinctively know what does and doesn’t work for them. The problem is that they don’t know why and, therefore, can’t repeat their successes or avoid their failures. My position on knowing the whys of fashion is that it enables you to make informed choices. I think we all break fashion rules, but when we know why something does or doesn’t work, we can decide if we want to break them. For the most part, women are just flinging spaghetti against the wall with hopes that will something will stick. I really did chuckle when I read your comment and applauded how perceptive you are about what does and doesn’t work. I am happy to have been able to give you the why to that question.
Thanks so much Pat!!!! I am glad this was helpful! If I knew some many people dressed this way I would have done this post sooner!
You are truly gifted! Thank you so much for showing me how to get more out of my basics this way.
Oh you are so welcome and thanks for such a kind compliment! I appreciate your loyal readership!!
Ooh, I’ve never heard of column dressing, but it’s a brilliant idea. I think I need to get hold of a few royal blue tops and a jade green top to go with my work trousers.
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