Colour Up: In Vino Veritas, Part One

Wine, purple, oxblood, bordeaux, the colour of the season. The key is to wear it as a total look, or with similar shades, or with a few select non-intrusive complementary colours. Which, essentially, sounds like you should be short on styling choices, but frankly, that could not be farther from the truth.

I had a few old and not-so-old-but-not-so-new pieces in these dark, warm winter brights, plus my eyes on a couple of current season numbers I want badly. Even so, it was almost shocking how many ways you could wear them.

This is the first look - slightly evening-style, office-appropriate, and very simple with a tiny twist. Note how the comfy, half-elastic belt makes the outfit chic, and how much better it looks with purple tights, proving the single-colour approach right.

Below is how the simple dress is dressed up and up until you get a final result you're sort of happy with. I suggest you start having fun with the wine-coloured things in your wardrobe. I will be back with more - in vino veritas.

pinny dress and suede wedges: New Look, 

contrast lapel blazer: Miss Selfridge

dress, wedges and double hinge belt: New Look,
tweed cape: Mango, tights: Calzedonia, velvet jacket: vintage (Gimbels)