Color Me Coral This Summer

Ready for summer, but not ready to buy a brand-new summer wardrobe? Looking for a way to dress warmer, but it’s still 50 degrees and raining? Look no further!

This week’s fashion tip is all about summer’s most versatile color. No matter what your style, skin tone, mood, or occasion, coral is a great color to perk up up any outfit from spring to summer. To show you how, here are three ways to style coral – for three different looks (in order from left to right, first to last), using three different summer trends: the maxi skirt, the pop of color, and the monochrome.

Coral by NicoKrei featuring a short sleeve tee

The Free Spirit:

This outfit is for the eclectic artist, the adventuresome explorer, or the natural flower girl. If ever this summer you go on a trip, to a concert, or just a walk around the park, try throwing on a bright coral tank or loose-fitted coral t-shirt with a dark maxi skirt.

Not only will the skirt keep you warm (should summer weather not quite be caught up to summer style), but it will also be a staple trend item in your summer wardrobe. Pair this combination with an embellished sandal in gold, pewter, or cognac. Add some bright gold-tone bangles and earrings, and you’re ready for any adventure to come your way!

The Casual Prep:

This outfit is for the simple minimalist. Without layers or many accessories, it’s no fuss to put on for eating lunch, running errands, or going to a movie. Pair some muted coral shorts or trousers with a plain white tee (shirt). This summer is all about color blocking, or combining two to three contrasting colors in one outfit.

For your pop of color, add something in teal or turquoise, like loafers or boat shoes. The two colors compliment each other, so you can be a bold color blocker without going color-crazy. Keep the rest of your accessories neutral. If it’s chilly (or you just love scarves), add a patterned scarf in gray or beige. And stay neutral with your jewelry, should you choose to add any.

The Pretty in Pink:

This outfit is for the uber-effeminate. If you have a date, a special occasion, or just feel like dressing up for a weekend, this outfit is flirtatious, classic, and really effortless to put together. Pick out a coral dress – in cotton or jersey for a day outing, or in lace or silk for an evening event. Then the rest is easy.

Outfitting monochromatically is sleek and stylish. So think Emma Pillsbury, pick out another color in the coral family (blush, peach, rose, or orange if you’re really daring), and stick to that color for all of your accessories. For a chic look, try pulling all your accessories in shades of pale pink. If you are feeling especially dainty, add a pair of rosette earrings and a skinny belt; they are both ample and inexpensive. Add patent leather pumps or flats, and you will be ready to audition for Glee in no time (or at least ready for a special summer day).

Follow Nicole Kreisberg on Twitter at @NicoKrei.