While the dull gray and cold winter rolls on for most of us in North America, our thoughts begin to long for the warmth and brightness of spring and summer. In the fashion field we begin to encourage the use of color to enliven the monotony of the last few months before the world seems green, or to use a fancy term, verdant once more. Ever since Sir Isaac Newton invented what the world now knows as the color wheel, we have placed a value on that full spectrum of tones. Do you recall the term “Roy G. Biv” when you were in grade school? If you don’t, it was that learning technique that helped us to recall the colors of that legendary wheel. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet are the shades that all other colors come from in one measure or another. Understanding how we perceive can be as simple, or as complicated as you want it to be. How we see color is based solely on how our eyes process it! While some folks pine for bright neon tones, others prefer softer less retina burning shades. But no matter what, color, and how we use it in our daily attire, is what great fashion is made from. 

At Goodwill we arrange our stores by color so that the eye can easily be drawn to those things that attract us personally. That is where individual style comes from.  I challenge all of you, however, to step outside of those preferences and consider shifting your gaze slightly when it comes to the colors you prefer. Playing it safe is the easy way out for sure, but at our prices you can afford to take a few fashion risks, so let’s explore the ways you might do this!

Color blocking isn’t a new trend really, but it is the term for combining and contrasting colors in an eye catching way. Start working your favorite color in with other colors of the color wheel. You may even want to print out a color wheel of your own for reference. The classic color red is a great example. Red works very well with pink, orange, yellow, blue and violet. It all depends on how you put it together, but it is a universally flattering tone for both men and women. Blue is yet another shade with an appeal to most of us, because it works great with green, violet, and of course yellow. Are you starting to get my drift? 

Another great way to make a bold and bright statement to bring on the spring is to go monochromatic. That is where you basically wear one shade head to toe or for the majority of your outfit. This is quite simple to do and you don’t have to go too bold if you don’t want to, that is the beauty of this trend. Opt for a softer palette of colors based on your personal favorites. Soft pastels can make this a fashion-forward look just as easily as the bright tones can. 

Even though spring seems far away, it’s as close as your local Goodwill, where ideas for letting some light into your style WON’T cost as much as a tropical vacation, but your purchases and donations of gently used items WILL help brighten the lives of those less fortunate than you.