Freshen up your fashion sense by use of color! By understanding a few color concepts, you can stop wallowing in your pallette rut. Discover your own flair by using a few different color combinations. Also, learning to strategically mix patterns will broaden the possibilities. Consider neutrals cliche, and generate some excitement in your wardrobe again!

First, take inventory of your closet. I recommend color coding your clothes. I usually start with white, then go in rainbow order: reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and purples. I put pastels at the end of the appropriate hue, such as pink between red and orange, etc. After that, I place tans, browns, grey and black. For prints, choose the dominate color. Once you do this you will most likely notice a prevailing color, usually your favorite, or one that you know looks good on you. Unfortunately, many will discover that black or a different neutral dominates the closet. This is where the change up begins.

Secondly, if budget permits, incorporate a couple of new colors into your wardrobe. Even if you typically don't wear blue, find a variation that works for you and try it. Don't be afraid of colors you think you can't wear. I have found that although I don't look good in many shades of green, there are a couple that work. By implementing these, I have added variety, and broadened my spectrum. There isn't a color in the rainbow that can't be effectively utilized. If your budget doesn't permit shopping, work with what you have.

A few examples of color combinations that have worked for me include bright red and olive green, and it didn't look like Christmas. The key is using the proper shade. as well as accessorizing. Pairing red with a bright or mint green would create disastrous results. Other great combinations include:

• Hot pink and light yellow (I received compliments everywhere I went that day.)
• Light turquoise and coral. Very tropical and happy
• Bright orange with yellow. Radiant
• Coral and bright pink. Delightful duo
• Pastel pink with pastel yellow. Very Sorbet
• Light blue with sea green. Tranquil
• Purple and pink. Positively passion
• Salmon and wine (not just for dinner!)
• Light pink with light blue. Soothing.

Next, creatively mix patterns, and work the neutrals! I have a white button up sleeveless top with grey stripes that I put with a white skirt with a subtle pattern. Not very exciting until I added an orange belt with white polka dots and orange pumps, and a small orange bag. The kudos of this outfit rolled in non-stop all day! The best part is that I could've chosen designer pieces, or sported clothing from more affordable lines. The designer name is irrelevant to achieving the goal. Anyone can do this, on any budget.

Contrast! When mixing colors, make sure you don't look like you tried to match two colors and failed! When coupling shades of pink for instance, one must be far more intense than the other. Otherwise, using different shades or hues of the same color works fantastically. Try a light yellow top with a bright yellow skirt with a bright belt of some sort. If mixing the yellows stretches your comfort level, use a white or tan belt, and matching neutral shoes.

Bikini Concept at work! In spending time recently at the beach, I have noticed quite a revolution in swimwear. Mix and match with your bikini top and bottom appears to be the trend. Some work quite well but others don't. If you are game for exploring this idea, start with a solid top, and try a bottom in a print with some color continuity. Or wear your favorite solid top with a solid contrasting bottom.The brighter the colors, the better! In addition, when shopping for that special swimsuit, buying tops and bottoms separately enables you to, not only pick exciting colors, but to choose more flattering pieces.

Colorizing your look works for ladies of any age when tastefully done. When followed, these basic guidelines will quickly rescue you from predictability, and put enjoyment back into getting dressed every morning! Color up, happy up!