Sveta's Blog

Cobalt trousers: reality check!

October 9, 2013

One of the main reasons I was hesitant to keep those cobalt trousers was my outerwear. As it happens most of my coats and jackets are non-neutral so I was not sure I can make them work with those trousers.
So here is a little fashion show. I decided that if I have at least 2 outerwear options to wear with those trousers it is good enough.
What do you think?
1. Purple wool coat
2. Blush-tan leather trench
3. Teak leather jacket (less cognac and more yellow-brown IRL)
4.  Red-purple trench

Any of those work?

I also have red cape and cobalt wool coat but I won't wear them with those trousers.
My cream cream puffer should work I think for that dead of winter time.

Hmm, maybe I should add a black coat after all? I also have difficulty to pair my winter white trousers with most of my outerwear. I think I will do another fashion show with them to see what really works. Of course ink blue or navy would work too!

P.S. It is so strange to think that pre-YLF I have one coat and did not give a thought how does it look with everything I wear - now I am ready to agonize over this! :-)

1
2
3
4
Posted in the Dressing category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

34 Comments

  • Adelfa replied 10 years ago

    Yes to all!

    1. fabulous
    2. very good, and interesting
    3. very good
    4. somewhere between very good and fabulous

    That is my take on your situation.

  • Isabel replied 10 years ago

    I like everything except for 3.  I don't dislike it, but I think it is more proportion, maybe ?  than color.  I think that those pants are fab. 

  • Deborah replied 10 years ago

    Fabulous.  The trousers operate as your neutral:)

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    These all work to my eye. My favorite is the first coat.

  • Mary Beth (formerly LBD) replied 10 years ago

    What Adelfa said - yes to all :)    Isn't it funny how we all will find something to absolutely obsess us, and drive us crazy?  And then everyone else is like, 'no, what are you talking about, this is totally fab'. 

    Sveta, you look gorgeous in these pants, and they work beautifully with your coats :)

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    #3 is the only jacket that doesn't thrill me.

    I will say I'd like to see a bright scarf near your face when you wear these trousers. Something to bring the eye back up...

  • replied 10 years ago

    I think they all work with the trousers! And I am laughing with you Sveta, because for years all I had was one winter coat too!

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    I like them all!  Especially #4!

  • TraceyLiz65 replied 10 years ago

    I read your post and got a big kick out of it because for many years I had only one coat and right before blogging and YLF I changed that.  I don't think I've ever asked the question when considering bottoms as to whether they would match my coat.  Duh?  why not, I don't know... 

    These all work beautifully and the pants are gorgeous! 

  • donnat replied 10 years ago

    They all work and look great.

  • Ornella replied 10 years ago

    Sveta, I love the trousers themselves, I remember gasping when I saw the fit -- and length too -- on the other thread. 

    But to me the outerwear is the issue. Somehow the sharp, clear colour of the bottoms does not work with these muted colours. It may be just me, but that's how I see them. I see this very combination of style+colour as more suitable for spring-summer, it would really shine with something white, or for winter - black, but for cold months I am not so sure with the outerwear shown. Sorry for throwing a spanner in the conversation so far.

  • Lyrebirdgully replied 10 years ago

    Hi Sveta.Those pants are a fab fit on you, as everyone says.

    #2 is the no-contest
    winner for me-- it leaps off the page as so fresh and so modern
    -- a fabulous use of peach, exactly like Angie's examples of
    the use of blush pink in her post today. The peach holds its own visually very well against the
    compelling brightness of the lower half of the outfit. (More peach and
    cobalt here, just for fun:

    http://i1201.photobucket.com/a.....ants-2.jpg

    Your cream puffer or a black coat would
    also go well. In comparison, to my eye the muted dark coat
    brigade are a bit overwhelmed on their own without backup; but they would spring to life with a touch
    of light, white or bright added. (e.g. a scarf,
    as Rachylou suggested).

    http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg......8ac152.jpg.

    http://media2.onsugar.com/file.....12.xxxlarg

    More examples of working black, lights,
    or brights with cobalt. I like the balance of contrasts in these combinations. 
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/kileen/9406732660/
    http://i705.photobucket.com/al.....inal-2.jpg
    http://farm8.staticflickr.com/.....6304_b.jpg
    http://www.theglamorousgleam.c.....0x1002.jpg
    http://www.fashioninspo.com/wp.....tyle-6.jpg

    Looking forward to seeing your outfits for the cobalt over these coming months!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    My eye sees what Ornella's eye sees and maybe Rachy's too. I somehow feel they clash with the dustier more muted colours (purple, brown) and are too clear and bright for this particular blush/ tan. Although with careful styling it's possible you could get away with them. 

    So...yes...I am afraid you will need to buy a black, cream, navy, ink, or white coat, Madame!!  :-) Or grey. Because you have to keep the pants. 

    As for owning a coat wardrobe, you have pointed me in this direction since the start of YLF and I am glad to follow humbly in your footsteps. I am only at 3 winter coats right now; clearly I need to do some work to catch up here. 

  • Janet replied 10 years ago

    I like the first one and the last one. The second one is OK, but not my favorite. I agree that the third is not the best in proportion, but it would work in a pinch.

    This is exactly why I will always have at least one neutral coat. I have black and white now, so I'm in good shape. The exception is trench coat weather -- my trenches are the teal Burberry and an old cobalt one that I still love. At some point I should probably get a not-too-expensive black trench that will go with everything.

  • Mellllls replied 10 years ago

    I think 1-3 work well.

  • Elizabeth P replied 10 years ago

    I'm with Suz and Ornella.  The cobalt is a pure, clear colour, and the coats are not.  So the don't really harmonize well.  Now, I also think you rock the pure clear colours, so the solution is really to get another coat :)

  • texstyle replied 10 years ago

    I have to be honest and say that I also feel the cobalt clashes with all but maybe #1 of these coats. But maybe it would work better with some accessories that add another shot of cobalt and a "blend" color that goes between the two. 

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Sveta, good job. I like your thoroughness. 

    Ideally, you need a black, ink or white coat to work with the cobalt pants to achieve those clean and crisp looks that define your style. I see these pants as a Summer or Spring item to wear with your black tux jacket or white leather jacket. 

    Of this selection, I like #4 best. And it might be time to get black booties. xo

  • Lisa replied 10 years ago

    I like 1 and 4 best from these choices as I think purples and reds pair well with blue.  At first I actually thought the coat in #1 was black.  A black coat would be a great addition if you do not already have one.  I actually pair my cobalt jeans with black and yellow outerwear.  I like a high contrast look with the cobalt.

  • Sara L. replied 10 years ago

    I actually really like #2 and #4 with the cobalt pants. 

  • Amy replied 10 years ago

    I don't think you should send the pants back. I can see them adding an exciting new direction color wise for your wardrobe. If its in your budget, I do think a good neutral coat would be something worth investing in.

  • Vildy replied 10 years ago

    In the meantime, if you use something cobalt or that contains a noticeable amount of cobalt in the head or neck region, it will make whatever you wear look intentional.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Hopping in on Sveta's behalf: Angie, these pants are heavier weight -- winter weight. They won't work for our summer temperatures for sure and probably only rarely for spring and fall. Not to mention the fact that a leather jacket is a no-go in our summer anyway. Well, maybe in Sveta's air conditioned office...

    Sveta, this is one reason why my SUMMER wardrobe included lots of cobalt but my winter wardrobe includes almost none. I didn't intend this but it's what has happened. But I still think you could wear these throughout winter with your blacks and whites and creams. If you had the right coat. 

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    Okay, I am going to be laughed off the forum for this, but I have never thought of matching coats to outfits.  I probably should, but honestly the first thing I check is the temperature and precipitation.  I see a whole new and dangerous world opening up...

    I think you look brilliant, Sveta and I will read these comments with avid interest.  Also the cobalt pants are absolutely stellar and like Ceit's cobalt jacket, will provide some new mojo to your amazing wardrobe!

  • deb replied 10 years ago

    I am not fond of #3 but rest look FAB!

  • Neel replied 10 years ago

    I am not a fan of the colors of any of the coats with the pants either.  Love the pants though!

    Over and above black and white coats, may I also suggest a very wintery mint?

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    This why I value YLF so much - thanks, you as always help me to see clearly!
    I think Angie hit the nail on the head here: it may be not the color per say as much as this color combination isn't as clean as what I favor lately.
    It is interesting though because I don't mind pairing cobalt with burgundy top or blazer (Beth Ann looked spectacular in this color combination) but as a coat it does not work for me. Maybe because it the amount of coat color is visually a lot and what would work in a smaller quantity does not work in bigger? Also you have something on going in the outfit: layer under a blazer, belt - but in a coat it is all hidden and all you see is a big expance of the coat color! Of course if the coat is worn open it may change the appearance but when I can wear trousers of this weight it is not practical to wear coats open at all!
    So I would definitely look for another coat in a strong neutral color. Navy would be my preference but I would also look into a black one (gasp!) I am still reluctant to get  a cream winter coat due to number of dry cleaning it would require but if I find and option which is washable (like my puffer) I would be all over it!
    Suz, it is weird but I have more cobalt in my winter wardrobe that in summer: a color-blocked dress, striped cobalt - navy sweater, wool coat...but I do tend to wear these items with neutrals.
    Angie, white leather moto and black tux are no brainers but they are mostly indoor items for me. They are definitely going to be used a lot with those trousers. As for the black booties I have one pair but I usually have difficulties styling them. I thought this is becuase of the black color but maybe it is the style which maes it hard for me? I would love to get something similar to your Zara booties or Suz's Chelseys. I am working on it but you know how hard it is for me to find footwear...:-(

    Thank you everybody for giving me a food for thought here! You are the best!!!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Sveta, I'll bet it is a style thing with black footwear -- it almost bookends your hair now. When you find the right shoes it won't be an issue. 

    And I like the direction your mind is going: You will keep the pants -- and find the coat to wear with them. :-) 

  • K. Period. replied 10 years ago

    Sveta, I love 1 and 4! (High five, Janet and Lisa!)

    I think I know why you liked Beth Ann's combo of plum/burgundy and cobalt, but you don't feel like it is working for you here.  First, your light shoes are throwing it off.  Black, chocolate, burgundy, or brown shoes will bring it together.  Second, you are missing the white (light!) next to your face to lighten the darker coat.  You have dark and mid-tone elements in this, but you don't have a light element.  I was surprised by how essential the white shirt was in Beth Ann's pairing when I copycatted it.  The outfit needs it.  Bringing this back to the footwear, though, I bet if you wore dark brown or black shoes with #1, you would immediately see a huge difference because it would shift the caramel color next to your face into the role of the light element in your outfit.  

  • Lyn D. replied 10 years ago

    #1 and 4 are my favs.
    I am glad you are keeping these lovely pants!

  • Nicole D replied 10 years ago

    I agree with Una, coat doesn't always need to be a perfect match, but then I don't really have much of a pedestrian commute (car to building and back), so not a lot of time would be spent in mismatched mode.  #1 looks grey to me so works, also #2, but none are really spot on for me, in terms of colour, although the silhouettes of 1, 2 and 4 are great.

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    I don't have a coat closet.  Sigh.  So all my coats hang on a hook by the front door (in the living room -- no entryway, either), or in my small closet.  I either have to just wear clashing colors, or go with black.  I do think a deep charcoal or black coat are a winter staple.  With or without cobalt pants, I think it would be a good purchase.  That said, I like the burgundy and blush fairly well, and I'm so glad you have some colors in your coat collection!

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    I don't have a coat closet.  Sigh.  So all my coats hang on a hook by the front door (in the living room -- no entryway, either), or in my small closet.  I either have to just wear clashing colors, or go with black.  I do think a deep charcoal or black coat are a winter staple.  With or without cobalt pants, I think it would be a good purchase.  That said, I like the burgundy and blush,  and I'm so glad you have some colors in your coat collection!

  • lyn67 replied 10 years ago

    I like it with nr 4! IMHO you couldn't find one better color and cut for these trousers if wanted!:-)

You need to be logged in to comment

Categories

Blogroll

Archives