Hopefully you've been following along with our Spring Wardrobe Planning. You can go back and read the previous posts if you like, we're not too far along so it will be easy to catch up. Today, I want to talk about how to use the color palette we put together.
In the fashion industry we use what is called a "story board" to keep us focused on the feel and look that we are trying to accomplish for any given season. This story board is kind of a record of what we want to accomplish. This is not to say that things are set in stone, changes can always be made based on availability of fabric and colors, or just new ideas that come up during the creative process. I've taken my inspiration photographs and color palette and created a Color Story Board which I can use to help me plan my styling and refer to when I am shopping for fabrics.
Before we go off and start looking for fabrics, we need to start thinking about what kind of styles we want to include in our wardrobe. Take a look at what you already have in your closet then decide on new items you would like to make. At this point you are just looking to make a list of styles that will mix and match together in a pleasing way. Think about any special occasions that might be coming up as well. You can use your research and inspiration pictures to help you decide on the items.
My list looks like this:
1-2 dresses, 1-2 blouses, tailored shorts, cropped pants, pencil skirt...
Once you have your list, you can start looking at patterns and fabrics.
Now, central to any really put together wardrobe is a beautiful printed fabric-always start there. Look for a print that has similar colors to your color palette. Don't worry if it's not exactly the same, the print you choose will tell you exactly which solid colors you should choose that will mix and match perfectly. I have a couple of great ideas depicted in my inspiration photos, a stripe (the towels) and a paisley (the head scarf in the center photograph). So I plan to start there with my fabric search but a pretty floral print might be nice too. I'll let you know what I find. In the mean time, have fun with your own Color Story Board.
