Collar ID

One of the easiest ways to look put-together is to wear varying shades of the same color. As long as they're complimentary shades, you can't go wrong by pairing the ensemble with a neutral color (black, gray, white, tan). Wearing varying shades of the same color (ie., a hot pink and a pale pink, a deep purple with a lavender, even an emerald green with a subdued lime green) offers an immediate element of cohesion. Here, I paired a light blue blouse with a darker blue cardigan.

Perhaps my favorite color to wear is navy. It has the same calm collectedness as black, but it's so much less harsh. Think about it: you would like to have a crisp and fresh black suit but a comfortable and well-fitting navy blazer. Whereas black is corporate, navy is more ... academic. Today, I paired it with a white pencil skirt. To avoid looking like a glorified flight attendant or ship captain with the trademark navy and white, I paired it with a periwinkle blouse with pleated collar.

I am absolutely in love with this blouse. It is a light silk material with subdued pinstripes running vertically and the most delicate collar pleats, reminiscent of the age of Queen Elizabeth I (but less costume-y).

A pleated collar is such an elegant way of making an outfit more interesting, and the pleats of this blouse go quite well with the equally delicate cap sleeves!

Blouse: Talbots | Cardigan: Brooks Brothers | Skirt: Banana Republic