When I read that the theme for this month’s Thrifty Six challenge was dark colours I knew it would suit Nancy to a tee…a black one obviously! Me, not so much. However, I did wear an all black outfit to the AC/DC concert (I’ve added my night and daytime outfits further down the post).
Trying to find inspiration for this theme was more difficult than I thought. Of the limited amount of dark clothing I own, not much of it is second hand. But after a rummage through the vacuum bags I’ve stored away I found this dark print skirt. I bought it in a charity shop a year or two ago. At the time I hesitated because of the dark print but for only £6 I couldn’t resist. It’s by Monki, which is one of my favourite high street brands for fun clothing, especially the patterned trouser suits (seen here, here and here).
Sticking to the dark colours theme, I paired the patterned skirt with a frilly sleeve black top from my favourite shop in Funchal (I also bought it in pink). The tan in the print of the skirt gave me the idea of wearing these mules that I also found in a charity shop for £6. They looked unworn…I guess I’m not the only one to buy shoes and not wear them! The tan bucket bag brings it all together and the strap sneaks in a little bit of colour. This challenge has reminded me to wear this skirt because I think it’s been packed away since I bought it!
SHOP THE LOOK
Monki skirt (charity shop) | Elsa. M by May top (from Dona Hortensia in Funchal) | bag from TK Maxx | New Look shoes (charity shop) | Kooky Two necklace | Jeepers Peepers sunglasses | Monica Vinader rings (PR products, get 20% off with this link) | Rotary watch (10% discount using the code THESTYLESPLASH10OFF)
Night to day outfits I wore in London – wearing dark colours in Summer is acceptable for a rock concert!
“Even though I usually wear color, color and more color, I like the idea of thinking about the opposite of what we normally wear. For me, that’s dark colors especially in the summer. I had the three of us use three different ways to incorporate dark colors as part of a summer look, and mine was with whimsy. Thus the thrifted tulle skirt with print mixing and a secondhand lunch box as my purse. I even incorporated wearing a scarf in the outfit but not the traditional way.”
“Like last month, the big box of preloved beautiful that Daenel sent to me had what I needed for this thrifty challenge. This gorgeous dark brown and deep red wrap skirt and kimono robe in shades of brown suited the dark colors theme perfectly. I added an olive green tank top, my tall brown moccasins, two layered wooden animal necklaces, and leopard print earrings…all picked up at thrift stores or flea markets. The only part of my outfit that was not preloved is my hat which I altered by adding an olive green fabric belt as a coordinating hat band.”
“Now that’s a theme to my heart! I didn’t have to think long and hard for that one. Black is my favourite colour, also in summer, and green is next! And although a lot of people say that black isn’t a colour, for me it is. The pre-loved item is the skirt, bought on Vinted. Very cheap, as new, and the seller told me I could also pick it up at her house as it was just two minutes away! Win win. It’s a very swoosy skirt and pretty thin so I need to remind myself to wear a underskirt with it!”
“Dark Colours is the T6 theme for July and I’m going all out with black black black!
I love black for summer, it makes such a statement; then adding texture just brings it to life…
…I’m mixing quilted leather, ribbed jersey, satin, wool and an interesting stud effect on my jacket.
Elevated with jet and silver jewellery it’s so far from being dull…
…black is the brightest colour in the summer sun!”
“There are a couple ways I like to style dark colors in summer:
Lightened up with white: In the left outfit, I paired a dark top half (thrifted dark teal blouse and black cardigan) with a contrasting, white-based thrifted floral skirt, a less-expected inversion of the more typical white T + dark print skirt outfit formula.
Brightened up with an accent color: In the right outfit, I picked up the green color from the black-based thrifted floral skirt with a simple T.”
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I love the details in the top! They match so well with the skirt.
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
Emma, I absolutely adore this skirt! What a cool print. And the sleeves on your top are so fun and totally you! Even though dark colors aren’t really your thing, you did an amazing job styling this prompt!
Shelbee
I think you are wearing a fabulous outfit, I would love to wear it! But it does feel a bit strange to see you in dark colours, although they do look great on you!
I think this is the first time I’ve seen you in black, and you are positively stunning! I love all the little details you’ve added, too! The pearls on the sleeves are so cool!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I absolutely love that top with the pearl detail! So pretty!
Love the blouse and mix of print it is so visually stunning.
https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2024/07/5-ways-choosing-colour-can-refresh-your.html
This is very different for you Emma, but I love it. Such a good idea for a challenge. Have a super week Jacqui x