ALL ABOUT BEAUTY: The Gray Scale

All About Beauty

My obvious love for a muted color palette includes a strong bias toward a monochrome black ensemble. As the most timeless color (and arguably the most flattering), black transcends the seasons. You can wear it head-to-toe in the heat of summer or the dead of winter. What’s more, the color loves a good selection of accessories, while serving as the perfect platform for a vamped-up beauty palette.

This Fashionista pairs scalloped shorts with a chiffon striped top. Whether she knew it or not, she channeled the obsession with stripes seen on the s/s 2013 runways from forerunners Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta and Michael Kors.  The s/s runways also boasted a diverse mix of black and white prints, replacing the usual florals. Alexander Wang and Jason Wu challenged the colorful seasonal print with beautifully elegant monochromatic looks—just like this Fashionista. She finishes her gray scale with leather combat boots and a simple cardigan. To give these classic shapes a needed accent, she accessorizes with a turquoise statement necklace. 

Turning to her beauty repertoire of choice, this Fashionista opts for a loose, relaxed vibe. Her long blonde locks look effortlessly wavy, cleverly contrasting the deep hues of her outfit. I couldn’t help but reminisce on the show-stopping beauty palette used by Jean Paul Gaultier in his f/w 2012 collection. Models streamed down the runway with what looked like painted-on roots. This graffiti-esque style accentuated dark roots against a bright mane. Somewhat similar to the ombré, it has that whole “unkempt” aura to it, exuding an urban appeal. This Fashionista stays true to the trend with dark brown roots, which undoubtedly contribute to the monochromatic edge.

To recreate an all-black ensemble worth the absence of color, pair this printed maxi skirt with a simple gray tank. Add a chunky cable knit when the winter chill sets in and, as always, accessorize accordingly. A pair of black Dr. Martens will do the trick, which go surprisingly well with bed head-inspired hair.

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