This is the Chinese year of the sheep, and I read somewhere that sheep are the symbol of the arts. Well then, this is the year to let creativity rule.

By Maureen Mancini Amaturo

This is the Chinese year of the sheep, and I read somewhere that sheep are the symbol of the arts. Well then, this is the year to let creativity rule. If you want to up the energy in your closet, just know that creative fashion doesn’t mean lavender hair, dresses made of raw meat, or adding spikes to the cuffs of your winter coat. One of the simplest and highest impact approaches to creative fashion is color.  

I know, we live in New York, and we wear black. But it seems like the creative energy of this new year-of-the-sheep is nudging us toward wardrobes with a little more kick. So imagine this: you’re Dorothy. You’re inside your monotone house. You land in the new year, open the door, and everything is in color. Follow the yellow brick road, girls, in red heels, cobalt flats, or shoes in the color that has hit 2015 like a twister, Marsala.

 

Color By Numbers

1.  You already know that Pantone named Marsala color of the year for 2015. Pantone says, “Marsala is a stirring and flavorful shade for apparel and accessories, one that encourages color creativity and experimentation.” Well, now we know why. Guess Pantone knows about the sheep. Marsala is a warm, rich, sensual, earthy, red-brown. Flattering for so many skin tones. For the sake of 2015, try a blazer, sheath, sweater, leather jacket, pencil skirt, or statement purse in Marsala. At the very least, toss a Marsala scarf over your coat. Accessorize with Marsala gloves, shoes, belts, or stone jewelry in the Marsala tones. Garnets, anyone?

2. If color confounds you, remember what Coco Chanel said, “The best color in the world is the one that looks good on you.” Still unsure? Ease yourself into color: try blush. It’s subtle and is almost a neutral so it’s less intimidating. Blush is low-key, ultra-versatile, but its rosey tone adds just enough life so you can have a basic that isn’t bland.

3. Wear all black if you must, but top it with a colorful coat or blazer. Let that one punch of color in a major garment take your ensemble in to the new year.

4. Dare yourself to create an entire outfit without one black item. Charcoal gray, navy, and chocolate brown count as colors. And Marsala happens to look stunning with any of those three. Best to stick with solids for this look.  

5. The smallest detail makes a difference. Even a pair of brightly colored sunglasses can add a new vibe to your look. Remember, the accessories you choose differentiate your outfit from everybody else’s. There are so many amazing handbags in unexpected colors. Hair ornaments, statement fashion jewelry, bold-shade shoes. Now hear this, even professional looks–all gray, black, camel–can benefit from a Marsala pump.

6. The easiest, most affordable way to update your look with a drop of Marsala is with lip and nail color. For a sheer Marsala lip, try Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Strip ($20 at urbandecay.com) More color? Revlon Super Lustrous Crème Lipstick in Toast of New York, $7.99. Or L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in Divinie Wine, $7.99. For nails, Maybelline Wine and Forever, $4.29, Bordeaux from Bobbi Brown $15, or In Stitches from Essie, $8.50.

Experiment. Embrace color. The sheep says it’s time to get creative.