Updating for Fall – Jade Green Cardigan

Still playing paper dolls – this time with a feather-weight jade green swing cardigan that I”m carrying forward for Fall.  This colorway — first cousin of teal/turquoise blues – is flattering to nearly everyone, although women with paler coloring may prefer a toned-down version. Here are some lessons from mix/matching it …

Of course I could pair it with basic black,  but it feels more  energetic  with  this  black/cream  mini. 

As a shortie (5’3”) I need a tall shoe to pull of that miniskirt, and black tights to connect the shoe to the hemline rather than chopping off even a smidge of visual height.  The mock-wrap off-black top forms a V neckline to showcase the malachite necklace – handed down from my MIL and a perfect match for the cardigan color.

Although I wear the cardi year round, the wool skirt fabric, the tights and the ankle boot all clearly signal that this is a Fall combo.

I also love the jade color with navy blue, so I layered  it over a color column —  a skinny ponte knit pant and matching shell top. I could do the same with a navy skirt or dark-wash jeans to vary level of formality.

The open front edge and the uneven hemline keep the over-layer from drawing a stark horizontal color break at the hipline.  Little slits in the side seams let the bottom of the pant slide down over the suede ankle boot. The little scarf links the colors and anchors focus at my face.  An abalone shell necklace would be a great alternative link for this color mix.  Search “abalone” and “paua shell” on Etsy.com for some great options.

I’m cautious about bracelets because chunky ones can call attention downward away from the face and right to the hips. However each of these antique silver ones is a series of curved pieces on an elasticized band so they slip over my hand easily and then retract for a fairly snug, unobtrusive fit.  And for bonus points, the light/dark elements of the design repeat the light/dark of the plaid.

Do you have tops in teal/turquoise/aqua/jade that you can play with for flattering Fall looks?