Alishah Malik Design: Colorblock Gingham Business Casual Dress
Hijab: Jersey Scarf from Culture Hijabs
Sunglasses: Abella Eyewear
Shoes: Liliana purchased from Olive Ole
Handbag: Shopitude
Hijab: Jersey Scarf from Culture Hijabs
Sunglasses: Abella Eyewear
Shoes: Liliana purchased from Olive Ole
Handbag: Shopitude
If you want to create drama, it's best to keep lots of open space. Gingham is a pattern that can easily become overwhelming. It eats the rest of the outfit. Fortunately the sharp color difference between the black/white gingham and the red accessories helps balance out the print.
It doesn't have to be super fancy to be a statement. Sharp contrasts automatically create more drama and shadows so play with accent colors if you want your outfit to pop.
A solid color dress might be able to tolerate more accessories than this one, but since the pattern is already creating less space for contrast it is important that statement pieces be powerful (a very different color, like red), but also not so much that they become patterns themselves. Small accents rather than complimentary pieces.
A solid color dress might be able to tolerate more accessories than this one, but since the pattern is already creating less space for contrast it is important that statement pieces be powerful (a very different color, like red), but also not so much that they become patterns themselves. Small accents rather than complimentary pieces.
A large red handbag would overwhelm the outfit, for example. However, a large black or grey handbag with red accents would still create a dramatic visual contrast.
And when it comes to drama and contrast, the brighter the better. But again, only a little of it. And try to keep the non-accented colors distinct. If you have a few greys and blacks then the eye is more likely to blur these colors. We want sharp distinctions in colors and patterns.
And when it comes to drama and contrast, the brighter the better. But again, only a little of it. And try to keep the non-accented colors distinct. If you have a few greys and blacks then the eye is more likely to blur these colors. We want sharp distinctions in colors and patterns.
The outfit is actually very simple aside from the shoes and the bag. The dress can easily be dressed down and a spacious front pocket makes it practical for busy days, too. I am a firm believer in versatility.
And in case no one has told you lately:
I believe in you, too!
xo, Alishah
And in case no one has told you lately:
I believe in you, too!
xo, Alishah