Ditch the beige: style icon laurel pantin's guide to bold color dressing

Tired of the same muted wardrobe? Style guru and entrepreneur Laurel Pantin is here to inject some serious vibrancy into your life – and your closet. Forget the fear of brights, because her new column, ‘Ask Earl,’ is all about mastering the art of incorporating bold color into your everyday look.

Decoding the color code: pantin's top tips

Pantin, known for her discerning eye and approachable style advice – honed at Forbes and Princeton – breaks down how to confidently wear color. It's less about following trends and more about trusting your instincts. Her approach? ‘Close your eyes and throw it all on.’

First up: ‘A pop of color’ is a myth. Instead, embrace color pairings. Don’t pair a bright sweater with black; lean into complementary shades. Think navy with a yellow-green sweater, or a bold blue bag alongside a dark suit. It’s about creating a harmonious, personal statement – not a jarring clash.

Key looks to inspire

Pantin illustrates her philosophy with a curated selection of looks: a navy suit paired with a vibrant yellow-green sweater and a bright blue bag; a beige foundation layered with cobalt blues and lavender; and a head-to-toe red ensemble featuring satin and poplin textures. Each outfit highlights the importance of trusting your own taste and creating a cohesive, expressive wardrobe.

“It's like decorating your home,” she explains. “If you love every single thing you put in your house, it will ‘work’ because the throughline, your taste, will make it all look and feel cohesive.”

Beyond the rainbow: finding your style sweet spot

Pantin champions a style that’s both practical and expressive. “I’m not really a minimalist or a maximalist, I’m emotional about clothing, and inspired by an outfit’s ability to make something innate and personal visible to others.” Her goal is to help you find a way to dress that feels authentically you – a way that translates into a more confident and joyful day.

Ask earl launches now

From bold color combinations to mastering the art of layering, ‘Ask Earl’ offers a refreshing take on personal style. Pantin’s commitment to accessible, insightful advice guarantees that getting dressed each day will be both easier and more exciting. She’s taking the guesswork out of fashion, one question – and one brilliantly colored outfit – at a time.