Michelle Oliver: Tired of denim? Try pants of a different color

If you have been to a mall anytime in the last two years, you have probably noticed almost every store now carries colored pants.

At first I was hesitant to try them because I tend to wear only denim jeans. However, after realizing there are only so many ways to style denim, I decided to branch out and try more colorful options.

About the time I came to this realization of needing some more color in my life, Helen & Louise downtown just happened to be having a major sidewalk sale. I was ecstatic when a pair of mint-green pants caught my eye. They were adorable, happened to be my size and were exactly what I was looking for. Without any hesitation, I grabbed them and pretty much ran to the register.

On the way home I was a bit in shock that I had made such a monumental purchase without having given it much thought. Yes, I normally overanalyze clothes before I buy them because I previously had a bad habit of not liking things once I got them home. My head started spinning a million directions on how to style these amazing new pants; the possibilities were endless.

I decided I wanted to ease my way into this new trend because it was so different from what I was used to wearing. I’m sure most of you can relate that when you get stuck in a rut in the clothing department, it is really hard to get out of it.

However, I am so happy I took the plunge because I found out how awesome colored pants really are.

I paired my new pants with an adorable gray sweater I have had for years. It seemed to balance out the green pants and not look too chaotic. I then added a cream-and-brown scarf and some black high-heeled sandals. It was the perfect combination for a day at the office, and I felt confident and bold wearing it.

Here are a few recommendations for you if you are trying a new trend or branching out your wardrobe:

I can tell you truthfully that there are some days I walk in the door from a long day, look in the mirror and think, “What was I thinking this morning?” I have to laugh at myself because it generally reverts back to not dressing for my body type or not loving it in the store.

This story was originally published March 29, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Michelle Oliver: Tired of denim? Try pants of a different color."