You know all those super stylish people who wear tons of color? They just seem to innately know how to combine colors. They wear pink with red. They add the perfect pop of yellow to an outfit. They put blue with green in a way you never thought of. And while it looks great on them – you know it’s just not you. And that’s okay.
You don’t need to wear tons of color to feel stylish. You actually don’t need to wear any color – you can have a perfectly stylish wardrobe based in neutrals. But when you’re not depending on color, it’s easy to accidentally end up with outfits that are a little meh. That are a little bland. And a little too simple. So, you need to focus on things (other than color) to make your outfits interesting.
Did you ever watch What Not to Wear? I feel like What Not to Wear was my style school – I learned so much from watching every single episode (multiple times). And the interesting thing is that, even though they worked with many different people. Of different ages and sizes. And different needs and lifestyles. They always came back to the same main principles to make intentional outfits with dimension. And I use the same principles, too.
So, here are 4 principles (or secrets, if you will) to creating amazing neutral outfits. And I’ll illustrate them with actual outfits I created for my clients during styling sessions.
But first, two quick things. First - for the purpose of this article, I’m calling ‘neutrals’ black, shades of white and ivory, shades of grey, shades of brown/camel/taupe and navy. And denim. Others might argue that there are more neutrals (which I agree), but that’s what we’ll stick to for now. Second - most of these outfits utilize more than one principle to elevate them. Because one is good - but two (or three) is even better.
PATTERN
Print and pattern are the easiest ways to add dimension to an outfit when you’re not using color. They’re visually interesting and they’re an easy way to express your personality. Think about it – are you more of an animal print person? Or do you prefer dots and checks? Will you wear floral prints? Or do you like something more abstract? The possibilities are infinite and you can use pattern in so many different ways.
Pattern can be quiet. Pattern can be bold. Or you can do a combination of both. The subtle plaid pants and leopard print heels make this camel and brown look much more interesting than if it were based in simple solids. Click here for more client outfits based in prints.
One hit of print is often enough to elevate your look. An easy method is to use the print as a ‘blueprint’. You may not have thought of combining a brown leather jacket with a charcoal turtleneck and taupe booties - but the scarf ties it all together.
A patterned third piece (in colors that mesh with your favorite neutrals) is such a useful thing to have in your wardrobe. Because it works over a multitude of solid outfits. Check this out for 3 outfits I created with one plaid blazer.
Why stop at one print when you can wear two? Choose prints based in the same colors (but different scales) to keep it harmonious.
Even a little hit of print can make an outfit more interesting. You may feel like an overall plaid shirt is too much. But it’s just right peeking out of the collar, cuffs and hem of a sweater.
TEXTURE
I think of texture as the unsung hero of clothes, that no one really talks about. You probably have a clear opinion on your favorite colors and definite prints you prefer. But have you thought about texture as a way to make things more interesting? Especially if you’re someone who likes solids, texture is pretty crucial to turn a safe look into something stellar.
When you think of textures, don’t just focus on your clothes. This outfit is almost totally monochromatic - but the ribbed sweater and leather bag and suede boots add just enough interest to keep it subtly sophisticated.
Here’s another monochromatic look with texture as the hero. It’s a purposeful combination of a tweed jacket, ribbed sweater, leather skirt and patent heels.
Don’t overcomplicate things when you’re looking at texture. A visibly ribbed sweater adds enough texture to make things interesting.
When you think of texture, you may focus on cozy sweaters. But texture also comes in the form of other styles, like this sheer blouse with velvet dots. In this case it’s a cross between a print and a texture - and it totally works.
SHINE
Don’t get scared when I say ‘shine’ – I’m not asking you to wear sequins to the office. Shine is really any fabric with sheen or reflection (like silky fabrics or leather). And shine comes into play in a big way with your accessories. Jewelry, metallic textiles and hardware on belts, bags and shoes can totally transform a neutral based outfit.
Just like pattern, shine can be subtle or a bit loud. Take a look at the different accessories here. The bag and earrings are the obvious shine. But the bracelet also has beading. And the patent heels add shine, too.
Another case where it’s about the accessories. An attention-getting necklace and visible belt hardware lift an all black look (and don’t forget about the faux leather pants, either). Read this for 3 outfits I transformed just by changing the accessories.
You may think I’m still talking about texture here. I know it’s a little difficult to see - but the faux leather pants (and the loafer hardware) add shine. And it’s such a great contrast to the sweater.
COLOR
No, I’m not switching gears on you. When I’m talking about color, I’m referring to how you combine colors. Do you like monochromatic looks? Or bold contrasts? Or playing with multiple shades of the same basic color? These are all great ways to be deliberate with your neutral outfits. And you can change how you put things together based on the occasion and your mood.
I love monochromatic outfits (click here to see a bunch more). This client had all these items sitting in her closet before we even shopped - but she had never worn them together. So, if you have items in the same color, it’s a super sophisticated statement (notice how the texture provides dimension, too).
At the other end of the color combining spectrum is bold contrasts. Black and white is the most obvious one, as the ultimate example of dark vs. light.
This is an example of a couple of things. First, it’s about pairing different shades of the same color, with the light grey sweater and dark grey pants (a play on monochromatic and contrast at the same time). Second, it’s about combining different neutrals. Many people think that you can only wear grey with black - but grey totally works with any neutral (like these taupe shoes). Click here for other color myths you can stop believing.
I’m basically including this because I didn’t talk about navy yet - and it’s one of my favorite neutrals. I’ll use navy when I have clients who are stuck in black and we’re looking for a new dark neutral (charcoal and dark brown work, as well). And I also included this as a reminder that denim is a neutral. Yes, you can wear denim on denim - I just prefer when you vary the shades.
Did you get any new ideas on how to wear neutrals? Remember, it’s not about wearing neutrals vs. wearing color. You can be colorful on some days, neutral on others and get amazing mileage out of your existing wardrobe.
If you’ve never explored color vs. neutrals or the different facets of your style, maybe it’s time we connect. I’ve helped 100’s of clients define their style, figure out what does (and doesn’t) work in their closet, shop for what’s missing and create outfits that make them feel great. Because yes, you may be able to figure it out on your own. But you can also get guidance from an expert, so that you’ll spend less time and money and effort. And end up with an intentional style that you love.
Click here to contact me to set up an initial consultation. We’ll talk about your needs and my process. And if we feel like it’s a good fit, I’ll put you on my summer waitlist.