Looking for a way to instantly expand your wardrobe? Double or triple the number of outfits you already have in your closet? Embrace neutrals!

Here’s how…

The Basics

The most common neutrals are black, brown, white, gray and any shade of these colors. Neutrals match everything, tone down an especially pieces, provide a cohesive look, and are easy to accessorize. When looking to add quality staples to your wardrobe, always opt for neutrals. If you find a great pair of pants, buy a pair in every neutral – you won’t regret it!

Start with neutral basics then add color.

Pseudo-Neutrals

Any very dark shade of a cool color is considered a pseudo-neutral because they match any color and combine with each other beautifully. Cool colors include blue, green, and purple.

I have to admit that it took me a while to embrace pseudo-neutrals, but now that I have, navy, olive green, and deep purple are some of most worn colors in my wardrobe.

The New Neutrals

SJP embraces layers of nude neutrals

Cream, blush, sand, and nudes were the hot neutrals this spring, and the trend continues into fall with layering. Patterns and textures add substances and help to make this pale pallet of neutrals more season appropriate.

Metallics

Gold, silver, pewter, and bronze all function just like neutrals and are best utilized as accessories.  That means that you can mix and match gold and silver jewelry!

It Doesn’t Have to Match

Like Clinton Kelly from TLC’s What Not to Wear says, “It doesn’t have to match. It has to ‘go’.” Your blouse no longer has to perfectly match your skirt. Your bag does not have to match your shoes. As long as you’re pulling from a neutral base, the majority of your wardrobe already “goes!”

Pairing Neutrals

More What Not to Wear wisdom. “Neutrals go with everything. Including each other.” The old rule about mixing black and brown is out. Pairing neutrals in different textures creates rich, layered looks with infinite combinations. Tan and black is chic and black and blue is modern.

Adding Color

Bright scarves are just one way to add a POP of color to a neutral outfit.

The basic rule of thumb is that every item of an outfit should fit into a category of neutrals – except one. That one is your POP of color.

Try a white tank, a gray cardigan, navy pinstriped pants, plum shoes, a brown purse, gold and silver jewelry, and a bright scarf. Or swap the white tank for a bold color! Or the gray cardigan for a patterned one then pull a color the pattern to further emphasize with a scarf!

Trust me. Once you have your basics down, it all works together!

Embrace Neutrals

So, know your neutrals, build your outfit, then add a POP of color! You’ll be mixing and matching and wearing all the clothes in your closet!