Let’s talk about neutrals. Whether you dress only in them, or consider them a necessary evil, they live in everyone’s closet. I’m guessing you’ve heard the term “pop of color” to describe the idea of adding interest to an outfit by adding a contrasting color that “pops” off the rest of your color palette. This term is usually reserved for brights and vibrants like reds or yellows, but I will show you today that neutrals can also serve as a pop of color and interest to your outfit. This is perhaps one of my favorite fashion formulas to date and I’ve been applying it lately without mercy.
Why Would You Use A Neutral As a Pop of Color?
Having a wardrobe mixed with layers and accessories in eye-catching colors is a nice thing to have, but, practicality needs to take precedence, and let’s face it…if you’re going to drop the coin on a new coat or handbag, often times it’s a better use of your money to get one in a neutral that can better mix and match, and be worn over and over again. For that reason, I’m sure a lot of you would agree that you probably own a lot of coats, jackets, shoes and handbags in varying hues of neutral. I know I do.
So, how do you give interest to your outfits while still playing into the need for practicality? By popping your neutrals!
For the purposes of this post, I’m using the neutral colors of black, white, shades of grey and shades of brown. If you’re a navy junkie, just replace “black” with navy to get similar results.
HOW TO MAKE BLACK POP IN AN OUTFIT
Black will pop against: – camels & light browns – light greys – whites & creams |
![]() |
HOW TO MAKE LIGHT GREY POP IN AN OUTFIT
![]() |
Light grey will pop against: – black – dark browns |
HOW TO MAKE DARK GREY POP IN AN OUTFIT
Dark grey will pop against: – camels & light browns – whites & creams |
![]() |
HOW TO MAKE CAMEL POP IN AN OUTFIT
![]() |
Camel will pop against: – black – dark greys |
HOW TO MAKE DARK BROWN POP IN AN OUTFIT
Dark brown will pop against: – light greys – whites & creams |
![]() |
Love neutrals mixed with black!
http://Www.baanou.com
this was lovely – thanks!
I’m in the process of paring down my wardrobe and I’m slowly learning how versatile neutrals can truly be.
I would love to try some of these color schemes using neutrals, thanks so much for sharing this guide!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
That is a very helpful article, thanks so much.
http://dressmecasual.blogspot.com.eg/
Very helpful as I’m packing for a Napa trip soon! :) thanks.
Awesome guide here! Using the right combinations you can make anything pop. Thanks for sharing this!
This is my first time to your site; great post. I was curious about the pants you are wearing in the picture; I couldn’t see it quite clearly because the picture is shaded (maybe that’s what it is supposed to do), but I would love to know what the material is, and where you got them? I’ve been looking for slim leather-esque pants and thought these would fit the bill. Thank you!
Hi TDK! The pants are leather from Current Elliott. Better photos can be seen in this post: http://www.alterationsneeded.com/2015/11/all-saints-coat-leather-skinnies.html
And the leather pants are still available here: http://altsneed.co/1MFRuNk
OMG! This is super helpful and useful! Thanks so much for sharing. I was beginning to get bored with neutrals but could not will myself to invest too much in non-neutrals. Totally on point here. :D