Favourite Megan, this post is for you.
I have been pondering what is considered “neutral” in style ever since this comment:
It really got me thinking! I absolutely love my yellow pants and my mustard everything and my teal necklace, and I think they go with almost everything. I absolutely hate matchy-matchy looks – this stems from 1985 when I wore alternating pink and purple from head to toe. I have destroyed all photo evidence. By “matchy-matchy,” I mean “too carefully coordinated,” which I see all the time in stores and in the world around me. And yes, even on me from time to time. Since I’m so up on fashion, I am aware that wearing matching tops and bottoms is a current trend. Not sure if I will go there or not; depends if something crosses my path at VV Boutique! In the meantime, I set out to educate myself about neutrals. Now, get your coffee and prepare for the most epic post to date.
Defining Neutrals
Neutrals are not just black and white! In fact, though this common colour combo often evokes clean classic style, I usually feel like a waitress server (does that make me sound less old now since I made a date reference to when many of you weren’t even born?). Many people have primarily black and white in their closets, and some even intentionally stick to those basics for their own intriguing reasons. As for me, I love colour and always have! I am so happy to discover that neutrals include a broad range!
- typical colours – white, black, brown, beige, denim
- other colours – olive, navy, gray, charcoal, camel, oatmeal, taupe
- animal prints
- metallics
- stripes
- dots
- plaid, checks, gingham
- small prints
- colour blocking*
Most of the time, neutrals can be safely intermingled! This is a great strategy for layering! I think my yellow pants fall into the colour-block trend (more on that later!) and are best treated like a neutral so I used them to demonstrate some of the “new neutrals” in my closet.
*Colour Blocking Basics
- wear pieces from neighbouring spots on the colour wheel (the monochromatic trend would fall here)
- wear pieces from opposite spots on the colour wheel
- pair colour blocked pieces with neutrals
- if using three colours, pair 2 neighbouring colours with something from the opposite spot on the colour wheel
- use neutral accessories OR use accessories to bring in that third colour
Pinterest is of course a great source for all things style, and lots of style bloggers have mastered the use of colourful pieces in their wardrobes! Because I am dedicated to playing dress up to avoid cleaning the cause, I pulled up a colour wheel and tested out the colour blocking basics:
But take caution in wearing them together. Ho ho ho.
In conclusion, I leave you with some Neutral Style Rules:
- It has to GO, not match. In fact, avoid matching too carefully.
- Even if you’re wearing all neutrals, look for interesting details and texture – ruching, trim, hemline, print, etc.
- The monochromatic trend is an easy entry into colour blocking! Just throw on a scarf in a neighbouring hue or variation on the same colour!
- Mistakes happen, but experimenting and having fun with your wardrobe is worth the risk! Just be sure to think and talk nicely about your clothes, your body, your style no matter what happens! You’re the only you there is so be nice!
- Go forth with attitude! A good attitude makes up for almost anything!
That was fun! Not all of these pieces today were from VV Boutique, but no doubt VV Boutique is a great place to get great pieces to try out the New Neutral!
3 Comments
Great blog today Nicole! I am learning! Must get me some leopard print. oh – and you are looking skinnier and skinnier. Meanwhile my clothes are getting tighter and tighter. Bleach!
Ok ok ok. I got it, I will refine my ways. Maybe I’m just jealous because I don’t have yellow pants. But here’s the next point to consider… we are often told to use darker colors to downplay the parts we don’t like or want to de-emphasize. So while the beautiful yellow pants look great on you (read: because you have a nice tiny bum, hips and thin legs) I’m not so sure I (who is your polar opposite on the “shape wheel”) can pull off yellow on the bottom. I do like color on the top however, and have a very yellow top to prove it. So color blocking for me, I think works on the top with a neutral like denim, but not with a color on the bottom. Weigh in?
hee hee… I heard that about lighter colours but I think Rule #5 takes precedent AND I actually think a nice mint green or pastel would look nice on any size on the bottom – saw some mauve jeans with a cobalt sweater in the Gap window display that I loved! If you are skeptical, why not try a deep teal, purple or green on the bottom and a lighter colour (or typical neutral!) on top. Go cheap then if you don’t feel comfortable, it hasn’t cost you much! I had no idea I would love those yellow pants as much as I do and they were $18!!! Plus, girl, you are shrinking weekly and deserve to celebrate your progress with some adventurous bottoms!!