How to Add Bold Color to a Neutral Wardrobe

Nothing exudes a sense of comfortable polish like a neutral outfit. Having neutral items in a closet affords numerous adaptable styles that nearly all match one another, making dressing easy. But sometimes, adding a burst of color to your neutral wardrobe can elevate it even further. Let’s talk about adding color accents to your neutral wardrobe by season.

For Casual Drinks

If your last meeting ends at 5 and you’re meeting the girls at 5:30 at your favorite spot, don’t miss a beat on your social calendar.

Pastels

Pastels are soft color tones like pale green, butter yellow, rose pink, baby blue. When we think of adding new shades to spring neutrals, think about playing with other cool shades: a silk blouse in light blue under a white suit brings a fun, seasonal pop of color to your neutrals without being overwhelming. For a more casual look, try mixing a neutral top, cardigan, and shoe with a bright and colorful pair of jeans in a spring color.

For Dinner

That restaurant reservation makes for a tight schedule, but with these tips, you can be ready from the moment you leave the house this morning. Make the workwear to evening transition easy with these tips.

FOR SUMMER

Neutral linen and cotton styles for summer are mainstays for fashion lovers around the world. Break the monochromatic look up with something bright and bold.

Une femme portant des lunettes de soleil pose en plein air, tenant la jupe longue Ursie sur le côté. La jupe présente un imprimé léopard paisley et sécoule élégamment alors quelle se tient sur une allée en pierre éclairée par le soleil, près de piliers blancs et dune végétation luxuriante.
Une femme portant des lunettes de soleil, un long manteau vert olive, un haut crème, un jean bleu et une ceinture marron se tient contre un pilier de pierre, regardant sur le côté, une main dans la poche.

FOR FALL

Autumn marks the start of a new year in the fashion world. From runways to editorials, new color trends are established that will carry through the rest of the year. Because these shows air six months earlier than the actual season, you can get a head start on seasonal color trends by watching the runways. Consider adding some of these colors to differentiate your neutral wardrobe.

Warm Colors

Autumn is marked by many of the colors seen in the changing foliage: burgundy, coffee brown, olive green, gold, rust orange. It’s also the herald of cooler temperatures on the horizon, which means layers. Use this to your advantage by adding a layer to your neutral fall set. A vest in rust orange, a jacket in olive green, or a shoe in a deep merlot will play softly with your other pieces.

FOR WINTER

Jewel tones have long reigned over winter fashion trends, and they make great statement colors for neutral winter pieces in your wardrobe. You might have a matching white apres-ski outfit ready for your holiday vacation, but consider adding another color to your suitcase before heading off to the mountains.

Wearing the Sayla Sequin Gown and black heels, a woman stands against a pink wall with ornate details and a large green door, channeling vintage glamour as she gazes at the camera with a relaxed expression.

FOR WINTER

Jewel tones have long reigned over winter fashion trends, and they make great statement colors for neutral winter pieces in your wardrobe. You might have a matching white apres-ski outfit ready for your holiday vacation, but consider adding another color to your suitcase before heading off to the mountains.

Wearing the Celina Fringed Leather Trench, a woman with black gloves and sunglasses descends outdoor steps, holding a black purse and looking to the side, with greenery and a brick building in the background.

USE ACCESSORIES

Accessories are an easy way for your neutral wardrobe to get some color accents on smaller, but still effective, scales. 

The Aya Suede Belt, crafted from green Italian suede and featuring a silver engraved buckle and loop, is handcrafted in LA and shown against a plain white background.
The Gisele Leather Sandal is a gold high-heeled shoe made from lizard-embossed gold leather, designed with an open toe and an ankle strap, and shown against a plain white background.

SHOES

Shoes in metallic shades or with colorful details are yet another way to bring some color to your neutral sets. Whether they’re a pair of snakeskin pumps in green or a golden set of sandals, colorful shoes are another way to add color to a neutral wardrobe. 

A statement bag might be the bold accent you need, and they look particularly beautiful against solid, neutral jackets. Consider trying a bag in primary colors or a bold, new shade of leather to offset your usual neutrals.

Scarves

Scarves are great ways to add beautiful and colorful touches to your outfits whether you’re wearing one in your hair, around your neck, or on your bag. Try adding a red scarf around the handle of your favorite neutral tote.

Jackets

Statement jackets and coats are eye-catching and useful, particularly as the weather cools down. Instead of a usual brown trench coat, maybe add a fun alternative to your closet to wear over your neutrals.

Seasonal Shoes

Just like with seasonal colors, consider the shades of shoes you’d wear to embolden your neutral sets: for spring, try something bright; for summer, something louder; for fall, a darker tone; for winter, try a richer color.

USE PRINTS

Adding a printed piece to your neutral arsenal can have a big impact. Consider bringing a print that includes a matching neutral color of your favorite set into your rotation to bring a pop of something new and colorful to your next ensemble.

A woman in the Rosette Maxi Dress and sunglasses stands on a terrace with palm trees, holding her skirt as it billows in the breeze, cityscape and blue sky behind her.