Neutral Ground: colors that please

Everyone knows that neutrals "go with everything". Well, there is a lot more to it than that! Neutrals are like that girl who tries to please everyone. She may be drab and meek or sparkly and talkative, but the bottom line is she wants everyone to be happy. Her specialty is making everyone his or her best. And that is exactly what a neutral color does for you outfit--it makes it looks its best.

A neutral is something that goes with nearly every color--it does not "clash" or create visual disharmony. When picking a neutral, it's more important to consider the value of the color than the actual shade. Value is how light or dark a color is. You may want to choose a neutral which is the opposite of your focus color so that the focus stands out that much more. For example, if the focus is a dark deep color, choose a light neutral.

The common neutrals are black, brown, navy, gray, tan/beige, cream, white, and olive. These days, denim is considered neutral as well, so all washes of jeans are neutral. Everything goes with a good pair of jeans :)

The rules of wearing neutrals are not as set in stone like they were in my grandmother's day, so feel free to mix it up. Black and navy blue totally work together!

I actually LOVE neutrals. I sometimes even make them the focus color of the outfit--what can I say, I'm a rebel. Below I detail my favorite ways to wear neutrals.

Black is the most over-worn, over-used neutral, if not color. People love to tell me how black "goes with everything", "doesn't show dirt", and is "edgy" or "classic". Well, yes I mostly agree BUT people who love black usually wear WAY TOO MUCH! And need I point out that black WILL show light colored lint, dust, and dandruff? Ew.

Nonetheless, black is a great color and a must-have basic. My favorites:

• Essentially any basic (jeans, trousers, dresses, skirts, etc)
  
• knit short/cropped sweater (with brights or pastels)
• shoes
• bags
• Patterns: white and black polka dots, black and colored stripes, etc.
• Lace

To avoid looking like a failed goth, wear only one piece of solid black at a time unless you really know your stuff.

Brown used to be my favorite neutral, until gray stole its spot in my heart. Browns are often deep and rich with a gold undertone, looking great with autumn leaf colors. I'll include shades of tan and taupe in the brown category--like this cute top on the right, worn with a navy (neutral!) skirt.

• Trousers
• Cargo shorts
• Shoes
• Leathers

Navy is actually not my favorite color (whereas most colors are!). But perhaps this is because I feel that I don't look my best in blue. But, navy is a classic, especially for "boat" looks.

• Since blue denim is now considered neutral, let's call it navy!
• Navy and white striped shirts
• Silk tops
• School girl skirts
• Knit tights

Gray is my new favorite neutral. Mind you, I talking about a solid gray, not a heather gray
which lends itself to athletic looks. It is softer than black, fades more gracefully, and can have a great sheen with less effort. The one piece rule applies here as well- I feel like gray is somewhat uncharted territory so be careful wearing more than one piece!

• Skirts (got this one from OldNavy.com!)
• Opaque tights
• Tank tops
• Knit sweaters
  
• With cream-colored items

Olive green comes and goes as an "it" neutral. Lately, I have only been seeing olive in the form of military inspired clothing, particularly jackets. However, since olives are just oh-so-tasty, I will highly recommend this flavorful neutral.

• Cargo pants
• Linen summer pants
• Military jackets
• Opaque tights

White and Cream have been making a major appearance in recent years. Flowy white tops, ruffled cream dresses, and sweet eyelet tanks are everywhere. And I MUST say that I approve whole-heartedly.

• Ruffle tops
• Sundresses
• Polka-dot tanks (I got mine several years ago at Old Navy)
• Parasols

And thus I finish my breakdown of neutral colors and ways to wear it. Remember, being neutral doesn't always make you a wuss!