Telling you that incorporating neutral colors into your closet can help expand your outfit selection is probably like telling you that humans need food to live. It isn't exactly a secret. But sometimes these neutral colors aren't what catches our eyes when shopping. I mean how excited can you really get about another pair of taupe shoes?
But; unfortunately, the days of my mom buying my clothes are long gone taking with them the bliss of guiltlessly having 5 animal print tops (3 of which I never wore). So in my efforts to be more conscious of how I spend my money, especially when it comes to unnecessary things like extra clothing (it physically hurt me to just say that more clothing isn't necessary!), I have come to rely on the four classic neutrals:
1. White
2. Black
3. Gray
4. Taupe.
Neutrals really stretch your wardrobe because you aren't bound by what will match them as they are a blank slate and easily paired with all colors.
While I agree that white, black, gray and taupe are staples you should include in your wardrobe, sometimes you need to shake things up a bit.
I present to you Army Green & Navy! (#'s 5 & 6)
Army green and navy can't be considered a true neutral because they very obviously have color. But, like the other colors listed, they are easily paired with all colors! They make the perfect baseline for an outfit. Army green has become a trendy color in the past few years; however, I still don't believe that it gets the credit it deserves. Neither does navy.
I challenge you to find a color that doesn't match with army green or navy. I'll wait...
If by chance (after years of thinking on this question) you are able to come up with a color that doesn't, then challenge me to make it work! I'll take you up on that because I am SO confident in these two additional colors.
Not only are they both flattering for all skin tones and hair colors but they can also span all four seasons.
When building your wardrobe you definitely want to include a few staple pieces that go the distance. Your outfits available will triple. I promise.
A few ways I have incorporated these colors into my closet are through pants, sleeveless tank tops and striped tees.
Pants:
I believe everyone should have at least one pair of army green pants. Denim shirt? It works. White tank top and taupe cardigan? It works. Black and white floral blouse? It works again! The possibilities are endless! here is an example straight from my closet paired with these earrings from my boutique. These are a lighter green than you might think when you hear "army green" but they are the same tone of green.
Sleeveless Tanks
Sleeveless tank tops follow the same principal as the pants but in reverse. Plus you can change up your look by throwing on a cardigan or blazer. I recommend a solid colored tank top with a detail that creates interest like a knot or a ruffle. Stay comfortable in a gray knotted tank with an army green military style jacket in early fall. Throw on a taupe blazer over a black mock neck tank to look like a boss. Or meet a friend for brunch in a navy knit tank and jeans. This mock neck tank top is one of my favorite new additions to my closet because I can wear it year round and dress it up or down.
Stripes
I also believe that a tee in any of these colors when paired with white stripes gives your outfit some oomph! Tees are a great staple for your wardrobe since they can easily be dressed up or down depending on how you style them. Subtle stripes can also be mixed with other patterns to give your outfit some interest. White pants with a taupe and white striped top? Adorable! Jeans and a grey and white striped tee? Meet me at the park. Stripes can literally take you anywhere you want to go. Especially when your accent color is one of these staples. I paired these white jeans with a green and white striped sweater and gray tassel earrings for a casual but cute weekday look.
I want to leave you with one final thought. Old rules of fashion don't necessarily apply today. There was a time when it was not acceptable to wear black and navy. I actually think Black and navy can make a very chic combo. You see people wearing black and gray, white and taupe together or other combinations of the 4 basic neutrals all the time. I believe that army green and navy can work as a neutral base for your outfit because they too can be paired with each other or other neutrals. Don't be afraid to try new things. With these color combos it truly is a safe space for being adventurous!
There is nothing wrong with including trendy patterns or fun colors into your wardrobe. Ask me how any floral shirts I have. Too many! Because I love them. But I also know how quickly I grow tired of bold patterned pieces. So when I am trying to make every dollar count, I look towards some basic staple colors and accessories to stretch my money a little further. These 6 colors are the ones that I find I can make work year-round. And they typically work with my floral shirts and patterned pieces to give me so many more options.
What about you? Do you already consider army green and navy staples in your wardrobe? If not, then are you considering it now? Let me know in the comments!
(You can also shop these cute jewelry styles here!).
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