Happy Sunday, ladies! All of my regulars know how many colors I’ve incorporated into my wardrobe this Spring. But the truth is, not everyone loves a color pop as much as I do. A lot of us actually prefer neutrals and find it difficult to wear bright & bold colors. Not to worry, this post is for you. Today, I’m going to give you 5 ways to subtly add color to your outfit.
And if you love color as much as I do, there’s still something in this post for you. I’ve pulled together 5 different outfits for Spring & Summer that I think you’re going to enjoy. So let’s get right down to it.
The Summary
Today I’m featuring 5 outfits that demonstrate how to subtly add color to your outfit
The outfits I’ve modeled are all old, but I’ve put together similars for each
I’ve pulled together 10 of my favorite color pops at the end of the post, so don’t miss them!
Subtly Add Color To Your Outfit
1. With A Scarf
One of the easiest and perhaps most subtle ways to add color to your outfit is with a scarf. Scarves are great because you can incorporate them in multiple ways.
You can wear the scarf like below, or you can tie it to your handbag. However you choose to wear them, scarves come in a variety of different colors—often multi-colored—and patterns.
Find a scarf that fits your personality and subtly colorize your outfit.
Similar outfit
Board: Casual Linen Blazer (Talbots) | Sleeveless Perfect Shirt (Talbots) | Paisley Garden Oblong Scarf (Talbots) | Everyday Relaxed Jeans (Talbots) | Stella Knot Suede Loafer (Talbots)
Shop the Board
2. With A Belt
Belts are an obvious but equally subtle way to add a slight pop of color to your OOTD. The outfit below is a great example: it’s a simple blue & white base elevated with a slight splash of red provided by my belt.
Pants and shorts are the tried and true places to add a belt. But try adding a colorful one to a monochrome, neutral dress for an elevated look.
Similar Outfit
Board: Classic-Fit Western Chambray Shirt (J.Crew) | Perfect Shorts (Talbots) | Braided Leather Belt (Talbots) | Hannah Vachetta Leather Slides (Talbots)
Shop the outfit
3. With Your Shoes
Shoes are another way to easily add color to your outfit. Take any monochrome outfit and spice it up with colorful shoes.
Whether you wearing sandals, heels, or just plain old sneakers, swap out your neutral shoes for a colorful pair.
I’ve always said, every woman should have a pair of red shoes. So, if you’re dipping your tootsies into colorful waters, start with red. You can’t go wrong.
Similar Outfit
Board: Classic Denim Jacket (Talbots) | Everyday Relaxed Jeans (Talbots) | Hazel Pointed Toe Pump (Sam Edelman/Nordstrom) | Button Detail Linen Tunic (Talbots) | Leather Detail Frame Clutch (Talbots)
Shop the outfit
4. With Details
The most tried and true way to add color to your outfit is with accessories. But often overlooked, another way is through outfit details.
It’s not hard to find items from your favorite retailers with colorful details. From collars to dress ties to pant cuffs—these are all ways to subtly add color to your outfit.
Similar Outfit
Board: Embroidered Gauze Top | Perfect Crops | Cece Braid Thong Sandals | Leather Detail Frame Clutch
Shop the outfit
5. With Your Bag
Last but not least, is with your bag. Just a word of caution: many of us view handbags as investment pieces, which is why so many of them are neutral colors.
So if you’re looking to add color to your outfit with a handbag, and I recommend you do, a few words of advice.
Pick your favorite non-neutral color. That way you can buy that bag with confidence and know no matter what the trend that season, you’ll still love that color.
Start with a budget alternative. Safe and easy if you fall out of love with that particular shade of, say, orange.
Similar Outfit
Board: White Callahan Shirtdress (Tuckernuck) | Laurana Leather Top Handle Tote in Stripe (J.McLaughlin) | Keri Whipstitch Metallica Nappa Sandals (Talbots) | Lily Square Sunglasses (Talbots)
Shop the outfit
The Tees
1.
Paisley Garden Oblong Scarf
Shop Now
2.
Braided Leather Belt
Shop Now3.
Izzy D’Orsay Suede Espadrille Sandals
Shop Now
4.
Embroidered Gauze Top
Shop Now5.
Laurana Leather Top Handle Tote In Stripe
Shop Now
6.
Rattan Print Scarf
(shop more Ann Taylor scarves)
Shop Now7.
Hazel Pointed Toe Pump
Shop Now
8.
Printed Pebble Belt
Shop Now9.
Appliqued Tassel Poplin Tunic
Shop Now
10.
Cadiz Hand-Knotted Rope Tote
Shop NowIn Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Kelly shared 5 classic salads perfect for Spring & Summer. Click the title or image below to read the article.
5 Classic Salads Perfect For Spring & Summer
About The Author
Wonderful post, Beth! This is exactly the type of approach I’ve needed to adding just a bit of color to my wardrobe. I tend to be a little color shy. Your suggestions make total sense. Enjoy the weekend!
Great post for those who are wary of colour, and also for those of us who embrace it. Scarves are my go-to standbys, as the classics never go out of style and can transform any outfit. Your shoes have always inspired me. Your collection of heels is just delicious! I’m into the shoe’s details rather than a lot of colour, but you have definitely inspired more colour in my casual shoes, which is an easy, budget friendly experiment.