Do you find yourself searching through different shades of black, grey, white and tan when getting dressed each day? It’s easy to get stuck in a neutral wardrobe rut. After all, neutrals are known for their flattering, go-to ease and tend to be our natural default, but with summer’s arrival, it’s time we break out of that box and add something vibrant, colorful and bold colors to our wardrobe. Color, though, can be an intimidating choice, especially if you’re used to subdued shades. In this guide, we’re offering up a few of our top tips and tricks for adding color to your closet, as well as 20 of our favorite current fashion-forward finds. Whether you’re wanting to dip your toes into the vibrant wardrobe pool with some fun accessories or diving in headfirst with bold patterns and statement pieces, you’ll find it all in this guide. Here’s how to wear color if you’re naturally neutral!
Bright Blouses
The easiest way to bring color into your everyday wear is by finding the right shade for you. Light skin tones tend to look best with cooler shades like teals, purples or blues, while deeper skin tones glow against warm colors like oranges, yellows, pinks or reds. Even so, this is not a rule you must follow. Try out a few colors you wouldn’t normally gravitate towards and see what looks best on you! Keep your eye and hair color in mind when you select a color as certain shades (blues with blue eyes, bright green with darker hair, pink with blonde, etc.) will bring out the best of your features. Here are four extremely versatile tops that can be worn for both work and play that will encourage you to wear something colorful. Pair these with white jeans, classic blue denim, black trousers or solid shade shorts for a vibrant look that’s not too much.
Pair any (or all) of these bright blouses with a simple pair of jeans or white pants for the perfect colorful summer ensemble. The tie-front orange top is $55, this teal faux wrap top is $59, the blue and white striped tunic is $108, and this fun yellow tank is $68. Images: Nordstrom/Anthropologie
Flattering Colorful Bottoms
Arguably the most intimidating style choice with regard to color is bottoms. It can be easy to assume that bright and colorful pants or shorts won’t look right on you, but give them a try! We think you’ll be surprised at how fun and flattering they can be. Here, we’ve rounded up four options that look best when paired with a simple white blouse or striped tee. Both these cropped orange wide-leg pants and soft pink paper bag waist pants are super on-trend for this season and look fabulous with a pair of summer sandals and a breezy tee. This darling striped skirt is an easy way to add color without feeling overwhelmed (how cute does it look paired with some yellow shoes?!), and if you’re on the hunt for some unique shorts this summer, these red tie-front linen shorts are the ideal length for fashion-forward comfortability.
Donning colorful bottoms can be intimidating, especially when it comes to pants. These four options are fun, flattering and pair perfectly with a simple tee or white blouse. The orange cropped pants are $52.80, this sweet striped skirt is $88, these red tie-front shorts are $70, and these pink paper bag waist pants are $118. Images: Nordstrom/Anthropologie
Summer Sundresses
When summer rolls around, our sundress selection almost always needs a revamping. And when trying to add color to your closet, a solid, yet bright dress is an easy option. We are swooning over this fuchsia midi dress that has removable straps, allowing it to be either dressed down with sneakers and a jean jacket or dressed up with block heels and a statement pair of earrings. This precious yellow dress is great for work, a summer soirée or even an outdoor wedding, and this bohemian-inspired red number would look adorable at the beach, out to lunch with the gals or even for a date night— just add some dainty gold jewelry and a simple pair of sandals for an effortless summer look. Lastly, this gorgeous navy A-line dress is a beautiful option for a summer wedding — we love the simple, feminine ruffle detailing.
Nothing is more comfortable and breezy on a hot summer day than a sundress. Here are three vibrant options and one fancier dress (navy) just right for an outdoor wedding. This fuchsia midi dress is $138, the yellow button-up sundress is $138, this red boho peasant dress is $188, and this navy fit and flare dress is $89. Images: Anthropologie/Nordstrom
Bold Patterns
Wearing color doesn’t always have to mean solid shades. This time of year, vibrant patterns are a must as long as you’re pairing them with a simple top or bottom. Here, we’ve featured four different ways to rock a bold and colorful pattern. This floral yellow wrap top looks fun, yet polished when paired with simple sunnies and some denim shorts, while this stunning blue skirt stands out when paired with a golden yellow tank. Lemon prints are also a trend this season, and we’re loving it on this pair of flattering shorts. Lastly, kick the stripe trend up a notch with this pink and coral silk blouse that’s both interesting and versatile.
Bright colors and bold patterns were made for each other. Here are a few ways to rock a bold pattern without going over the top. This floral wrap top is $98, the bright blue and yellow maxi skirt is $118, these fun lemon pattern shorts are $59, and this pink striped blouse is $168. Images: Nordstrom/Anthropologie
Pop of Color
If all of this color is just too much for you, don’t fret! We’ve included some easy-to-style accessories that will spice up any neutral look. First up, this scarf, available in a multitude of shades and patterns, will soon become your favorite accessory. Tie it around your ponytail or bun, around the neck, on the strap of your handbag or even around your wrist for an unexpected pop of color. Or, opt for a fun pair of patterned heels like this floral option when donning a little black dress or all-white outfit for a unique pop of pattern. This gorgeous red tote speaks for itself — it essentially defines summer fashion and will look beautiful against any neutral outfit. Lastly, and most easy-to-style, are these cobalt blue tassel earrings. You can find these in any color, and they’re ideal for giving your look a splash of color while drawing attention to your beautiful face!
If you want to just dip your toes into the colorful wardrobe pool, these vibrant accessories are the ideal start. This versatile scarf, which can be worn in your hair, around your neck or tied around your handbag, is $18, these floral patterned heels are $119.95, this bright red tote is $245, and these cobalt blue tassel earrings are $36. Images: Nordstrom/Anthropologie
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