HOW TO CREATE A COHESIVE WARDROBE USING NEUTRALS

Dressing your best doesn’t have to be hard. But sometimes, we overcomplicate things by trying to go too bold, too busy, or too trendy. Neutrals are the perfect way to start creating a cohesive wardrobe. Not only do they go with everything, but they also create a foundation on which you can build more color. With five simple tips, I will show you how to create a cohesive wardrobe using neutrals.

This post may contain affiliate links which will result in me making a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase.

** This post may contain affiliate links which will result in me making a commission if you purchase from one of them at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this website.

Cardigan wearing XL (mine is too big, so size down) || Blouse (old) similar || Jeans wearing 18; Plus Size || Booties (run narrow)

Here are some tips on how to create a cohesive wardrobe using neutrals:

We all know the age-old saying, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” Well, the same goes for your wardrobe. You want to create a cohesive wardrobe that will help you look and feel your best, regardless of the occasion or your size. And the best way to do that is by starting with a foundation of neutrals.

LESS IS MORE, EVEN WITH COLOR

We’ve recently talked about the spacial and emotional burden our current culture of excess has put on us. All this stuff we have is stressing us out! One of my favorite things about starting with a good foundation of neutral pieces for everyday wear is that you can get away with having fewer clothes.

YES, it’s true!

Think about it; if you wear a red dress three times a week, even if you style it differently each time, people will remember that dress. If you style a gray dress three ways in one week, it’s not as memorable.

Cardigan wearing XL (mine is too big, so size down) || Blouse (old) similar || Jeans wearing 18; Plus Size || Booties (run narrow)

MY UNIFORM OF CHOICE

I have been a brand ambassador for Vionic shoes this fall and winter season; they send me shoes, and I style them to create content for advertising. Now, initially, this created a ton of stress for me. Oh, the angst of having to put outfits together that looked fashionable and put together on this less than perfect body!

But then I realized, especially as a curvy woman, I look my very best (and the shoes look better, too) when I keep my outfits simple.

So today, I’m sharing one of my favorite outfits this season as an example of a non-boring, neutral outfit. I’m also sharing some links to some neutral cardigan dusters that would be a fun addition to your wardrobe IF you don’t already have something similar you love.

**In the interest of not becoming a “dealer” for more stuff, I encourage you to shop your closet first and assess if adding some neutral basics would help you build a more cohesive wardrobe foundation. If so, I’d appreciate the support if you see something you like here. 😉


Cardigan wearing XL (mine is too big, so size down) || Blouse (old) similar || Jeans wearing 18; Plus Size || Booties (run narrow)

HOW TO BUILD A COHESIVE WARDROBE WITH NEUTRALS

Neutrals are an essential part of any wardrobe because they can be worn with anything, and they always look good. Plus, they’re super versatile and can take you from day to night, formal to casual, and everything in between. So if you’re looking to create a cohesive wardrobe but don’t know where to start, here are a few tips on how to do it using neutrals:

1) Start with a few basic neutrals – A basic neutral wardrobe should include a few key pieces in black, white, gray, and navy. I also consider denim to be a key neutral in your closet. These colors can be mixed and matched with each other to create endless outfit possibilities.

2) Add in some seasonal neutrals – In addition to your basic neutrals, add in some seasonal neutrals too. For example, add a camel coat in the fall or a white blazer in the spring. This will help you stay stylish all year round.

3) Play with textures – One way to keep neutrals from becoming boring is to add basics with a texture like the chunky textured cardigan I’m wearing or interesting necklines and sleeves.

4) Use color wisely – While it’s important to have a foundation of neutrals, don’t be afraid to add some pops of color too. Just make sure they compliment your skin tone and overall look. After my color analysis, I know cool summer colors look best on me. But if you aren’t ready to make that investment, choose neutral color tones that look best on you.

For example, if you have a cool complexion, stick to blue-based colors even when selecting neutrals like navy, cool grays, and pink-based beiges; if you have a warm complexion, stick to warm tones like olive, camel, and brown.

5) Accessories make the outfit – The beauty of neutrals is that they can be paired with any type of accessory imaginable. So don’t be afraid to add necklaces, colorful scarves, or fun hats to change up your look on a whim. However, be careful because, remember, some Accessories Make You Look Old.

So there you have it! Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a cohesive wardrobe using neutrals.

I love to wear light heather gray, but mushroom brown is a close second. What is your favorite neutral color to wear?

Share:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

6 Comments

  1. Regina P
    /

    Love the outfit! Last year I finally added a gray cardigan to my wardrobe but it’s on the thin side. After seeing yours I may add a chunkier one and store the other one with my spring/summer clothing. I struggle a bit with warm/cool colors now that my hair color is the same as yours. Some of my basic wardrobe pieces just didn’t look right on me with my new hair color, so I donated them and added a few new ones that I felt looked better. You are so right about going with some good basic colors! I’ve done a major clothing purge last month and am quite happy with the results.
    🙏🏻 To all of you as you continue to support your Mom!

    • Paula
      Author
      /

      That’s great Regina. I’ve added some colors in too, but neutrals create such a great base for everything.

      Thanks so much for your continued prayers!

      Hugs,
      Paula

  2. Donna M
    /

    Hi Paula! First, continuing prayers going out to your mom 🙏 I know the power of prayer works- we have a very active prayer chain going at church and those ladies do a fantastic job of keeping everyone being lifted up to God on a daily basis.

    I am almost mirroring you today! Longer length light gray cardi (from Old Navy- love it!!), long sleeve white tee (also O.N. because it’s COLD up here!) and darker gray leggings w/gray booties. I have a long silver pendant necklace on, with a large pearl and some silver charms attached. Simple, work casual here, and so comfortable. I agree with your ideas on neutrals, and I keep them rotating, mostly as bottoms (jeans, leggings) because I do love a top with colors and patterns. But as today’s outfit is totally neutrals, I love accenting with necklaces, earring, and scarves. I’m a totally gray/white-haired lady now and find grays, blues, whites and red shades look great on me. Browns, creams, yellows, not so much!

    Hugs and blessings to you and yours, Paula!
    Donna M

    • Paula
      Author
      /

      Twinsies! It’s such a classic look.

      Thanks so much for the prayers Donna. We really appreciates it.

      Hugs,
      Paula

  3. Starla McKinney
    /

    Love this outfit!! That gray cardigan is ADORABLE!! Really enjoyed your post. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us.

    • Paula
      Author
      /

      It’s really a winner, Starla! I’ve since ordered it in a smaller size in the petite size to see if the sleeves don’t swallow me quite as much. Hopefully it’s waiting for me when I get home. 😁

      Hugs,
      Paula

Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap