How to wear neutrals without looking boring (ultimate guide) High Latitude Style

When the brights are not so you

Many women in their forties shy away from wearing colors at the office and prefer neutrals for a professional look. Today, more than ever, it is important to not only look professional, but also young and hip. Thus, when styling neutrals for the office it is really important to stay out of boredom land. The secrets to cool looks in neutrals, and to look young and hip and on top of things is to pick one neutral color in different shades and add one other neutral plus making sure that the items have different texture. This concept is similar to how to create interesting and ageless, monochromatic outfits or the concept of adding a pop of color to a monochromatic outfit.

The second possibility is to find a piece in an interesting cut. Of course, in this case high quality is a Must. The third option is to go for a nice modern or abstract print in neutrals. Last but not least, combinations of the three options also look interesting.

In all cases, it’s important to stay clear away from the “traditional” old people color combinations, especially, when you wear your neutrals as solids. Just think about what your grandmothers, mom, mother-in-law, aunts, etc. wore when they were in their 60s and 70s. I am sure, you know what I mean.

Use structure and shine to create interest with neutral colors

Here I paired my leather top – read “little shine” – with linen pants – read “rough texture” – with a chambray shirt – read “smooth texture and second neutral” – with snake print slingbacks – read “interesting”. For another work outfit with this leather top see the post at the link.

Style neutral color outerwear with statement pieces

For the commute to work I added a classic trench coat – read “professional”, a statement bag – read “I have something to bring to the table”, and purple mirrored sunglasses – read “the outfit is up-to-date”.

over 50 years old style blogger wearing a classic look in all neutrals with different textures — Outfit details: Burberry London trench coat, unbranded leather top, Oliveo olive button-down shirt shirt, Hermes collier de chien bangle, Ray Ban mirrored aviator sunglasses, Oliveo beige linen pants, Anne Klein snake print slingbacks and long DIY statement necklace (all own)

Denim is a great neutral for Casual Friday

An often overlooked neutral is denim. A pair of dark blue jeans always looks great with a blazer and a white shirt for Casual Friday. In America, a classic combination is blue, white and gray. In the western part of the US, a brown suede balzer is a great alternative to a gray wool blazer. When your work dress code allows leather try a denim and leather to look outstanding in neutrals.

Olive and kakhi are great neutrals for summer and fall

Think safari. Kahki is perfect for an urban (safari) look. When you go militray-inspired the pockets, belt and buttons are the interest. Pair the look with wooden beads necklace for sight seeing or with a gold or pearl necklace for the office. Olive also looks great for militray-inspired dresses, jackets and pants. It looks well with blush, white, cream kakhi, burgundy, light blue and denim. For more outfit ideas in olive check the post at the link.

Black and white are an eternal classic

Black and white pop up as a perennial trend every couple of years, but are always in style. Thus, you can’t go wrong with this color combination. I devoted and entire post to how to wear black and white, for which I don’t repeat it here.

Blue and white is a summer classic

You can’t go wrong with a blue print on white dress or vice versa in summer. The former pairing looks very posh in a sheath or tailored cut. Just recall the white with blue print dresses the Duchesse of Cambridge often wears. A blue with white floral print dress is a shirt-dress cut or romantic style gives a great summer in the Provence vibe. The former works great for work in summer, while the later is perfect for shopping the farmers market or a picnic.

Blue, black and white – an American Classic

Three neutrals can look like wearing color. Also try pattern to switch the game up.

Winter look in blue white and black — Shearling coat with beret, belted scarf, polka dot tights, shearling booties, ethnic belt and statement bag (all own)

LBD styled for the office — GAP LBD, Great Northwest denim shirt, polka dot tights, statement bag, DIY statement belt, and L.K. Bennett blue patent leather pumps (all own)

Pastels look great in spring

Most pastels are neutrals. Be aware they may wash you out when you are a deep color type. In this case, wear them away from your face. Unsure on wearing pastels as they are associated with old people? See this guide on how not to look old in pastels.

You can try to wear two pastel shades in one outfit: My placid blue leather pants, and my beloved pink cashmere sweater. Since now the parking lot is snow free, I was able to wear my floral pumps, the first flowers of spring so to speak. 😉

Pastels scream spring is in the air. #springtrends Click To Tweet