How to Fake Neutral Colours

how to wear neutrals

It’s been quite busy here at the Elegance Revisited headquarters lately. So busy that I haven’t had time to write new blog posts or sort out the problems I’ve been having with Bloglovin’ lately. Oh well, that’s what happens when real life (= work) gets in the way…

But let’s talk about this outfit. I was going for a look created entirely around muted, neutral colours. Or, rather, what passes for ‘neutrals’ in my world. We all know that white, beige and grey are not exactly my colours, so ‘neutrals’ usually means navy and white for me. Which is fine, and looks very fresh and crisp and clean, but it’s not exactly the look we mean when we talk about neutrals. Or neutrals as earthy, muted tones.

So, I took the sleeveless navy and white striped jersey dress as my starting point and added some elements that could help me fake that neutral tones look. Minimalist gold-tone accessories and the cognac leather bag helped, but I needed something else, too. Something that could mimic those earthy, muted tones without completely washing me out.

how to wear the basics in neutral colours

neutral colours 1300 x 1000

Then I remembered I had this cardigan. It’s an odd shade of greyish green. Or greenish grey, whatever. Not particularly flattering, but it works well as the ‘neutral’ foil to brighter colours when I want to tone down a look.

However, a simple navy and white dress and a mud-coloured cardigan sounds a bit boring, even if I was going for a ‘neutral’ look.

I needed something that would add some warmth and maybe pick up the cognac and gold tones of the accessories. And I needed that something around my neck. Because, let’s face it, ‘mud’ is not the most flattering colour next to my face…

So, how about this necklace? It’s made of cork, and I bought it in Madeira a couple of years ago (Oh, I miss travelling!). Maybe that will do the trick. What do you think?

how to wear a statement necklace

Outfit details:
dress: Pelle P / cardigan: Cut & Pret / shoes: Vagabond /
sunglasses: Longchamp / bag: Coccinelle / cork necklace: Artipel (old)

Tiina

How would you accessorise a neutral look?

PS: I’m getting increasingly fed up with Bloglovin’ (again). As you may recall, I’ve had some problems with it in the past (my posts not showing up on feeds, or taking days to finally pop up etc), and most recently my post about sunglasses simply vanished: it was there one minute, then it was gone. And you can’t find it on Bloglovin’, no matter what you do… So, of course I contacted Bloglovin’ support, and of course they haven’t responded. Thus, in case you follow me on Bloglovin’ and haven’t seen any posts for a while, that’s not because I haven’t posted but because Bloglovin’ doesn’t like me (yes, I know that sounds a bit paranoid, but I don’t know what else to think at this point. Besides, I’m really annoyed and frustrated…).

Linking up with:

Elegantly Dressed and StylishHigh Latitude StyleA Labour of LifeCurly Crafty Mom, Doused in Pink,  Not Dressed As LambLiving on Cloud NineElegance and Mommyhood, Nancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the EdgeA Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashAway from the BlueMummabstylish Mutton Years Style and I, Confessions of a Montreal Styling DivaIndependent Fashion Bloggers

8 Comments

  1. 20 August 2020 / 7:01 pm

    I love that necklace and yes, I could call this outfit neutral! To be neutral is just the opposite of brights so lots can work as neutral! Hope your technical problems get fixed. I was so glad mine were solved in less than 2 days.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravel.com

    • q
      20 August 2020 / 7:56 pm

      Good definition for neutral outfit, Mireille!
      And Tiina you do known how to carry the statement jewellery for sure. I like this outfit again a lot.

      I think using the colours is a good way to assessorise a neutral outfit. Also adding statement jewellery, if you know how to wear it is a good thing. I also like to add some unexpected detail to my outfits : like earrings that are too posh. -q

      • Tiina
        Author
        21 August 2020 / 5:25 pm

        Thanks! Well, posh earrings sound great. My view on earrings is that if you can’t see them, what’s the point of wearing them…

    • Tiina
      Author
      21 August 2020 / 5:24 pm

      Thanks!
      I’ve had problems with Bloglovin’ for a couple of years, on and off. And nobody there ever reacts to any of my messages, so it all feels a bit pointless. This time, a blog post just disappeared, and hasn’t been back yet…

  2. Flora
    20 August 2020 / 8:50 pm

    I love your colour combination here and a cork necklace must be light to wear in hot weather.

    • Tiina
      Author
      21 August 2020 / 5:29 pm

      Thanks Flora. Yes, the cork necklace is very light, but I still wouldn’t wear it (or anything else) on a hot day (can’t stand anything touching my skin then). This was one of the cooler days, it was almost cold, and quite windy (I kept wishing I’d taken a poncho or a wrap with me instead of the cardigan…) so it was OK.

  3. 31 August 2020 / 1:55 pm

    That is a cute necklace and a great statement piece! 🙂

    So sorry to hear about your bloglovin issues! I get so much spam on mine it’s just annoying – I tend to use feedly more but then it has the bad side effect of people not knowing I’m following and supporting them – bloglovin is good at making that more visible for people!

    Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup!

    • Tiina
      Author
      31 August 2020 / 5:02 pm

      Thanks, Mica!
      Yes, I’ve been having lots of problems with Bloglovin, on and off, for a long time. I’m totally fed up with it, but as I seem to be getting new followers there I have no choice but to stick with it.

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