Style Tips: How to Make Interesting Outfits With All Neutrals

Some people fear color in their outfits, but I fear neutrals. (I've said it enough times on here to annoy myself!) I've always loved all-neutral outfits on others but worried they were boring when I did them. Over the years I've learned some tricks to make all-neutral outfits NOT boring that I'm sharing with you today!
What inspired this post was not an itch for all neutrals...it was actually the grey tee featured in all three outfits below. It's got that cool texture that I (naively) would call heather, but I guess it's called "melange"? Whatever it's called, I love that it makes a plain neutral tee much more interesting!
The tips below are in random order and not necessarily isolated to each outfit they're mentioned with. Also, as usual all items are under $50, except the black LOFT jeans when they're not on sale. (They're my favorite jeans, but wait for a 40% or 50% off sale!)

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Mix Neutrals
There are many colors that fall into the category "neutral"--greys, whites, creams, khaki, tan, browns, navy, black, and even olive counts. Mix them up!

Add Pattern or Print
See that leopard sneaker above? The color palette of leopard print is still in neutral territory but incorporating a print gives the outfit more visual interest. Whether it's a shoe, scarf, bag, or other accessory, add one with a pattern if your outfit needs more oomph.


Shop Outfit #1:
Top: H&M
Jacket: Old Navy
Jeans: LOFT
Necklace: ModCloth
Shoes: Old Navy

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Why Accessories Are Helpful - Add Texture & Shine When you're not playing much with color, playing with texture will be important. Add accessories made of material like leather (shoes, bags, or a belt), canvas, and straw (like the hat) to bring an outfit to life.
Jewelry also goes a long way. Whether it's a shiny statement necklace like this, a simple gold pendant, earrings, or bracelets, they add texture and usually some shine. Both elements help to elevate an outfit without needing to add color.
Shop Outfit #2:
Top: H&M
Skirt: Old Navy
Hat: Off 5th
Necklace: Nordstrom
Bag: Nordstrom
Shoes: Old Navy

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Let Your Shoes Speak If a patterned shoe is a little too much for you, go for a solid shoe that has more going on. While the sandal above is neutral all of the straps draw your attention to it. With the rest of the outfit being neutral, that busier shoe ends up making a statement.
Shop Outfit #3:
Top: H&M
Jacket: Target
Shoes: Target
Shorts: Old Navy

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What's your favorite trick for spicing up neutrals (without adding color)?