Hello Ladies
It seemed we had a warm spell, 40 degrees! I hope you are all staying warm and cozy. Today, I wanted to wear neutrals and will give a few tips on how to so do.
I do enjoy color and have worn more color over the past 15 years than I used to wear. However, I do love wearing neutral as well, from time to time. There are so many classic looks and combinations that feature neutral looks, black, navy, white, camel, leopard, off-white, other neutral looks can be very interesting especially when one adds other rich tones, varies the neutral shades, and adds a pop of color.
I love this vintage looking lace skirt by Ann Taylor. Well made lace always draws me in. The sweater color is that of an oatmeal shade, and just by itself, would not provide enough interest. Add in textures, such as fur around the neck, rich colors like the cognac boots, and a dark plum satchel and the nuetral tones become much more interesting with a bit of flair.
If you are looking to wear neutrals, think of accessories. For instance, if you wore a white blouse and camel colored skirt, what would you add to make it more fun and visually appealing? One could add a leopard scarf, a print scarf with a color print, perhaps some rich chocolate boots for added depth, and a handbag, such as an alligator print, or textured one by Brahmin, a company that makes wonderful textured rich leather bags.
My look adds vintage pieces which also adds to the uniqueness and interest with neutral tones. One of a kind jewelry will also add to the neutral look. The vintage earrings were bought on Etsy, a place I love for vintage jewelry.
So, to recap, add texture. ( lace, tweed, etc shoes/boots, fur etc), Add a pop of color to add more visual interest. Think of unique accessories. ( scarves, handbags, shoes,) etc. If you neutral look is more monochromatic, add other colors in the ame color family that are darker shades for compatibility/
How do you wear neutrals?
Skirt, Ann Taylor, Sweater ( fur cardigan), Boots: Vintage Moon Boutique ( Asheville), Purse: Treesje, Brooch: Loft,
Linking up: with Visible Monday, Still Being Molly, Share in Style ( every other Mon), SHoe andTell Manic Monday, Tues: Style Sessions, Walking in Memphis Wed: The Pleated Poppy, Get Your Pretty On, Random Wednesday, Thurs: A Labour of Fashion, Reason to Dress, Throwback Thursday Friday:Passion 4 Fashion,Style Elixer, Fun Fashion Friday Sat: Stylish Saturday
57 Comments
trinagrandinetti
March 3, 2015 at 10:58 pmJess, I love wearing neutrals but wow, you sure know how to make wearing them look amazing. Love the different textures and subtle mixing of this color palette. Beautiful! And I must add, that close up photo is breathtaking, I believe we all want Jess’s hair.
Jess Jannenga
March 4, 2015 at 10:25 amThank you Trina!
I appreciate your lovely comments! This is one of my favorite lace skirts! I am a lace junkie! My hubby, my photographer has been working wiht more close up shots.. glad you love my hair, me too! :-)) Have a great week! xo
peeledwellness
March 1, 2015 at 9:07 amYou probably get this all this time, but OMG your hair is breath taking. I always wished I was a redhead… your style is very classy!
If you’re interested, I’m starting a link party on Tuesdays over at my blog. It’s a great opportunity to share your content and meet other awesome bloggers! I’d LOVE for you to share a post!
-K
http://peeledwellness.com
Jess Jannenga
March 1, 2015 at 9:59 amThank you so much! i do love my red hair 🙂 Glad you like my outfit as well. I will check out your linkup,and it is funny you say that, as I too, am going to begin a link up party on Tues. 🙂 Same invite applies. i plan on starting it in several week. thank you!
Mili
February 25, 2015 at 2:19 amI love wearing neutrals too! I think mixing textures is the pefect way to mix them in an understated way. But the pop of pattern/ color works well too 🙂 I love your boots!
Mili
Jess Jannenga
February 25, 2015 at 7:37 amthank you I agree, texture and abit of color~ stop by anytime~
Olga
February 25, 2015 at 1:22 amSo beautiful skirt! You are right, wearing neutrals all over would look a bit boring. But adding some interesting contrasting accessories make such outfit more interesting. Like these boots and bag in your case, a really nice choice.
Jess Jannenga
February 25, 2015 at 7:37 amThank you Olga, glad you like it! 🙂 xx
Red Reticule
February 24, 2015 at 10:29 pmThe lace skirt is beautiful and delicate and I appreciate the lovely fur detail on your cardigan.
Red Reticule
Red Reticule Collection
Red Reticule | YouTube
Jess Jannenga
March 3, 2015 at 10:35 amThank you! Glad you like the look. This is one of my favorite skirts. Have a wonderful day! xo
cheriejamesp
February 24, 2015 at 8:25 pmLove the lace and the fur touches Jess – so pretty and you’re right the different textures add such interest. And, the color of those boots is so rich and I love the laces!
Thank you for linking up with SHOE AND TELL on Style Nudge!!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
Jess Jannenga
February 24, 2015 at 8:30 pmThank yo uCherie! Glad you like the outfit!! THese boots were a great find in Asheville, a vintage shop there. It is funny i had been looking up floral shoes just prior to you posting yours! Love them, I just cant wear heels, so I am looking for floral flats. Enjoy the rest of the week, xx jess
elb743
February 24, 2015 at 6:24 pmJess,
I love this neutral, but still outstanding, outfit!
The lace is so yummy combined with the fur, and I adore the bag and the braided handles!
You look totally chic!
xx, elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Jess Jannenga
February 24, 2015 at 6:28 pmThank you Elle. I always love well made lace ( maybe you will be sick of it, as I planned another outfit with lace tomorrow… hehe) but I have always loved feminie looks. This bag I really liked when it was popular on the Purse Forum, one I belonged to years ago. I loved the ruffles and the braids. Glad you like it too ( u have great taste in handbags!). Thanks so much friend! xo
luxurycolumnist
February 24, 2015 at 4:50 pmBeautiful earrings and I like the use of texture on the skirt
Suze | LuxuryColumnist
Jess Jannenga
February 24, 2015 at 5:53 pmThank you! The skirt is such well made lace, it really drew me to it! Thank you fot stopping by! xx
daisy
February 24, 2015 at 4:24 pmwow that really looks great!
xx Daisy
The Mandarine Girl
Jess Jannenga
March 3, 2015 at 10:35 amThank you so much, I appreciate the lovely comment! xx
Spashionista
February 24, 2015 at 3:25 pmI think Ann Taylor should hire you as their spokesmodel! Honestly, you wear the brand so very well, and I love how expertly you mix textures and colors to come up with your own unique style.
Alicia
spashionista.com
Jess Jannenga
February 24, 2015 at 5:52 pmHi Alicia,
Thank you! I do like their clothes :-)) I appreciate the lovely comment too! Have a great week. xo
Amy Ann
February 24, 2015 at 2:54 pmBeautiful skirt. I love the monochromatic tones in this look.
Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
Jess Jannenga
February 24, 2015 at 2:56 pmthank you Amy! xx
Dawn Lucy
February 24, 2015 at 2:14 pmThat lace skirt! Soooo pretty! Yes, I agree that texture can be just the thing to make neutrals look interesting. Of course, I’m also a fan of a pop of color. Beautiful look, dear!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Jess Jannenga
February 24, 2015 at 2:23 pmThank you Dawn!! I love this skirt, too, and these vintage boots were just so cool. Used to be I get a suvenoir like a pair of earrings or mug from Asheveille, but last time ended up with those. Glad you like the look my friend! xo
versatilestylebytracey
February 24, 2015 at 12:35 pmI can’t get over your matching tights… I need this color, lol! I love this look,you can’t go wrong with lace and fur. I have been drawn more toward neutrals this winter season… I am hoping my love of color comes back in full force for the warmer season….
Jess Jannenga
February 24, 2015 at 12:44 pm:-)) It is hard to find tights to match cream! THey were at target. I love neutrals too, I tend to wear a lot of color just get into certain moods. Glad you like the look!
Happiness at Mid Life
February 24, 2015 at 1:08 amI don’t know why I passed up on this skirt, I love it on you!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Jess Jannenga
February 24, 2015 at 10:26 amThank you Alice! You do buy great AT skirts as well! xo
Lorna Mai (@LornaMaiLtd)
February 23, 2015 at 6:21 pmHi Jess, this is just so funny. I don;’t know if you’ve read my post today but it’s all about neutrals!! Love your white lace skirt, one of my favourite textures. Love your colourful nails!
Jess Jannenga
February 23, 2015 at 7:10 pmThat is funny! I didnt see it yet, spent part ofthe day at PT,so I will tomorrow. Glad you like the look! xx
Posh Prime
February 23, 2015 at 6:13 pmI love all of these neutrals! That white lace skirt is so pretty and the love the deep purple color of your purse!
~~Megan~~
http://www.poshprime.com
Jess Jannenga
February 23, 2015 at 7:07 pmThank you Megan! I love to mix dark rich colors with neutrals. see u tomorrow. xx
Monica
February 23, 2015 at 5:23 pmHi there Jess! Im popping by from Visible Monday link up and just wanted to let you know how much I love your colour mixing and touch of vintage in your outfits. You are a girl/woman after my heart. 😉 I totally agree in your statement, turning 40 doesnt mean you have to look frumpy, far from it! 🙂 Im turning 40 myself this year and I have no intention on changing they way I dress. 🙂
Jess Jannenga
February 23, 2015 at 7:07 pmThank you Monica for stopping by! So glad you like my style! I turn 47 this year…I will have to stop by and check out your site aswell. I love vintage, so keep stoppingby when u can! xx
cassidl
February 23, 2015 at 4:03 pmloving the boots and the lace skirt. This is a stunning look
Jess Jannenga
February 23, 2015 at 4:37 pmThanks so much Linda!! Will stop by soon. xo
Linda Cassidy
February 26, 2015 at 11:16 pmLink up on my blog if you would like to come join us http://bit.ly/1vBWwqu
Jess Jannenga
February 27, 2015 at 8:05 amI just did Linda and sent you a private direct message on twiiter. thank you 🙂
marie
February 23, 2015 at 1:27 pmlove the pretty lipcolor you chose~!
Marie @ In Our Happy Place
Jess Jannenga
February 23, 2015 at 4:37 pmthank you! xx
Glenda
February 23, 2015 at 12:41 pmI saw your boots on Shoe and Tell and I had to stop by to give you a bit of history on them. I see that you purchased yours from a vintage shop. Well, I am 49 and I purchased them at the age of 17 from a big retailer in Southern California. They are by Marc Alpert Italian Collection. The boots are also the type that Molly Ringwald wore in the Breakfast Club. I managed to keep mine for so long because I have the leather conditioned and I don’t wear them often.
Jess Jannenga
February 23, 2015 at 4:37 pmThank you Glenda! Wow, that is really neat, love to know the history of things. I love the look of them and the rich leather. I appreciate the info and glad you stopped by~! xx
Highland Fashionista
February 23, 2015 at 11:37 amI must say, you really know your color palate that works for you. That Tresje bag is AMAZING.
Highland Fashionista
February 23, 2015 at 11:40 amPalette, even. Autocorrect fail!
Jess Jannenga
February 23, 2015 at 11:49 amthats ok! I knew what you meant 🙂 Have a great week!
xx
Jess Jannenga
February 23, 2015 at 11:48 amThanks so much! It is called the “mini Magnolia” just if you were interested in finding one.I appreciate the lovely comment 🙂
Patti
February 23, 2015 at 11:23 amYou know I love neutrals, too, Jess. You look lovely and thanks for linking up!
Jess Jannenga
February 23, 2015 at 11:26 amThank you Patti! will be stopping by later today to comment, PT is first. Have a great week xx
Carrie
February 23, 2015 at 9:46 amPretty neutrals, Jess. Love the skirt and the detailing. Have a lovely day!
Jess Jannenga
February 23, 2015 at 9:57 amThank you Carrie! Glad you like the look, Enjoy your week. jess xx
Sabina @Oceanblue Style
February 23, 2015 at 9:06 amLove the touch of purple and brown with it! Sabina | Oceanblue Style
Jess Jannenga
February 23, 2015 at 9:56 amThank you! I needed to bring out colors when I wear neutrals. Enjoy your week! jess xx
thedollhousev
February 23, 2015 at 8:55 amLove that skirt, it’s gorgeous. I hope you have a great week 🙂 xx
Jess Jannenga
February 23, 2015 at 9:56 amThank you ! It is a favorite of mine, and you too! xx