Back in Black (and brown, gray, and navy...)

Black is one of the easiest colors to use as an anchor to an outfit.  In times of wardrobe confusion, a no-fail outfit is always a black top, black pants, and black flats.  Throw some weighty, classic jewelry in the mix (think triple strand pearls, stacked and thick David Yurman bracelets, etc.) and you've got a guaranteed sharp and ladylike look.

While a pop of color can be a successful part of a look, one has to be very careful to do it correctly.  That is why I advocate for the use of other neutrals, like gray, navy, brown, and even some soft creams.

In writing this post I am reminded of an old friend of mine.  She used to dress in shades of black, navy, and brown every day regardless of temperature.  Occasionally she would wear gray, in the form of a cashmere scarf or tights.  I recall talking with her about how difficult pastels were to pull off for certain people.  It was then that she announced that gray IS her pastel and left me to absorb the sentiment.  At first I disagreed.  Pastels were supposed to be something that reminded you of cotton candy, or Lisa Frank stickers from the early 90s.

But then I thought, why CAN'T gray be a pastel?  Or any of these other colors, as a matter of fact?

Try a pair of slim black pants with a navy cashmere top.  Pair with a chunky, gold  J. Crew necklace, patent cream Salvatore Ferragamo bow heels, and a pair of retro Karen Walker tortoise sunglasses.  

Some of you reading are likely wrinkling your noses.  "Brown and black?  Hideous!" You may be saying to yourself.  But let's take a step back.  Think of when you wear a leopard accent with a black dress.  What is the other color besides black in the print?  Brown!  Why should it be any different for other parts of your outfit?  Consider how gorgeous an impeccable pair of Tory Burch brown equestrian inspired boots paired with the J. Crew Pixie Pant and a flowy caviar-colored silk Joie top.

It is great to incorporate brights and other trends - that is, if you want someone to notice your outfit.  If you want someone to notice you first and your outfit second, then stick with a more muted, classic look.