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Five Take: Neutrals

I tend to think about my outfits through a particular item I want to wear. As my outfit comes together, I tend to think of…

by  theplussideofme

I tend to think about my outfits through a particular item I want to wear. As my outfit comes together, I tend to think of different colors, accessories, shapes that make that item stand out, so I really have to reframe my mind when Five Take has us create an outfit around a particular color scheme. This week, Five Take (where Gina, Becky, Claire, Nicole and I take on a particular theme) took on neutrals, and at first I envisioned myself creating a outfit through tans and creams a la these runway pics.

(image source)

When that idea didn’t turn out too well, I thought I’d go for something very romantic like Dee from Pearl, Lace, and Ruffles pulls of so well (such as here, here, and here). When that idea failed again, I decided to deviate from the need to have the entire outfit be a neutral color (beige, ivory, taupe, black, gray, and white), and instead chose to highlight a khaki neutral and play around it with different colors.

I liked the idea of a chambray top with a khaki colored pleated skirt. The skirt is actually shorter than it appears, but the camera angle makes it look like it goes only a couple inches above my ankle. I tried the shirt tucked in tightly and a little loose, each had it’s own feel to the outfit, but I decided on tighter since I was adding a belt. Picking accessories for this outfit was a long process. I tried a bunch of different combinations: long necklaces with a single charm, green stone necklaces, and bracelets of different styles. I finally decided on this cute necklace I got from an Ideeli sale and a turquoise ring. The necklace is absolutely adorable to me, but then again, I’m a word nerd!

I tried on at least 6 different pairs of shoes, and none of them really fit what I wanted to wear with this outfit. The coral shoes were a last ditch effort, and they look okay, but weren’t what I was really wanting. The skirt itself is really great quality. It’s from Eloquii, and I picked it up for 50% off. A common problem I have with skirts is that the skirt itself fits me fine but the lining is too tight. This skirt was no exception, and I’ve had to cut away at the lining. It’s not fun to do (afterall, I think we’d all like to buy items that don’t need to be doctored into fitting correctly), but it’s something I’m willing to do when I find something I like enough. It just means you have to buy an appropriately colored slip.

Eloquii skirt, Old Navy Plus shirt, Lenora Dame necklace (similar), Evans ring, Target flats

I’d like to keep working on this outfit and try it with different belts and shoes, but I still felt good with my first try at neutrals. It will still be a challenge for me to do a totally neutral outfit (besides mixing black with another neutral color–that’s easy!), but I do like the look on other people. I’m excited to see how the other Five Take ladies have taken on the theme. Maybe they’ll show me how to do fully neutral!

Check out the other Five Takes:

Claire at A Monkey Fatshionista

Gina at Fat, Fit, Fine

Nicole at A Well-Rounded Venture

Becky at The Ramblings of Mrs. BeBe

What do you think of my take on neutrals? How do you wear neutrals?

49 comments

    1. This shirt took some tugging! A little loose along my shoulders and such and then tight on my stomach area, of course. I wish they would come out with shirts like these for different shapes. I get annoyed with the pear, apple, hourglass things, but I wouldn’t mind finding shirts that fit a pear really well! haha 🙂

      Reply

  4. Rebecca, you really picked a winner! The outfit is really beautiful. I think the shoes add some pop to the outfit. Love the necklace as well. The blue shirt is wonderful with the skirt. Neutral are used to bring out something else in the outfit and brings versatility. When you mentioned neutrals, I thought instantly about a white shirt and a khaki skirt or pants played off by a brown or black belt. A pop of color about the neckline such as a scarf or your necklace would be great.

    Reply

  5. I am OBSESSED with this look on you. It’s so classy & classic & flattering. Great job putting this one together. Seriously, give yourself more credit, because this is one outstanding look on you.

    Reply

    1. Thank you!! You pointed out to a major character flaw of mine. I never seem to let myself be good at something. I always find a flaw. Something to work on for sure.

      Reply

  6. I love the necklace! and the skirt. I would have liked to have seen the shirt belted with the tails on the outside which might make a more linear line, or not be such a drastic line between the light skirt and the darker top, but I see in your earlier post that the fit wasn’t gonna work for that. That happens to me all the time. I think you did a great job!

    Reply

  8. Very cute outfit! Love the skirt! <3
    Really been into neutrals lately too
    tho I`m always wearing black so a bit out of my comfort zone.
    But it`s so pretty and lovely for spring. ^^d Have a great week! ^^/
    MMxoxo

    Reply

    1. Yeah, it felt odd to not have a darker, anchor item in my outfit, but I definitely enjoyed the mix up! As for not shipping to Australia. If there’s every something that you really, really want, we can probably work something out for me to send to you!

      Reply

  11. You look lovely Rebecca! I bought a similar skirt recently, but I have been struggling how to wear it.. I guess I need to get a denim shirt 😉

    And thank you for adding me to your blogroll. It really means a lot to me :)!

    xx

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Hanna! I also googled “neutral trend” and found some other ways to mix it up. It tends to bring up runway pics, but still great things to pull inspiration from.

      Reply
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  16. I love the denim with the pretty, girly skirt. Really unique, and I’ll have to try something similar. Hopefully it comes out as well as yours, pretty lady! 🙂

    diyfatshion.blogspot.com

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  17. Rebecca, this doesn’t have anything to do with neutrals but I was looking on the nordstroms plus webpage and saw the cutest maxi cardigan It is the olivia moon maxi cardigan for $58. It comes in gray or black and would be so cute on you. It would go perfect over your stretchy jeans and a cute top and a great necklace. I think the length of the maxi is a great way to lengthen our bodies. It looks very light and not bulky, very fashionable. It goes up to 3x. The price seems right but I don’t know with being a student how budget is for you. Just thought I would pass it along. I just thought of you when I saw it.

    Reply

  19. Great job! I tend toward the darker neutrals (such a safe place!) but I love the idea of building lighter neutral outfits. I think you picked a great mix, and I especially like the pop of color in the shoe. 🙂

    Reply

  20. I’ve been dying to buy a long pleated skirt but I didn’t know what to wear it with. Thanks for the tip!

    Reply

  21. I love the necklace! I design jewelry and this has given me a great idea!!! Bekah at Matters of Merry Making has featured some of my pieces and that is where I found your link today! You look great Rebecca!

    Reply

    1. Thanks!! I loved it the moment my eyes fell on the necklace. I’m so happy that Bekah included me. Thanks for stopping by 🙂 I’ll have to check out your shop!

      Reply
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  25. I think you look really good, very fashionable. I’ve gotten some ideas of what to get my girlfriend from this, really lovely, thanks!

    Reply
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