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.
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?