When you have limited space in your wardrobe, it’s vital to choose pieces that are both timeless and versatile. This will not only ensure that you get the most bang for your buck, but will also ensure that you can easily mix and match your pieces to create chic looks. One of the core tenets of a capsule wardrobe is making sure that you have a variety of neutral colors that will pair well together. However, it’s also about incorporating bright pops of color with your statement pieces. Of course, this is a lot easier if you have a core list of different shades to shop! Keep reading for the 9 colors that go with everything in your closet, with chic colors outfits to inspire you.
1. Sage Green
pants | sneakers | tote bag | t-shirt | denim jacket
Although you might not typically think of green as a neutral color, the shade can certainly fall into that category. And no, I’m not talking about neon green here – more specifically, olive or sage green. This muted, grounded shade of green can lean warm or cool depending on the item, which means that it can complement your personal color season palette with the right undertone.
This earthy, calm color is the perfect contrast to more dramatic shades like bright white or black. However, it can also pair well with a number of other colors like blue, red, brown, beige, yellow, etc. The list goes on! Because this acts as a neutral in many looks, it can replace beige in many of your favorite outfits.
Try styling it for a casual day with white sneakers, sage green pants, a denim jacket, and a black and white striped t-shirt.
2. Red
button-down | sweater | heels | bag | earrings
Another shade you might be surprised is on this list? Bright red. Red is one of the three primary colors, and is both bold and attention-grabbing. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve to be one of the versatile color types on our list. When you think about it, red can complement or contrast with many of the colors in your closet, including all of the colors in this post.
Red is one of the best colors to add interest to your neutral outfits. It pairs well with everything from gray to black to white, all the way to navy and butter yellow, and light pink. And it looks great, all year long! I would style it as part of a spring look with a striped red button-down, layered under a classic red crewneck sweater. Next, I would tie red back into my look with red heels.
On the bottom, I would add a classic pair of blue jeans. Finally, I would round out the look with a woven tote bag for texture, and timeless gold hoop earrings for a classy yet casual weekend outfit idea.
3. Navy
sweater | flats | jeans | tote bag | earrings | headband
Moving on to a slightly more muted, but no less important color type… navy. Navy is one of my favorite colors to style because it sits firmly between the neutral shades and a pop of color. It’s a softer, more approachable cousin to black, and can be more appropriate for a casual, daytime look. It pairs well with both statement colors and neutral ones.
Navy is particularly appealing to me from spring through fall. It has associations with a coastal or nautical aesthetic, which are words that I use to describe my own personal style. Plus, if you love wearing a sweater with jeans as much as I do, it’s an easy way to put together a monochromatic outfit. In the cooler months of the year, this is one of my favorite outfit formulas. All you need to add is a pair of flats, pearl earrings, and a classic tote. If you like a preppy look, try adding a tortoiseshell headband.
4. Gray
white tee | sweater | pants | loafers | top-handle bag | belt | pearl earrings
Let’s move on to the perfect color for colder months. A stormy gray is another alternative if you’re looking for a softer neutral. Although it may get the reputation of being “boring,” I would wholeheartedly disagree. There are so many fun ways to style gray, whether you pair it with red, burgundy, yellow, navy, brown, etc. Plus, it can create a really chic monochromatic look!
Try varying two gray tones to create the chic look above. Pair pleated gray trousers with a darker gray sweater. Then, add in black accents like loafers, a thin belt, and a top-handle bag. Elegant pearl earrings complete the look.
5. Burgundy
burgundy skirt | heels | turtleneck | bag | tights
The color burgundy certainly had a moment this past fall and winter, and it’s been so fun to play with how it can also be adapted to warmer weather. From burgundy skirts to sunglasses to tank tops, this rich, moodier shade of red is ideal for those who prefer a slightly more muted pop of color. It pairs well with black, white, navy, brown, and even some pastels like light pink and lavender.
You can style a luxurious burgundy outfit with a satin slip skirt and a black turtleneck on top. Then, add a pair of patent leather heels. Throw on a pair of sheer black tights, and add a woven burgundy bag for the final touch.
6. Brown
vest top | flats | skirt | necklace | bag
Like sage green, brown is another grounding color that’s ideal for adding dimension to more stark shades, like bright white. It still provides contrast to your look, but not quite as much as black. Brown is great if you love warm tones, although there are certainly some cool tones of brown available out there if you keep your eyes peeled. Chocolate brown pairs well with blues, pinks, light purples, red, white, etc.
If you want to wear dark brown this spring or summer, try pairing it with a bright white or cream. They’ll give you a great balance and beautiful visual interest. Wear a brown vest top paired with a white linen skirt, and Mary Jane flats. Then, add simple gold jewelry and a woven tote to finish the ensemble.
7. Black
black blazer | white t-shirt | pants | loafers | gold watch | earrings
Now, on to one of the most well-known neutrals on our list. Black is a classic color for a reason. It’s elegant, timeless, and has been worn throughout history as part of iconic looks and style uniforms. It can help you to stand out or blend in, all depending on how you style it. From the little black dress to the go-to outfit of stagehands, the staple color is everywhere in fashion.
If you want to look put together and elevated, black is a great place to start. Dress for your next important meeting with black high-waisted trousers and an oversized blazer. Then, add contrast to your look with a bright white t-shirt or button-down. Accessorize with stately black loafers, a gold bracelet watch, and small gold hoops.
8. Beige
crop trench | jeans | sweater tee | heels | earrings | bag
I have long been known for my love of the color beige. But beige gets a bad rap! From the “sad beige” moniker to it being synonymous with “bland”, beige is often deemed to be boring and uninteresting. However, I’d beg to differ. Beige is simultaneously warm and bright. It’s the perfect neutral shade to create contrast with darker colors, and it adds a grounded sense of elegance to any look. Plus, it’s universally flattering for almost any skin tone and hair color.
Don’t be afraid to style a monochromatic look with varying beige tones for an elevated casual look. First, start with a pair of beige or off-white pants. On top, choose a similar shade for a soft sweater tee. Then, add a somewhat deeper tone with a classic beige trench coat. Accessorize with a cap-toed pair of beige heels. Complete your look by introducing leopard print to your outfit with a crossbody bag.
9. White
linen pants | boat tote | boat shoes | sweater | necklace
Last on our list, we have a fresh white. If you want to make your style appear bright and lively, add a white piece to your outfit. From jeans to jackets to tops and shoes, there are so many ways that you can add the shade to your ensemble and instantly give it a fresh look. And no matter how the old saying goes, white does look great year-round. In the winter, contrast your dark brown, black, or gray pieces with a bright shade of white to instantly give your dark neutrals a facelift.
You can also use white to help transition your winter pieces to warmer weather. Style white linen pants with a cozy cable knit sweater for an easy spring outfit idea. Then, accessorize with other seasonal staples like boat shoes, a navy and white boat tote, and a nautical aesthetic-inspired pendant necklace.
Closet Harmony in Full Color
A closet full of harmonizing colors will make getting ready each day a breeze. Take the stress out of getting dressed by building a wardrobe around your favorite neutral shades. Then, sprinkle in your favorite pops of color. This will ensure that you can easily style classic looks that also allow you to put your own personal spin on your go-to outfits.
Ready for more helpful tips on color? Up Next: Use These Outfit Color Combinations to Always Look Chic
I am so happy to have read this text. I love sage and hot red as well as navy, beige, grey white and black. Burgundy is a must try. The fact that you included red, sage and burgundy will lead me to try more than just the usual neutrals. Many thanks.
It’s so fun to try some new colors!
OMG! I have just about all the pieces in my closet and love how you have created all these outfits. I’m saving this….I usually don’t have an issue putting outfits together, but I love having little cheat sheets(Pinterest) to motivate me to move out of my usual pairings. Great share. Thanks!
That’s the best, isn’t it – when you already have the pieces? Happy outfit styling!