Ok, so I'm thinking my crazy pattern leggings are Essentials for me, even tho they are not plain and neutral, is because I'm 'essentially' a loud dresser. And because leggings are a) not proper clothes (hehe) and b) pretty basic.
It explains why I can feel pretty boring, i.e. not 'dressed up,' from day to day. Which, don't get me wrong, makes me happy. I don't necessarily want to stand out; I just don't want to look like I've been sickly (which is how I might feel in an all neutral all essential outfit.
But it does make me wonder what makes for a statement piece for me. My duster is a bit of a statement, as Angie points out (albeit I chose it in olive to tone it down). But that's only for summer.
Also, I wonder how I manage to be so loud in all Essentials. Seems contrary to purpose... but then again, not for me...