Neutrals are serene colours that go with everything. They are typically less intense and less saturated than other colours. Black, shades of grey, and shades of white are the most popular neutrals. Then there’s shades of dark blue, blue denim, dark brown, taupe, shades of caramel, and shades of beige. Shades of olive are also often considered neutral.

Most wardrobes have a neutral component, because neutrals are grounding, versatile and soothing. It can be larger or smaller depending on your sartorial preferences. Some wardrobes are completely neutral, and others extremely colour-rich. It’s all good as long as you wear colours that you like and make you happy.

If you wear a large assortment of non-neutrals like I do, you’ll find that some of them are extremely versatile and function somewhat like a neutral. Tomato red and blush pink are the non-neutral neutrals of my style, and they work well together. To my eye, tomato red is a magical colour that works with every neutral and non-neutral. Blush pink is not far behind. I also find citron versatile, but not as versatile as a very bright orange-y red and soft pastel pink.

My clients run the gamut. Some with black/grey/white wardrobes think of dark blue and shades of brown as non-neutrals, which is extreme. Others with strong neutral wardrobes think of burgundy as their non-neutral neutral. Those into jewel tones find shades of purple and teal versatile and neutral. And those into earth tones regard shades of mustard, cinnamon, and burnt orange as their non-neutral neutrals.

Over to you. Which non-neutrals function as neutrals for your style?

Here are some items that have been winners on clients and friends. Some casual, some dressy, some extended sizes, some trends, some classics, and lots of interesting colours and patterns. You’ll probably get a good discount on the items from the Gap. 

1. Gap Rib Mix Woven Joggers

These caught my eye because they’re WOVEN, and not knitted like most jogger styles. They’re like wearing draped cotton pants in a jogger style. Super soft, comfortable, and excellent structure on the cuffs, The fabric is lovely, and the fit works on most body types. Dress them up or down. Excellent on a hot Summer’s day. Runs TTS and is available in petite, regular and long up to size XXL.

2. Gap High-Rise Wide-Leg Crop Chinos

These are a great way to try trendy bottoms on a budget. They’re wide and dramatic, so you have to be okay with that. They’re also quite long, but easy to hem. They run TTS but need waist alteration if you run narrow on the waist. Soft and lovely fabric. Comfortable. Can fit a curvier and straighter body type. Room on the thighs and the pocket linings don’t grin through.

3. Ann Taylor Striped Boat Neck Luxe Tee

This classic striped boat neck tee deserves a mention because of the clever neckline. The insets on the collar cross over at the shoulders to provide bra strap coverage. The detailing also makes the tee look more polished. Substantial fabric and a tailored fit. A lovely essential.

4. Scotch & Soda Fun

Dutch brand Scotch & Soda catch my interest because their items are interesting and unique, but without the designer price. Lots of pattern, pattern mixing, eccentric colour combinations, clever design details, and a knack for making dressy items look relaxed. GORGEOUS fabrics, luxurious textures against the body, good fits, and quality items. My closet welcomes more Scotch & Soda.

I’ve seen the items in the collection in person and fitted them on people. Unfortunately the stock photos do not do them justice because of how the items are styled. That said, feel free to ask questions about the items in the comments section. The silky bombers are fully reversible. The pants will fit a curvier and straighter body type. The wide leg gingham crops are the bomb, and fit beautifully. The knitted polo followed me home, and the blush workwear cotton jacket will probably earn a place in my closet too.

5. DL1961 Coco Curvy Straight Jeans

These jeans are brilliant on a curvier body type, and FULL LENGTH. They will fit a straight body type if you size down. Great fabric, and a very even wash.

They work well cuffed or rolled at the hem. Mid-rise and very streamlining. I have many happy clients in this style, and my tall clients in particular are ecstatic about the length.

The pleated midi skirt is a classic that’s having its fashion moment across the seasons. Pleats come in all sorts, and the type of pleating creates more or less volume on the bottom half of the body. Here are four pleated midi skirt outfits across three pleat types. 

1. Structured and Sharp: Knife Pleat

A knife pleat lies quite flat against the body, making it one of the most streamlining pleats. Here, the knife pleats are broad, making them look more dramatic. The additional waistband detailing of the skirt adds further structure, and is begging for a fitted tucked top to showcase the buckle detailing. Excellent with the tailored tall boots to complete the ‘70s vibe.

2. Casual and Comfortable: Sunray Pleat

The sunray pleat is the most dramatic because it’s a very voluminous pleat. It can cause bulging and poufing on the midsection, which you have to be okay with if you showcase the waistband by tucking or knotting a shirt. A semi-tucked top can be more forgiving of the poufs and bulges. Or wear an untucked cropped welted sweater. I like how the dressy sunray pleat has been relaxed with a knotted and scrunched shirt, sneakers, and a crossbody. It’s a versatile skirt.

3. Dressy and Relaxed: Knife Pleat

Many knife-pleated skirts have elasticated waistbands, which is why wearing a welted pullover that blousons over the waist is a great idea. This styling technique is comfortable and casually elegant. It allows you to have a meal and camouflage a fuller and rounder tummy. It’s also a great way to lengthen a shorter waist. Add heels or dressy flats and Bob’s your uncle.

4. Pretty and Fluid: Crystal Pleat

A crystal pleat is less voluminous, and also lies quite flat against the body. It’s particularly fun in tulle. Here, a longer top with a welt is worn over the skirt to create a dropped-waist effect. This might be the most comfortable of the four outfits, and is forgiving of midsection lumps and bumps. It gives the skirt a casual integrity without sporty additions like sneakers. Adding white mules and bag is gorgeous, but finish off the look any way you like. Add jewellery, scarves, eyewear and watch as desired.

I’m much more of a dress gal than a skirt gal, but I’m all over the sunray-pleated midi this year. I wasn’t interested in wearing one for the longest time, and then bam — now I want one. Lots of skirt swoosh makes me happy. I like all four outfit formulas. I’m also into a crystal pleat in tulle. The Karen Millen pleated skirt is on order, and I have the cropped yellow sweater already. Using my current wardrobe items, I have these mix-and-match outfits in my head if the skirt works. The dark neutrals are almost all blue.

Over to you. Are you inspired to wear a pleated midi skirt?

In Seattle, Spring weather is variable at best. There are some sunny and mild days, but generally things don’t warm up till May or June. It can snow in March, and perpetual rain and grey skies are guaranteed. In fact, Spring is colder than Autumn. And since the wet cold is worse than the dry cold, it feels chilly around here for a long, long time. This can put a damper on your Spring style.

I’ve learned to dress more Spring-like in Winter weather, despite the cold and wet. Of course, feel free to continue wearing dark, insulating and heavy Winter clothes and footwear when it’s cold in Spring if that’s your preference. No need to change up your look for the sake of a changing season unless it lifts your mood and you want the refresh.

The trick is to stay warm and covered in lighter, shinier and brighter colours, and crisper fabrications. Here are my favourite ways of achieving a toasty Spring look:

1. Lighten Neutrals

Switch to wearing lighter neutrals across all sorts of wardrobe items. Think shades of tan, white, pearl grey, bright, olive and taupe across items like outerwear, jackets, bottoms, knitwear, footwear, handbags, scarves and belts. Switch to denim in lighter washes of blue. If these neutrals are too light for your taste, throw in shades of cognac.

Wear weatherproof footwear in light neutrals. Sperry and Sorel make amazing weatherproof boots in cream and white. I have a pair of cream duck boots from Sperry and they’ve been sublime to wear in snowy Salt Lake City and Park City.

2. Brighten Outerwear, Knitwear & Bottoms

Brights, jewel tones, mid-tones, dusty mid-tones and pastels across a range of wardrobe items are fab to wear in Spring because they break up the monotony of wearing dark neutrals all Winter. Most of these colours look great with dark and light neutrals.

Wearing bright cashmere knitwear, wool coats, trench coats and bright bottoms makes sense in Seattle because we can wear them for a while. For example, I’m wearing the heck out of my new COS watermelon cashmere pullover and Boden tomato red jeans because they are perfect for a cold Spring day with white boots and outerwear. I’m wearing my tomato red, shocking pink, citron and cream wool coats a lot too.

3. Wear More Pattern and Pattern Mix

There’s something about wearing floral, gingham and bold striped patterns that make me feel like Spring is in the air, especially when I style them with brights and light neutrals. I also like to pattern mix with classic patterns.

4. Wear White Jeans

If you don’t wear white jeans in Winter, wear them in Spring. They magically make most items that you wear with them look crisp and fresh. Wear them with solid or pattered dark neutrals, brights, pastels, mid-tones, jewel tones and earth tones. Unless you’re wearing a dark neutral up top, lighten the footwear with white jeans.

5. Throw in Metallic Footwear

Metallic boots are amazing to wear on a cold Spring day when it’s not snowing, frosting or raining cats & dogs. Think silver, pewter, gold or rose gold boots, sneakers, loafers, oxfords or pumps. Adding high shine to an outfit makes it look interesting and glam.

6. Add Spring Scarves

Chunky woolly scarves look very Winter-y, so swap them out for silkier and cotton-rich versions. Wearing them in pastels, brights and light neutrals is an even better idea. They do wonders keeping out the chill and look chic too.

7. Layer under Crisp Blouses

On a milder Spring day, I like to break out a pretty long-sleeved floral blouse because I don’t wear blouses in Winter. I layer underneath them with camisoles or a thermal tee, and wear a Spring scarf and coat for extra insulation. It feels good to wear crisp woven fabric instead of knitwear.

8. Wear Nude-for-You Hosiery

I wear nude hose under Spring dresses and flared skirts with light-coloured booties or loafers Sometimes I layer nude hose under nude fishnets. I also wear nude knee-highs under cropped pants and jeans with sneakers, loafers, pumps and booties to give the illusion that my ankles are bare, but are secretly warmly insulated.

9. Lighten Lipstick & Refresh Your ‘Do

Change up the colour of your lipstick to something lighter, softer and less earthy, just for fun. Refresh the colour or style of your hair if you’re bored with your ‘do. Or head over to a Laura Mercier counter and refresh your make-up for the warm-weather season.

10. Rock a Fun Raincoat & Umbrella

Don’t underestimate the stylish effect of a fabulous raincoat and umbrella. Retailers are doing a much better job of making rainwear look chic and fun, and less like unattractive gear. Rocking rainwear lifts your spirits and chases away the blues. Throw in a pair of cheerful wellies too.

Turns out that I follow most of these style strategies in Winter, and not just in Spring because I LOVE Spring fashion. Over to you. Do you have cold and dismal weather in the Spring? How do you transition your look into Spring without freezing your buns off?