Black, and shades of white, tan, navy, grey and brown are undisputed neutral colours. They work well with each other and with colours. They often save the day when you’re having trouble finding the right colour pairing for a wardrobe item. Neutrals are versatile and powerful.

But sometimes you might find that certain non-neutral colours are just as versatile. So much so that they function as a neutral. For example, for my style tomato red is a neutral because it works with just about everything in my wardrobe. Granted, I like combining red with pink, orange and deeper shades of red, and these pairings are an acquired taste. For some of my clients, olive and eggplant are neutral colours. 

I’ll take it a step further and throw in two patterns that I’ve found to be so versatile that they too can function as a solid block of neutral colour if they are neutrally toned. The first is an animal print, and the second is a black and white polka dot (black background with white or cream dots). Perhaps this isn’t too surprising since these patterns are also versatile if you like to mix patterns. For some of my clients, neutrally toned stripes, glen plaids and houndstooth function like a solid neutral.  

Over to you. Do some non neutral colours function like versatile neutrals in your wardrobe? And how about patterns? Do some of those function as neutral solids?

Diana loved Kyla’s combination of moto jacket, patterned dress, and bootcut pants because it was really fun, a little unexpected, and very flattering. 

Goldenpig enjoyed Fast Company’s article on Anthropologie’s marketing strategy, a sophisticated promise of self discovery. 

Kappy was captivated by “Metamorphisis”, an article about the making of the world’s most coveted square. Remarkable workmanship.  

Rae loves this low-tech, low-budget solution to rogue zippers. Say goodbye to flying low, people. 

Custom shoes, anyone? From heel to toe, you select every detail. Kyle finds shoes of prey very intriguing.

Inge enjoyed browsing through Terry Graziano’s current hat collection. Terry sells fun custom-made hats that can be worn in different ways. A few of the styles are made of water resistant rainwear fabrics — great for non-umbrella using Seattleites.

Isis says that Nutcase makes bike helmets with cool designs, including one with an argyle pattern. She likes Modern Dots! 

Suz and the rest of YLF was thrilled to see Veteran forum member Kari featured on Inside Out Style. Her exciting colour combinations always make us smile, but her comments on wearing glasses bear special attention.

Laurinda recommends these easy to follow scarf tying tutorials. I really enjoyed watching them too. 

Pratt Fashion Design Students took on the challenge of creating fashionable nursing uniforms. This appealed to Anna who wears scrubs daily. 

I enjoyed the discussion over at Corporette about what nail colors are acceptable in a conservative office environment.

A basic layering top allows a topper to shine. The topper could be a jacket, vest, dress, item of knitwear, or even just a statement scarf or necklace. In some cases, great layering tops fit and look so good that you can wear them on their own, often as a simple complement to a more elaborate bottom. 

I don’t know why it’s hard to find a great layering top, but it seems that although stores are full of them, many aren’t quite right. They are too boxy, too clingy, too short, too long, too itchy, or the neckline and fabrication are wrong. 

This season, my clients and I have liked the styles below. They range from casual to dressy, so they will work for a variety of lifestyles. Remember to click through all the colour options. 

1. Ann Taylor Turtleneck Sweater: The length is great so tall girls take note. Dressy, luxurious, and not at all  itchy. 
2. Ann Taylor Cotton Long Sleeve Tee: This tee is thick and substantial, and it isn’t clingy. Another style with great length for tall and curvy gals. One of the best long sleeved tees around at the moment. 
3. Banana Republic Shawl-Collar Vee: Amazing under a blazer! The shawl collar looks brilliant. It’s super soft and feels as comfy as pajamas. 
4. Banana Republic Shirred Velvet-Trim Tee: This one is more casual but the shirred neck is a pretty detail under a lower cut jacket or un-buttoned cardigan. 
5. Banana Republic Long-Sleeve Timeless Tee: It is basic, but fits pretty well, especially on a curvy body type. 
6. Banana Republic Essential Turtleneck Sweater: Another non-itchy turtleneck with a great contoured shape sans the cling. 
7. Banana Republic Sequin-Pocket Top: Chic and retro. It was a little itchy for me, but I’m very sensitive to that type of thing. My clients didn’t have a problem with the itch-factor.
8. Gap Tri-Blend Slub Tee: Soft, cozy and uber relaxed. It looks good on both straight and curvy body types. I really like the subtle slub in the fabric. 
9. J. Crew Perfect-fit Long-Sleeve Tee: This tee runs small, but it’s very comfy. Good fitted shape and tidy neckline.
10. Caslon Perfect Long Sleeve Crewneck Tee: This is probably the most popular layering tee amongst my clients because it’s stretchy but does not cling, and it also retains it’s shape over time. Very soft. 
11. Caslon Scoop Neck Tee: This tee is excellent for a fuller bust. I like the broad binding around the neckline. 
12. Sejour Three Quarter Sleeve Tee (Plus): The V-neck is flattering, as is the fit around the torso. Read the rave reviews. 
13. INC Long Sleeve Ribbed Turtleneck: I was wearing this turtle neck with baggy pleated trousers in last week’s outfit post. It’s super soft and has a lovely raglan sleeve. It runs small so you might need to size up, and it also might be too short for tall gals.

These are the basic knitted layering options. Of course, there are also woven options that you should consider, like a simple white or denim button down shirt.

If you’ve found great layering tops this season, feel free to add them to the list by making a comment.

When I first saw this very fringe trend at Zara and H&M last year, I didn’t give it a second glance. But this year I’m loving the vibe. I guess I can attribute it to my current love affair with trousers. Oh, how things can change! This trend incorporates a glorious ’70s disco appeal mixed in with a hint of fab ’80s fashion. Come to think of it, it’s no wonder that I like it. 

As much as I adore a skinny and super slim trouser silhouette, it’s the baggy and flared styles that appeal to me more when the fabric is shiny and flashy. If I had a fun party to go to for the holidays, I’d definitely explore these flashy trouser options instead of another dress. I’d keep the top VERY simple, which means tucking in a plain button down shirt or a form fitting black turtleneck. I would be scrunching the sleeves and adding some heels. I also like the idea of adding my strict and classic pinstripe Theory blazer to create a contrast with the very bling-y trousers. To my eye, this would be a cool ensemble if you kept the integrity sophisticated.

What’s your verdict? If it’s not something that you would wear, can you appreciate the look on others?