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Color Rut eta some ideas

viva

Veteran

Leaving aside the MOB dress, I have purchased 11 items this year so far (2018). This is not a surprising number to me, as I typically take advantage of late winter sales. Plus, I am traveling again after a very quiet 4th quarter of 2017, so I refreshed my work wardrobe with a couple of things.

Anyway, here's the thing: of the 11, 8 are grey. That feels like too many to me. Have you ever fallen into a color rut so completely? I've always loved grey but maybe I'm leaning too heavily on it?

I think I need to identify a contrasting color to add to my wardrobe which is now probably 80% grey, navy, and black.

Thoughts? Advice?

ETA: My colorful dress (thanks Vix!) and 7 possible tops -- looking for feedback on color, shape, etc.

Banana Republic

Avery Ankle-Fit Texture Pant

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Banana Republic

Italian Superloft Ribbed Tie-Sleeve Crew

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Banana Republic

Soft Jersey Twist Top

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The Wide Leg Crop Pant

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The Cashmere Crop Mockneck

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Unisex KOIO Capri Perla canvas sneakers

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Metallic Leather Moccasins

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Banana Republic

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The Soft Cotton Square Crew

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Merino wool sweater-blazer

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Haute Hippie Floral Print Silk Shirtdress

$425.00 $169.98

Sale

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Pleated Cuff Blouse

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Checked Top With Smocked Trims

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Ribbed Polo Shirt

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Madewell Velour Tee

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Topshop Slouchy Knot Front Blouse

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The Lightweight French Terry Crew

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Shopping

45 replies

Latest reply was from Jessikams

JAileen

Veteran

It’s not a rut, it’s a groove.

jussie

Veteran

Yes, I was in a blue rut for years ;). Blush pink goes nicely with grey....

Anonymous

Well, first off, I don't think 11 pieces is a lot. Everyone has different shopping styles and different needs. You are meeting your set of needs.

Second, I think the grey items you bought are gorgeous. I am tempted by each and every one of them. But if you are starting to feel an accent color or two is necessary at this step, I fully endorse that decision. I have always loved seeing grey with icy colors or pink, lavender, and blue. We're going into Spring and those colors might feel right to you.

I'll swing by later to see what others had to suggest.

Anonymous

Yeah, as Janet said above. I looked at the pale grey pieces and sighed with pleasure. How clean, calm and sophisticated. *runs out to buy pale grey stuff*.

I would kill to wear something other than black and black and navy. I am dying over here, just so you know. Tell us about the new Everlane pants - how are you wearing them and how do they fit?

Anonymous

Lol, JAileen, you are too funny!

@viva: when you put all the grey together like that, it does seem like a lot. But maybe that’s because you overbought on colour previously. Hard to know.

One thing I’ve been doing recently, to sort of force myself to buy in a more balanced way, is to say “get one boring piece and one fun piece”. So buy in twos.

Anonymous

Didn't answer your question . Mustard, or pink would be my picks for new colours . I'm obsessed with pink right now - in home decor, makeup and clothes.

unfrumped

Veteran

Ha, what JAileen said.

I’m no help.

See, black and navy aren’t good face colors, not white nor most beige. How many neutrals are there? How many key pieces come in perfect bugundy or teal or mid blue? . So if an item comes in several neutrals I’m gonna pick gray.
I just bought a gray blazer , already have 2 and was eyeing another at JC. All VERY different styles, fabrics and “ shades of gray”!!!
Don’t ask me about gray sweaters....

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, it looks as if you wanted some soothing calm in your life. Nothing wrong with that! Besides, grey looks lovely on you.

You could add mustard, pumpkin, or some more of that magenta to work with it? Or teal?

viva

Veteran

Well, thank you all for your endorsement of my "groove" (no longer calling this a rut, thank you Jaileen!). This was not intentional, Smittie. I mean, I know that I love grey, but when I was cleaning up my collections just now and updating my 2018 "new" collection, I looked at it and thought - jeez, either I have no imagination, or I'm in a .... GROOVE.

I appreciate the ideas for new colors. I don't really feel like myself in pastels (although, oddly, pale grey is just fine!) so, Sterling, I'm not as sure about staying really icy - but I am willing to try, so if I see something in a store, I promise to give it a go. A saturated pink might work really, really well, Lisap. I will be on the lookout. Mustard is a possibility (I use a lot of that at home, interestingly - paired with PALE GREY - LOL) - but not as sure how it will work with my facial coloring. Must try.

Thank you all!

xxxx

viva

Veteran

Suz, it's interesting to look at these choices from an emotional/psychological perspective. It actually makes sense to me that I might have wanted something soothing ... state of the world, etc.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

I've seen several articles recently that touted pale gray as the fresh, new, neutral this year. Pale grey, is an easy, bendable, pale neutral. And eight items does not seem disproportionate given what I've surmised about your wardrobe. I think you are still in safe territory on this Pale gray can look quite different when combined with graphite, clear crystals, silver, or pale-pinky tones. I might give it a try with blush and rose gold. Lisa p's idea to match grays with mustardy yellow sounds like a happy combo to me, too. Maybe all you need are a couple of coordinating accent pieces in a different color to tie all these pieces into a wide variety of fresh, new outfits.

LaPed

Veteran

I adore pale, non-heathered greys. It's been hard to find for a few years, but it seems to be coming back now. The wide legs in Harbor Mist are sooo pretty. I've been coveting them, but really do not need to dupe those pants (mine are black, which is way more boring, if that's any comfort to you).

Also, silver shoes are definitely not grey. And I really like that purple/magenta shirt -- neat colour.

I do most of my clothes shopping this time of year too -- winter clearance. I'm at 6 or 7 items of "real clothes" so far, plus a bunch of outdoor gear.

Anonymous

Also teal. I'm right in the middle of restyling my living room in advance of a buying meeting here in an hour (with an architect/designer friend- eek) and am refreshing my grey living room with citron/mustard, teal and peacock/teal coloured stuff - pillows, a tray , flowers and candles. Out with the winter stuff and in with spring even if it isn't here yet. I am loving how teal works with grey and white and citron.

Runcarla

Veteran

Beautiful palette. Add a little silver for shine. Do you have anything in that colour with texture?

JAileen

Veteran

I think you bought the grey because it feels right. It makes a great background. I love grey, and have a lot of it. But this past year I started adding pale pink. I love it with grey.

Anonymous

I like the idea of teal as well. Hadn't thought of it, but it sounds perfect.

Helena

Veteran

Viva, I think you have a lot of interesting pieces with nice touches of detail. I see cohesion more than rut! These pieces will mix beautifully with your neutrals, but any saturated hue you spot that appears to you will mix in nicely. I love the idea of pink, esp for spring!

Sal

Veteran

There are some definite pros - I find having two or three tops in the same colour means one pair of pants often goes well with both. I have stages too with colours.

In terms of colours with grey (aside from navy, black and denim) I like off white/cream, rusty/maroons, peacock blue/jade, mustard or yellow, and blush pink. I actually think man colours will work with this soft grey and it is soothing.

I am not a pastel person at all - but I do like the right blush and grey.

Roxanna

Veteran

I have no solutions because as you know I ADORE light heathered grey I wear it a lot with blush, black and navy because I am loving neutrals lately.

One question: how is the navy BR shell? Is it thick and cotton-y feeling or silky? And do you think it would be good for a pear shape? I'm thinking it might be good for my casual spring & summer capsule.

Mainelady

Veteran

I love all shades of gray, especially when paired with saturated shades of plum, pumpkin, mustard and dark coral. I think prints and scarves with multiple colors look great, too.

unfrumped

Veteran

I may not be on the right track but part of my point is I can’t FIND the right items in the colors I wear. Not counting scarves and bags. The only thing I can get in colors is a few sweaters such as cashmere or merino. And even that’s unpredictable. Blazers I’d like to have in some yummy “ nearly neutrals” I just can’t find.

Vix

Veteran

Viva, do you still own that gorgeous dress that had a big print on it -- maybe floral? Maybe navy with brights? The one that looked amazing on you (or does that not narrow it down?!).

If so, I'd love to see it photographed with your greys so we can see what jumps out.

Even if you can only link us to the pic you posted here that'd help.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

The pieces look beautiful and that grey is my favorite. Yellow is supposed to be up and coming and the right yellow would completely change the vibe of the grey.

Anonymous

citron, teal, eggplant, mineral green, other yellow shades, rust, cobalt, pops of neon pink, azalea, mint ... gray tempers brights so beautifully.

Sorry for the edit, partly additional thought and partly autocorrect!

chirico (Chiara)

(website)

Veteran

Nice buys, I like your gray pieces.
Violet is supposed to be the color of the year, and it looks great with gray, especially the lighter tones

Adriana

Veteran

I wear darker grays. Mostly just with jeans/indigo or black. But I have some fun accessories in color. Dark turquoise, a darker peach, off-white, dark brown. Colors that are "warmish". I'm tempted to try this color gray also. I think if you look good in this color, all is ok.

Kathie

Veteran

I think all the gray is lovely. I also feel like it’s something you have to add when you find it, since the right shades come and go. And, the silver shoes are a great way to add some shine.

Bijou

Veteran

I love your recent purchases too and love how light they feel in the soft grey. The thing that I love about grey is that it goes with any colour. I really love grey with beige, it looks sophisticated and a bit unexpected.

viva

Veteran

Runcarla: I think I'm a little light on texture in my wardrobe generally. It's interesting to think about. I really like the mustard sweater I've added because of the texture. What kinds of pieces do you have that add texture?

Vix: I've added that dress here. I'm so glad I have held onto it, although I haven't worn it in a while, to be honest. It's a good reminder that I have it. Maybe I'll wear it this weekend! And seeing it here among the grey shows me how great juicy colors like orange, yellow/mustard, and pinks would look. Thanks for that great idea. (I'm hoping this is the dress you meant!)

Roxanne: I love this navy tank from BR but I am not sure it will be for everyone. It is thick and cottony, and it is on the longer side. I can see myself wearing it outside slim pants for a sort of retro look with heels, or tucked into higher waist pants. It's not cut quite as boxy as it looks here, or at least it has some (not a lot) of give to go over hips. High neck. I actually went down a size to keep it closer fitting (also went down a size in the other two tops I bought from BR - it's been a while since I shopped there so not sure what is going on. Part of me wonders if my weight has just slipped down to my hips, and that is why the scale is not changing but my clothes are! Maybe I actually am smaller on top now and larger on the bottom.)

Lisap: I have not worn the grey Everlane pants yet, but I will be wearing them soon ... so I will post pictures. They fit very much like those black ones I used to have from Anthro (that I got rid of because of lint) - higher waist, full leg, cropped at ankle. Really cute. I need shorter tops for these pants for sure, either fitted or swingy. I will wear with sneakers but they will be more flattering with heels, which I will also do.

Would love to hear any feedback on the ideas I've posted above regarding colors/tops I've collected. Thank you!

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