color and my comfort level

Ines de la Fressange bucket bag, Etoile Isabel Marant jacket

Over the years, I’ve put together a wardrobe that’s comprised mainly of neutrals. It began as a practical move, but I’ve also realized that I feel most chic and pulled together in neutral colors (black, grey, navy, white, ivory). Sometimes I’ve found myself craving color, and will buy an article of clothing in a bright, delicious hue….which then remains mostly unworn. But an accessory in a bright color…now that I can do.

earrings (similar) | jacket | tank | cuff | bag | jeans | sandals

Hermes collier de chien, Ines de la Fressange bag

I purchased this bag in Paris last year, from the Ines de la Fressange shop, which was newly opened at the time. It doesn’t have a lot of interior organization, but is very light and the color brightens up any outfit.

Eileen Fisher block heel sandals

I bought these sandals in both black and the nude colors last spring, and they’ve been in constant rotation in all but the coldest months. As you can see, the leather has softened up nicely. The block heel also adds to the comfort and stability.

Do you love wearing color or do you stay mostly in Neutral Territory?

More like these…

This post may contain affiliate links which generate commissions for unefemme.net. See complete disclosure policy here.

Stay in touch

Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.

Affiliate links in posts may generate commissions for unefemme.net. See my complete disclosure policy here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

35 Comments

  1. I’m pretty much a neutral or one-color woman with a penchant for fitted white tee shirts. I have a collection of colorful Nat & Nin bags that I’ve picked up in Paris at Sophie Sacs on Rue du Rennes over the years. That red bag of yours. Oh god. It will be on my mind all day. Red is one of my favorite colors for accessories. Although I won’t be in Paris this summer (Bonaparte isn’t ready to go back yet after Daniele’s passing in October), we will be in Theoule for three weeks. I cannot wait to drive to St. Tropez to check out de la Fressange’s other location. Your bag is freakin’ epic. EPIC!!

  2. That is a lovely bag, Sue. I’m also mostly a neutrals person… black, white, camel. But I have a gold tote bag that, when I carry it in the summer, is all the colour I need. I love the length of that Eileen Fisher tank. I just wish she made them with a neckline that looks good on me. Have a great weekend:)

  3. Love your bag! Great sandals, too. I absolutely LOVE color! I do tend to wear a lot of black in the cooler months (not many in Central Texas) but wear lots of color the rest of the year. I love wearing my Lilly Pulitzer dresses! Color brightens up my face. I recently bought an Eileen Fisher dress (navy). I love the quality and receive compliments, but it just doesn’t make me feel as alive and happy as wearing color.

  4. I’m most comfortable in neutrals: black, charcoal, grey, camel. For color, I wear murky olive or teal or faded/heathered turquoise or lavender. That is a beautiful bag, though.

  5. I bought a red handbag recently too to give a punch of color to my neutral wardrobe. I also bought red glasses. That’s about all the color I can manage! I love my red bag and it goes with everything.

  6. I love neutrals with that pop of color in a handbag, shoes or scarf. I even keep my jewellery to gold (mainly) or silver. In the summer, I tend towards brighter tops with neutral bottoms.

  7. I’m trying to add more color- two new pink tops, yellow jeans, and a very bright skirt and sweater combo. By far most of my wardrobe is neutral. After your post yesterday I bought the EF linen jacket – perfect for our climate. I have more trouble with color in fall/winter because even the colors are dark and wash me out.

  8. I wear mostly colour/neutrals, ie a red top with black pants. Shoes are in every colour of the rainbow. I’d look dead in an outfit entirely composed of neutrals.

  9. Going against the tide here…. I wear mostly colors! Except black. Can’t have enough of black. But I never wear (do I even own?) anything in a neutral/cream/beige shade. It just doesn’t do anything for my light coloring. When I travel, yes, it is mostly black but always with a bright scarf, necklace (have a weakness for large statement pieces!) or a pashmina in orange or lime green.

  10. I love wearing color now and then but I pretty much stick to my favorites–black, gray, maybe some navy, and then black and gray again! 🙂 But definitely accessories with splashes of color…that’s what makes outfits more fun, i think.

    Susan, are you finding lots of ways to wear this Isabel Marant blazer? I’m thinking of purchasing one as I think it would be a great investment piece and something that would make even jeans and a t-shirt look chic!

    1. Hi Henny, yes, I’ve worn this several times. Mostly as here with other neutrals, but think for those who like color, this would also look fantastic. I’m picturing with this spring’s “blush” and corals.

  11. Both! As a “woman of size” I tend to stick to black or navy for my neutrals, but use color above the waist to raise the focus.

    This blog is very inspiring! I’m finding myself eyeing even my jeans differently, because of how you wear yours. Thank you for putting this together.

  12. What a wonderful outfit on you. You look so sleek! Wish Eileen Fisher made shoes in narrow sizes; I’d snap up those sandals in beige.

  13. I have found as well that I get the most wear out of neutral colored clothes. I also love adding a pop of color, and your red bag is perfect! Your entire outfit is beautiful! Great sandals, too!

  14. I don’t like to wear color much at all anymore. I feel as though brightly-colored clothes speak more loudly than I do, and I sort of disappear inside them. I love black and dark neutrals–they make me feel serene and more “present” (does *any* of that make sense?). In clothing, as I’ve gotten older, I think I’m drawn more to textures than colors. I do like to add color with accessories, as you do so well, Susan. Fantastic bag. Thanks for another thought-provoking post.

  15. Mainly neutrals for me but I sure love pops of colour in a patterned top, bright T-shirt, scarf and (for sure) bright toenails. BTW – I just love your style!