Something we’ve received a lot of questions about at The Hive recently is how to style a pop of color. This is exactly the type of style challenge I enjoy because it’s one I encounter so much in my own wardrobe. I tend to wear a lot of neutrals and more subdued hues; sometimes a bright color can feel almost abrupt. In some instances letting something feel abrupt may be exactly what is needed. Let’s get into it.

Pairing Accessories

Did anyone read that and wonder where they left their Apple Watch or AirPods? If so, same here. 

What I mean to say is that sometimes a pop of color simply needs to be coordinated with a similar pop of color somewhere else in the outfit. The green Tibi sweater is a perfect match to the stripe on the Clare V. Bag; the rest of the outfit components are neutral so as to let the green be the focal point (see Look 1).

Accented Neutrals

I find that shoes are an area where it can feel safe to play around with color a bit. I cannot explain this but whenever I see a very classic outfit in neutral colors with a bright shoe it always looks great. Always. A white blouse or tee with denim is such a great cool-girl-but-not-trying-too-hard outfit. The styling is easy to wrap one’s mind around and most components are already in your wardrobe. Add that colorful shoe and you’re on your way! 

The same rule seems to apply to a fresh-faced, natural makeup look with red lipstick. This always looks a little more elevated, again, I do not know why. I don’t make the rules, I just put on the lipstick and wear the magic pink shoes. The pink buckle shoe by Ann Mashburn will change your life, by the way…. (see Look 2).

Mixing Color with Texture

A great way to balance a color that feels like “too much” is to add some texture in a neutral tone. The eyelet of this Wear.Cissa top adds some visual interest next to the brightly colored belt. The tonal pairing of the pant and western mule tie the look together but the neutrals don’t compete with the color of the belt and texture of the blouse. (see Look 3)

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See Also: How to Shop Like a Pro: The Hive Edition