Switzerland

Neutrals are a summer trademark. It's fun to pair neutrals with bright colors to balance out an otherwise loud outfit, but pairing neutrals together is so Parisian-chic!

One word of caution with neutrals is to avoid shades that are too close to your skin tone. Unless you want people to do a double-take in a bad way, declare your lack of nudity loud and clear by choosing neutral shades that are exaggerated. While this sounds counterintuitive - after all, "neutral" means you aren't extreme in any particular direction - go for a shade of tan or a pale pink, light nude, or off-white eggshell or cream so that none can be mistaken for your skin tone.

As simple as the color white might seem, choosing different shades of white (yes, there are shades of white) can mean different things. A subdued, creamier white (that almost has golden undertones) is a bit warmer and is so elegant! It's perfect for a more formal evening out, and it goes quite will with a short strand of pearls. A starker white, like that of white-out or computer paper (you can tell I work in an office), is a bolder statement. It contrasts sharply with every other color in your outfit, giving a "pop" and freshness that is great for the workday. Think starched collars, pointy-toe black pumps, and corner offices. Also, depending on the article of clothing (say, a stark white suit), your outfit might scream "Miami Vice" instead of NYPD. On the other hand, I think a starched white cotton button-up long-sleeved collared blouse is a must for any woman in the workplace - and in life! (Just a note from my not-so-graceful self: a stark white is not so forgiving to spills or other mishaps as is an off-white, though both are not ideal.)

I paired an off-white shell blouse with a neutral tan shrunken cardigan and brown suede platform heels. I went with a comfortable black pencil skirt, but if you have a skirt or pants in a neutral tone, totally go for it! Because neutrals are so light, it's easy to layer them and mix and match.

Cardigan: AnnTaylor Loft | Shell Blouse: Talbots | Pencil Skirt: AnnTaylor | Heels: AnnTaylor Loft