If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I don’t own any clothing outside the family of neutrals. I have contrived a well-brewed hatred for bright colors, so black, white and gray aren’t just my go-to shades, but my  only shades. Though it’s left me well prepared for a funeral, I don’t have many choices for adding color to those drab rainy days, or to satisfy my urge to be girly when it strikes.

Lucky for me, camel is in this year, as well as many other achromatics, but I deceive my peers into thinking I have an ever-expanding, bright wardrobe with one easy trick: sprinkle your outfits with gem-toned accessories. So without breaking the bank, I’ve accumulated a list of options you can try to give your otherwise monochromatic outfit a face lift. 

 

Play With Jewelry


Wearing an oversized white tee with jeans and flats leaves a blank canvas for versatility. Throw on an arm-full of bangles and a pendant necklace to liven up your duds without going overboard. If you’re opting to pile on some chokers or a chunky necklace, skip the earrings all together, or you risk looking like you’re playing dress up. My favorite piece is this necklace from J.Crew (and it’s on sale!)

Head-Turning Headbands

Adding any accessory to your hair instantly brightens up your face, giving you a mini makeover. Even something as minimal as a bow-shaped barrette to pull last season’s bangs off your face offers quite the benefit. Try this peacock-inspired headband to add some color to your outfit, or head to UrbanOutfitters, which is notorious for their eccentric styles.

Borrowed From Him 


Whether you head to the nearest H&M or your boyfriend’s closet, be sure to invest in an oversized, structured blazer this season. Instead of a cardigan, I like to throw mine over a printed dress for a more androgynous, tailored feel. This staple helps Alexa Chung looks effortlessly polished, day or night.

Speaking of Prints…
This season, the patterned dress is looking to overthrow the Little Black Dress for the throne of wardrobe essentials. Look pretty in prints by pairing them with platform wedges and an oversized chunky sweater.

Nail It 

 


The cheapest way to factor some color in is right at your fingertips. Opt for a varnish in deep blue, jade green or crimson red to overhaul your drab duds. The pop of color can instill a bout of confidence into your usual gray M.O.

What are you Lovelies doing to update your wardrobe this fall?