30 Days of Outfit Ideas: Color Palette + Chambray Shirt + Pants + Boots

You know those fancy boutiques where you walk in and everything is color coordinated down to the fluffy rug and the walls and you breathe in the feeling of utter serenity and luxury and wonder how your closet could feel and look just like this but worry that it’s impossible because money. And kids. And time. And then you realize that everything is creamy white. The chaise is cream and the fixtures are cream and even the gorgeous staff is dressed in creamy white and you wonder if it’s heaven, but then you think of Sharpies and chocolate ice cream and glitter glue and remind yourself why you can’t have nice things. Kids. Pets. Husbands. Cream closets are an out of reach dream, like a clutter-free life and carb-free bread.

There is a way to achieve this same tranquility in your closet, and it doesn’t involve getting rid of your family. It does involve getting rid of some clothes (only the ones you aren’t wearing anyway, of course) and color-coordinating the rest. The key to a serene, uncluttered closet is to put like colors together and to give your clothes a little breathing room.

In my experience doing closet overhauls (and I’ve done hundreds) I’ve noticed that women generally fall into two categories: Their wardrobes either have all the colors, or they have no color. But the middle ground, when you embrace color as long as it flatters you and works with your wardrobe, is the stylish sweet spot. And for that, you’ll need a plan.

Imagine you were starting your wardrobe from scratch, and create a color palette based on the shades that flatter your Color Code. A good rule of thumb is to include 3 neutrals, 3 main colors, and 3 fun colors. Here’s a sample wardrobe color palette for a Light Color Code, exclusively using colors from Pantone 2018 spring collection. (Note: While the recommended wardrobe palette includes 9 colors, my palette generator only does groups of 5, so there are 10 shades in the color palette below). As you can see, the first three colors, navy, gray, and white, are neutrals, the next three are mains and then there are 3 fun colors.

Creating a color palette focuses your shopping, helps you avoid choosing unflattering or unwearable shades, and ensures that you always have the perfect shoe, bag, or piece of jewelry to go with any outfit. As you can see from the color palette above, each of the colors in this palette goes with each of the other colors, and the overall effect is calm and serene. Ahhhh.

But don’t feel left out if you’re not a Light Color Code. Using Pantone’s colors, I’ve created a palette of on-trend “fun” colors for each of the Color Codes. Which is your favorite?

2018 Clear Color Code Palette

2018 Cool Color Code Palette

2018 Deep Color Code Palette

2018 Warm Color Code Palette

2018 Soft Color Code Palette

2018 Light Color Code Palette

Chambray Shirt + Pants + Boots

I’m going to admit something. I didn’t think that a glitter-loving girl like myself could ever fall for something as utilitarian as a chambray shirt, but then I started spotting it all over my Instagram and Pinterest feeds on other sparkly girls, and I was intrigued. Could it really be the answer to so many fashion dilemmas? Was it really the ideal layering piece, adding instant relaxed cool to the stuffiest of ensembles? Yes, yes, and yes. I’ve worn mine with skinny joggers and with sequined skirts, layered under a black blazer and over a graphic tee… no matter what I wear it with, it never fails to blend right in and tie a look together. Whether you’ve been wearing your chambray shirt on repeat or are new to the trend, here are enough outfit ideas to carry you through the season.

Source: Yandex.ru

Source: Lindsey Cheney of The Pleated Poppy

Source: Feminty Fashion

Source: Outfit Posts

Source: Lauren Kay Sims

Source: Shopstyle.it

Source: Melmers Turtle

Source: I Love Fashion and Boys

Source: Grace and Beauty

Source: Fashioned for Living

Chambray Shirts for Every Budget

I was so noncommittal for my chambray shirt that I bought it on sale at Old Navy so I’d have no regrets. Two years later, it’s still a staple. You want this shirt to be as versatile as possible, so choose a simple, non-embellished style in a light blue to start with, and add darker or fancier versions later if you choose.

Relaxed chambray shirt, $26.99, Old Navy

J. Crew Factory Perfect Fit shirt in Chambray, $34.50

J. Crew everyday shirt in Chambray, $78, Nordstrom

I hope these outfit ideas inspire you to wear the basics in your wardrobe in fresh and inventive ways! And for all the finds shown in this month’s outfit ideas, check out my 30 Days of Outfit Ideas Catalog.