The most perfect flowy, soft, breathable trousers I’ve ever put my hands on. I could see these dressed up for the office and also dressed down for a more casual spring outing.

Ashley mentioned the only times she explores color in her wardrobe are in patterns and prints, so I wanted to be sensitive to that when choosing anything colorful. There’s a bright yellow running throughout these Ann Taylor trousers that can certainly be played up and complimented with a cobalt blue, cherry red, or even a matching bright yellow top. Or, the yellow in the trousers can act as the standout accent color in a fully neutral outfit.

Ashley had some great business wear amongst her inspiration photos, so I wanted to add a solid pair of black trousers to her bundle as an easy, reliable staple piece. I love that we’re living in a time where you can wear these kinds of dress pants as intended to the office, but you can also wear them with a tee shirt and a pair of sneakers and it’s the coolest look.

When wardrobe color schemes lean on the neutral side, there has to be another element to add intrigue, like texture, construction, fit, etc. I chose these Zara jeans because the construction felt sturdy and solid, but they’re also distressed at the hem, giving the jeans an edgier look. This would contrast so well against a structured button-down or even a shiny pair of heeled boots. It’s all about balance, y’all.

When I discovered paper bag pants, I feel like the only options were to have them with a severe and overwhelming gathering at the top of the pants that felt costume-like, or they were made out of a crisp and starchy material that is just as loud as wearing an actual paper bag. I’m so glad to see paper bag pants still alive and well but made of super soft and breathable materials and lacking the severe bunching near the beltline. They’re perfectly versatile and able to be worn in the office or out and about!

Keeping with the neutral theme but adding a little bit of visual intrigue, I chose these floral Expressions pants. They’re very breathable, giving Ashley the ability to wear them into the brutal Tennessee summers. My favorite part – the sweet and dainty floral pattern!

This shade of green is what I miss most about dressing totally neutral. It’s so stunning but too muted for the colors that best suit me. I’m so excited to add it to Ashley’s bundle, not only for the color but for the wonderfully soft and breathable linen material as well. 

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it a million more times, Orvis is a brand worth picking up at the thrift store. By nature, Orvis is a company that caters to adventurers, hunters, fishers, and dog lovers (random, but I love that) so you can rightfully assume they care about the durability and quality of the materials they use. This silk tank top is a prime example of their craftsmanship.

Of the million black tank tops I’ve owned in the course of my life, Rachel Zoe tank tops are my most worn. The woman just knows how to make a durable and flattering tank top. What I love about this specific Rachel Zoe tank top is that it’s a mock neck. Again, if it’s neutral in color, it’s gotta have something else interesting about it. 

If a black tank top feels too plain for a specific outfit, how about a vest? Despite the vest being made of cotton, it’s very velvety in feel. This Talbots vest is such a cool find – I almost wish I would have found a second one for myself!

Madewell just knows how to make a quality neutral clothing item, and there’s just no doubt about it. I love that there’s a softness to the crinkle texture, keeping the top super light and delicate instead of harsh and dehydrated which sometimes the crinkle texture can show.

Madewell strikes again! Two things I absolutely adore about this sweater: the bell sleeves and how the colors of the stripes are somehow completely neutral yet very striking. 

Just like the Madewell striped sweater, this color block sweater is totally neutral but visually intriguing due to where the colors are placed and how they’re blocked throughout the sweater.