Wearing clothes in neutral colours seems like a safe bet – more so if you are heading back to the office after two years of doing Zoom call meetings in your favourite pyjamas. But really, if you are looking for an instant mood lifter to get you to go to the office, then all you need to do is add some pop of colour to your office wear. Now how do you wear neutrals without looking boring?

Here are 10 outfits to transform a neutral wardrobe into one popping with colour:

1. Pick a top with bright pants:

What’s better than a plain white tee and jeans combo? A fitted and patterned white top worn with bright jeans, that’s what. On days when the weather is moody, pick out a chic top like this Ginger round-necked white crop top. The tiny floral patterns are cutesy and the cut-out detail at the back puts it to this side of edgy. To leave an impression, pair the top with bright-coloured denims in yellow or this on-trend green, and no one will say you dress boring!

2. Go stripes:

If you have pants in neutral shades, an easy way to jazz them up would be to pair them with a bold-striped top. This AND striped V-neck crop top would go perfectly well with a pair of beige or brown pants. The fitted silhouette and three-quarter sleeves spell classy, and stripes always tend to make you look taller. This is a good look for a quick coffee meeting or an informal networking event.

3. Wear the colour of the year:

Stay in trend by opting for a top that is the colour of the season! Pantone’s Very Peri is a charming pastel shade that can add some vibrancy to your mood. Take this Code Classic top as an example. While its mock neck, floral prints make it look understated, the mauve-ish Very Peri shade lends it a happy tone. Go monochromatic by pairing a skirt in the same shade and top it by wearing lace-up heels.

4. Say it with flowers:

Floral prints are instant pick-me-ups and one of the best ways to style a pop of colour into a neutral outfit. Choose tops or dresses in neutral shades that are embellished by floral embroideries or prints. Add this Code floral printed A-Line dress to your wardrobe for a versatile outfit that will add cheer to any occasion. You can hone your look by colour-coordinating your shoes, bag and jewellery.

5. Do the denim:

A good pair of jeans is the perfect foil to complement a colourful or over-the-top t-shirt. So if you were wondering how to balance out an edgy look, get yourself a good pair of jeans like this Fame Forever stone-washed slim-fit jeans. The faded blue shade makes it versatile for every kind of top or sweater and the fit ensures comfort and great functionality.

6. Cool like sorbet:

Get experimental with your wardrobe. Instead of buying shorts in neutral colours, pick up a pair in sorbet colours that will make you look too cool for Indian summers. These Ginger orange polka-dotted shorts with the tie-up waist are guaranteed to brighten up the most beige of surroundings. You could amp up the look by wearing an orange crop top and a white denim jacket.

7. Shrugs are versatile:

Wearing a colourful shrug is probably the easiest way to shake up a neutral outfit. They add an interesting layer to almost any outfit, be it a dress, a sleeveless top or a kurta. This yellow Indya embellished and tasseled shrug will work beautifully with any ethnic or western outfit that’s in muted colours. Wear it over a kurti for a festive look or a tank top and shorts before you head out for a drink date in the evening.

8. A dash of abstraction:

If confused, pick an outfit with abstract prints. Not only will the colours add a spot of cheer to your closet, but you can also wear it on multiple occasions without getting bored. The W printed jumpsuit is a medley of colours that don’t clash, and the hourglass fit helps you cut an easy breezy silhouette. It will be perfect for Sunday brunches!

9. Sporty colours:

Athleisure wear has quite a range these days and so you don’t have to make do with one-tone neutrals anymore. Spruce up your sports wardrobe by choosing tees in bright colours. Puma’s abstract printed sport t-shirt is a sight for sore eyes and is certain to pump you up before a run. Complete the look by going for matching track pants.

10. Get festive:

With the festival season almost upon us, you have the perfect excuse to jazz up your wardrobe with ethnic wear that is high on colour and fashion. Set the neutrals out and pick up a grand ensemble like Aurelia’s embellished A-line kurta with a floral-patterned jacket. The outfit can be worn in two different ways – with the jacket and without. Experiment in your own ways and flaunt your colourful self for the celebrations ahead!