Kate M.W. ~ Despite my best efforts to maintain a healthy injection of colour, occasionally I quietly nestle back into neutrals, particularly when it’s overcast outside. This week I was inspired by the grey sky outside my window and this oversized clutch from Rachel Roy. Given its size and the presence of multi-function pockets, it’s the clutch’s answer to the small cross body bag. The mix of the midnight dusky blue, two-toned grey, and the subtle stripe of dull mint green is quiet enough not be overbearing but just graphic enough to not get lost in an outfit, setting the parameters as simple, easy, and refined.

Oversize Clutch, Rachel Rachel Roy, $69

There’s something about grey that just seems intuitively comfortable, especially in a dress with easy elbow-length sleeves and a pleated knee-length skirt. It would be equally at home with a blazer and pearls for work, or (in this instance) a slightly oversized sweater-coat for a more cozy feel. Or, add a trendy mixed-media option: a wool coat with leather sleeves to give just enough structure to that slightly slouchy body. I’ve opted for black because it’s easier to track down, but either of these options in a dusky navy blue would work equally as well.

Mixed Media Coat, Mackage, $680 (or similar at Zara, $229) / Pleated Knit Dress, Banana Republic, $120 / Notch Collar Wool Blend Coat, Eileen Fisher, $298

And now down to the details. The clutch provided two sources of inspiration: the texture of the leather and a simple dose of a single colour. The boots mimic the python pattern on the clutch, as well as the offset of a flat and textured leather. While the daring could probably manage bare legs depending on the weather, a pair of black tights may certainly be in order. The minty-thyme tone of the clutch’s stripe translates into clear faceted jade-toned jewelry, first in a simple pair of grapevine earrings, and again in a ribbon tie necklace. The colour of the stones is enough to stand out against the black jackets, but not overpowering if you were merely wearing the dress. A leather wrap watch picks up on the ideas of refined comfort, and a feminine hat with grey ribbon and a touch of turquoise goes from simple to cozy elegance.

Syrah Earrings, Leah Alexandra, $150 / Bethany Boots, Rebecca Minkoff, $200 / Bette Hat, Goorin Bros., $80 / Simple Wrap Watch, La Mer, $92 / Celebration Necklace, Leah Alexandra, $210 / Opaque tights, Commando, $34

The idea this week is to translate simple and easy comfort into style, and proving that grey overcast skies aren’t a recipe for drab dull outfits. In fact, dusky neutrals with slight colourful details can in fact mean cozy elegance instead.

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