OUTFIT: Black and gray

And with a scarf for the cooler morning:

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Activity: Volunteer ministry

Sweater: thrifted (similar)
Shirt: Ralph Lauren, thrifted (similar)
Skirt: Athleta (similar)
Tights: Merona (exact)
Boots: Bussola (exact - review coming soon)
Necklace: Nordstrom Rack? Can't remember (similar)
Watch: vintage Citizen via ebay (similar)
Bag: Ashley Brooke via DSW (similar)

Black, gray and white have been my go-to "color" combinations lately.  So interesting how your tastes change over time.  I even ended up with a black and white bag, which leads to even more black and white outfit combinations.  

How do you keep this combination fresh?  A couple of ideas:

1. Use variations on the black and white theme.  Adding grays in various tones (like my sweater and boots above) adds another layer of style and keeps the combination from being too simplistic.

2. Use pattern to add interest.  In the outfit above, the scarf adds a graphic punch to the basics, or the necklace adds an element of "pattern" to an otherwise basic combination.

3. Add one or more outfit item that uses both colors.  The black, white and silver bag helps pull the disparate white, black and gray elements together.  The black and white scarf also makes the color combination look purposeful, and even the touch of black with the gray on the boots adds intention to the combination.