What I wore today: 12/12/2014 (Black and Tan)

Black and tan is my favorite color combination right now. I know some of you are probably thinking that black and tan aren't even real colors, so allow me to explain. 

I've mentioned my love of neutrals (and, by association, Madewell) before, but I haven't really said all I want to say on the subject. You see, I realized recently that neutrals are the introverts of the color world.

I often hear people express the opinion that colors are happy and neutrals are sad, that colors are exciting and neutrals are boring, that colors express personality and neutrals express conformity. But, all I hear in these opinions is the same extrovert-privileging perspective that saturates all aspects of American society to the detriment of us all.

Yes, colors are loud and neutrals are quiet, but there's nothing wrong with being quiet. In fact, when color is stripped away, it's easier to notice the subtler design aspects underneath, such as silhouette, texture, and material.

I must admit that, as an introvert who loves neutrals, as a person who invited only 50 guests to her wedding and chose gray bridesmaid dresses, I sometimes take it personally when people bash neutrals as "boring" or "lazy."

I like a certain effortlessness, yes, but I am not a lazy person. Just because I chose a black and tan coat, a beige sofa, or a solid gray linen comforter, doesn't mean I didn't pick those pieces with care, consideration, and a desire to express my authentic self. Of course, there's nothing wrong with choosing color if that's what you like (for the record, my other sofa is purple), but colors aren't inherently superior anymore than extroverts are.

The point is that the world benefits from a balance of color and neutrals, extroverts and introverts, noise and quiet. Don't bash the quiet corners of the world.

Black and tan "Colorblock Streetcar Coat" – Madewell

Black high-rise jeans – Gap

Camel-colored cashmere long-sleeve tee – J.Crew

Partial lace-up brown leather boots – Frye

Quartz necklace – Forever 21