When I was in high school, I was at my best friend’s house when her mom mentioned that she had gotten a pink dress that she loved… but she was going to return it, because she’d never wear it. I couldn’t figure out what the deal was. She loved the dress, and it looked great on her, but she would never wear it? Turns out, the problem was that she always wore head-to-toe black (or gray), and pink was just too far outside her comfort zone.

You’ve probably noticed by now that I don’t shy away from color. When I briefly worked at the Estee Lauder counter and had to wear all black (because my uniform hadn’t come in yet), I had to buy new clothes — I didn’t have enough all-black pieces for more than one or two outfits. But after living in DC and working on Capitol Hill, I certainly understand that sticking to black, gray and navy is helpful for young women trying to look professional. And I know winter can be the least colorful season, wardrobe wise.

But your clothes don’t all have to be dark and boring! I have some tips for adding some color to a black, gray and navy wardrobe that can be used for work wear or casual wear, and is adaptable for many types of jobs and dress codes. I know this might not be helpful to some of you, but I hope it can aid anyone who is intimidated by wearing bright colors, or who has a pink dress they love languishing in their closet, tags still attached.

If you want to start small, try an accessory or two. Brightly colored shoes, a colorful necklace or even just a fun belt can add some excitement to your normal work outfit. I used two examples of black and white outfits above, but this works very well with solid black, solid gray or solid navy, too. And, by the way, this would be the proper time to use the term “pop of color.” Please don’t use it when you’re wearing head-to-toe neon.

If you’re ready to move past accessories, I’d suggest starting with blue. Even the most conservative offices are unlikely to look askance at a blue shirt or top, particularly when paired with a navy skirt or gray blazer. Plus, blue goes with almost everything (including black, gray and navy), and you shouldn’t have a hard time finding at least one shade of blue that is flattering on you.

Next? Move on to other colors of blouses. You can go as bright and colorful or neutral and understated as you’d like (the bird print is pale pink), and pair it with the skirts, jackets, tights, trousers and sweaters you already have. Animal print tote bag optional.

A slightly more bold option is a colorful skirt, trousers or a dress. I sometimes tone down very bright colors by pairing them with a black or navy sweater or blazer, black/navy tights and black/navy shoes (obviously stick to all black or all navy, please!)…

But it’s also fun to dial it up with matching accessories and tops… or even contrasting colors!

Clothing details: Black and white blouse: J.Crew (on sale), Black pleated skirt: J.Crew, Red shoes: J.Crew (super duper old), Red necklace: Francesca’s (similar). Black blazer: Madewell (old and sadly no longer available), Black and white striped dress: Banana Republic (on sale), Leopard belt: Banana Republic (similar), Black pumps: Cole Haan (old).

Navy bag: J.Crew (old), Navy sweater: J.Crew (similar), Navy skirt: Banana Republic (similar), Blue blouse: Banana Republic (old), Beige shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (super old, but try these). Charcoal blazer: J.Crew (similar), Blue shirt: Brooks Brothers, Gray houndstooth dress: J.Crew (similar, similar).

Purple blouse: J.Crew (old), Black pencil skirt: Banana Republic, Animal-print bag: Banana Republic (old, but check out this and this). Bird-print blouse: H&M, Studded flats: Coach (on sale).

Black sweater with dots: Anthropologie (on sale), Bordeaux wool skirt: J.Crew factory (sold out). Red ankle trousers: Talbots. Bordeaux studded bag: J.Crew (similar), Bordeaux shoes: Indigo by Clarks (similar, similar), Sweater with rose: Kate Spade (no longer available).