You loved that orange sweater in the store, and now that you’ve gotten it home, you’re asking yourself, “What the hell was I thinking?!”

Then you wear it with black. And realize you look like, well, Halloween on two feet.

But oops, too late to return it.

You could put it at the back of your closet, where it could languish for weeks, I mean year, until you give it away.

Consider your options

Or you could play around and see if you can find something to do with your new sweater that isn’t either spooky-scary or downright boring.

Because the chances are good that you have plenty of other neutrals in your closet besides black. You just may find yourself wary of pairing the other neutrals in the way they deserve.

via Go Chic or Go Home

But your orange sweater is crying out for interesting pairings with neutrals.

How about you start with something easy, like gray? You could pull out all of your gray bottoms, jackets, and scarves. Put the sweater on and try playing around with the different pieces you have in gray. How do you like them with your new orange sweater?

Once you find a combination you love, go ahead and finish the outfit. Add the shoes, jewelry, and bag. Then take note of the entire ensemble, whether by writing down the various components or taking a picture. (You think you’ll remember the combination, but I promise you, you won’t.)

If your wardrobe is made up of neutral shades like charcoal, black, gray, navy blue, olive green, or white, image how enlivened your outfit would be if you wore that bright colored sweater with your favorite neutrals.

Try the same exercise with another neutral, like navy blue. You likely have plenty of pieces in navy, including denim.

Kendi Everyday via Pinterest

What about colors that are neutrals, and act like neutrals, but that you may not think of as neutrals? You can do the same thing with them. How about trying burgundy with the orange sweater? How about army green? Both are potentially stunning combinations.

Once you’ve made a half-dozen new combinations, feel free to take a break. You’ll have lots that’s new but won’t have spent anything but a little time. Make an appointment with yourself to do it again soon with some of your clothes, and you’re done!

(Ketura Persellin is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant in Washington, DC, and surrounding suburbs. Please contact her for a complimentary discovery session.)