A while back, I posted photos of my closet on Flickr, and a surprising number of people said, “Whoa! That’s a lot of color!”

(Yes, that’s a copy of the Sex and the City book on the shelf there, in case you’re wondering.)

I don’t think of my wardrobe as being all that colorful, but it’s not all black and white. My approach is typically to start with neutrals — a pair of khaki pants and a white shirt, for example — and then add some color, like a bright cardigan, to give the outfit some personality.

Color can be scary, especially for the office. When you’re trying to look professional, the default is often to dress like the boys, in serious dark neutrals, but color can be your friend, even for work. Last week, Sarah showed you how to make the New Neon work for you, with versatile, manageable pieces that could easily be incorporated into any closet. But if you’re not ready to take the plunge and wear a bright blue skirt, here are three ways to incorporate color into your basic closet.

Balance color with neutrals. Pair a bright piece with classic neutrals — the bright blue skirt with a black tee and black flats, or the pink halter under a navy suit. But don’t assume that “neutral” has to mean black or brown; don’t be afraid to use color as a neutral. What? you say. Color as a neutral? Sure! Build an outfit around one color, and then add complimentary or contrasting colors for visual interest. Michelle Obama recently made an appearance on the cover of O magazine wearing an orange shift dress and a yellow cardigan; the look was tailored and chic and optimistic.

Accessorize! Look for a bright bag or shoes, or pile on the colorful jewelery. A string of bright beads add instant interest to a white tee and jeans. And don’t forget about scarves! A lightweight scarf is an easy way to update any summer outfit. Target and Old Navy have some great ones right now, for under $15.00.

Target, $12.99

Take a chance. Summer is the perfect time to experiment with color; bright, sunny shades like turquoise and coral are summer classics. Invest in one bright, bold piece — a dress or jacket or structured skirt — that will work with other pieces in your wardrobe. Pair it with neutrals for day and with complimentary colors for night. A bright dress can go under a cardi for the office and on it’s own for a night out; a simple sheath can be dressed up or down, depending on what shoes and accessories you pair it with.

Finally, one last tip about wearing bright colors: Color attracts the eye — use color to draw attention to your best assets. If you have slim hips, think about a bright skirt. Great cleavage? Go for a sunny top.

How are you including color in your everyday wardrobe? Or are you a black-and-white kind of girl?