Lighter Shade of Pale

Ever since I was very young I have been VERY matchy matchy.  Like, if my Strawberry Shortcake shirt had Pink and green and white in it, I would insist on stacking pink and green and white socks with white and pink LA Gears (Obviously, I am a child of the 80s).  I had this black and white patterned suspender romper that I wore with an off the shoulder cropped black shirt (you know the kind with the elasticized neckline and puffed sleeves) that had lace on the bottom like bloomers, that I paired with white lacy socks and shiny black patent leather lace-up shoes with sheer ribbon laces.  Anyway you get the point.

As an adult, I realize that there are whole families of colors that when worn together, are considered monochromatic - not necessarily matchy matchy.  When you take these color families and break them up among one outfit into contrasting textures, this combination is even more interesting and less matchy.  As I integrate colored leggings into my wardrobe, I have the strongest inclination to make them match completely with the rest of the outfit.  I TRY to let them be a contrasting / coordinating element, but these Gray ones BEGGED to be paired with pale neutrals.  DID I GET IT WRONG? Sort of new at this tight thing so constructive criticism is welcome!!