If you read any fashion magazine looking for advice about how to dress professionally or chic, you’ll hear the same thing over and over: wear neutral colours. That’s easier said than done. As nice as it sounds, it’s easy to accidentally build a neutral wardrobe that looks boring or drab rather than luxurious and fashion-forward.
But how do you make the most of neutral colours? What does it mean to dress in a neutral wardrobe? How do you take a bunch of monochromatic outfits and turn them into a style that pops?
Here, we’ll discuss all things neutral: what you need to buy, how to customise a limited palette, and how to make a neutral outfit go from “blah” to “oo-la-la”.
Buying Wardrobe Staples
The most significant benefit of a neutral wardrobe is its versatility. It’s harder to make neutral pieces clash with each other than it would be for more colourful options. Therefore, you should have a selection of staples within your wardrobe that you can mix, match, and pair with more elaborate pieces. These are your necessities that can all pair together or apart.
1. Neutral Handbag
A neutral handbag is perfect for any outfit. Black, brown, or white—these colours go with most other neutrals and will look great. You want something simple but luxurious. Perhaps the famous Fendi Baguette will pique your interest; small and neutral but eye-catching.
2. Tan Coat
An excellent tan coat can do a lot for an outfit. It can look professional or a bit more alternative. It can have a vintage edge that spruces up an otherwise simple outfit.
3. Neutral Sweater
Everyone needs a sweater. Whether it gets chilly in your area or you work in a cold office—you should have a piece that matches your aesthetic that you’ll be able to wear without clashing with or dumbing down your outfit.
4. Black Sundress
A little black sundress is a simple but effective piece. Paired with the proper cute boots or jewellery, it can make a bigger statement than you expect.
5. Neutral Boots
A pair of white, brown or black boots are a must-have for any wardrobe, but especially for yours as a neutral connoisseur.
6. Basic White T-Shirt
A perfect canvas for you to work off of. Don’t dismiss the power of simplicity. Imagination spawns from the void!
Having basic staples can both make your closet more versatile, and more sustainable.
Try a Monochromatic Outfit
There are many ways to work with neutral tones, but one way to make a statement is to hard-commit to monochrome. Sure, white might not seem eye-catching, but if you’re dressed head to toe in white, you’re making a statement. Monochrome is an easy way to be fashionable without worrying about what goes with what. It also works well with neutral tones since it’s not obnoxious or overpowering.
Play with Patterns and Textures
If you look at a neutral outfit that looks a bit drab, try grabbing a patterned scarf or snakeskin boots. Even if the patterns or textures you’re using on an outfit aren’t colourful, they can bring a look up a few notches. That being said, don’t go overboard with animal print or texture. You don’t want your pieces to clash. However, a glimpse of complexity can excite an outfit more than you’d expect.
Add a Single Splash of Colour
It may seem surprising, but neutral outfits make coloured pieces work even more. There’s great effectiveness to a neutral outfit with a single, statement splash of saturation.
Bright red, blue, or yellow are perfect choices since they’re primary colours. A brown-toned outfit with a splash of sunflower yellow can make your whole look bright and warm. A black outfit with a choice of red heels and lipstick can make you the belle of the ball.
Use a neutral outfit to accentuate the strengths of a colour. You can do a lot with just a little.
Good Neutral Colour Combinations
So you have a few neutral colour pieces. Here are some great ways to pair or add colour to them. A good eye for colour theory can turn neutral clothes into the fashion statement you want to make.
- Black and Brown: these two colours work exceptionally well together. You can brighten up a black outfit with a tan or beige piece or add depth to a brown/beige outfit with black.
- White and Brown: Name a more iconic duo! These colours work well together to create a professional but cosy look.
- A Splash of Blue: A neutral outfit can feel more casual or attractive, augmented with denim jeans or a bit of muted blue adds some complexity.
- Earth Tones: You don’t need to ditch colour to give off the appearance of neutral tones. Earth tones have the same energy as neutral ones but add variety to your look.
Conclusion
Neutral tones are a double-edged sword. They can be cutting-edge and jaw-dropping when you walk into a room. Or they can be… boring. While the simplicity of the colours might make it seem easier to put an outfit together—au contraire! Making a neutral outfit work requires a lot of thought and complexity. Hopefully, this article gave you a good idea of where to start.
