A Neutrals Style Guide

Forget the myths about neutrals being too plain or boring. This season, you can combine those colors to play up a soft, flowing style that allows you to show off your personality. Neutrals are classy, refined and make your wardrobe extremely versatile. Plus, they’ll never go out of style, so you can wear them over and over again. You may feel bland when you slip on your simple black-and-white dress, but you’ll look anything but that. The monochromatic fashion trend is classic: It’s sleek, sophisticated and flexible, and will never go out of style. Here’s how to look effortlessly chic in your basic shades (that really aren’t so basic):

Defining neutrals

Neutrals are those basic colors: white, black, brown, gray, navy and even beige, cream and ivory. They go with just about any other color and should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. Don’t think of neutral as just your basic pieces, though. These colors aren’t only for undershirts and dress pants. Neutrals work great for accessories, dresses, jeans, tank tops and more.

Think about your skin

Neutrals coordinate with almost every color, but not necessarily every skin tone. Becomegorgeous.com advised that fair-skinned women opt for a darker neutral such as shades of brown and gray rather than a light cream or ivory. On the other hand, darker-skinned individuals can go for those paler hues.

Add depth

To spice up your monochromatic look, try layering different pieces of varied textures, adding depth and dimension to your outfit. Incorporating different fabrics and textures into your ensemble will give you a more interesting look and won’t make dressing head to toe in one color seem so simple. Spring is approaching, so get ready to pull out your lace and linen to achieve this textured look.

To accentuate your upper body, go with a darker hue on the bottom, working your way up with a lighter and brighter shade that is in the same color family. Top it off with a draped sweater or textured scarf.

White out

For a breezy and cool spring look, go for white on white. If you have long legs and carry your weight above the waist, consider pairing white skinny jeans with a white blouse. Throw on a blended white and cream faux-fur vest, drawing attention to a lean lower body and adding in that bit of texture.

White tailored jackets and pants are another great way to achieve this white-on-white look: They are clean and sleek, and they perfectly outline your silhouette. Metallic shades can also break up this look while still giving off the monochromatic vibes you’re going for. Slip on a pair of metallic silver pants, and pair them with a white cotton tank or blouse. Or, try a white tailored blouse to complete this chic look. Metallic counts for texture, too!

All black everything

It’s important to vary the fabrics and textures if you’re going for an all-black ensemble. Steer clear of dressing in an all-black cotton outfit. Instead, stick with silk and linen during the warmer months and wool in the winter.

Take advantage of the fact that black is slimming, so you can wear something that is more formfitting rather than shapeless.

Cream dream

Cream is a great color to wear when going after the monochromatic look, as this shade gives off a softer vibe than bright white and isn’t as intense as wearing all black. Once spring has sprung, go for a long lacy skirt paired with a light-material, cream sweater top. Keep your look neutral, but add a bit of fun with a textured metallic clutch and nude heels. A tuxedo jacket with a milky hue paired with cream silk pants is the perfect outfit to wear to work on a sunny yet chilly spring day.

Cream is also a good way to go if you’re a “No white before Memorial Day” kind of gal.

Clever matching

Monochromatic dressing can be a fun way to mix colors without wearing an outfit that comes off as too matchy-matchy. Experiment with different shades of black by going with a dark black pencil skirt on the bottom paired with a lighter black blouse on top. To finish off your look, slip on a cream blazer to lighten up the dark hues a bit while still sticking with the monochromatic color scheme.

Make a statement

To make your monochromatic look pop, accessorize by incorporating a statement necklace in a contrasting color. Gold jewelry and onyx gemstones look beautiful when paired with a sleek black or dazzling white outfit. Add some glam with metallic jewelry or clutches.

No matter your shape or style, the monochromatic theme will always look sharp, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Wearing a single shade is simple and clean but can be just as striking as wearing vivid colors or bold patterns.

Wear neutrals on your feet 

Shoes can be expensive and take up a lot of space in your closet. It’s not really practical to think you can purchase a shoe for every outfit you have. However, there is a solution. Think of neutral shoes like an investment. You buy a few pairs of nude, black or white shoes and you’ve got footwear that complements virtually every outfit you own, saving you money, time and space. Consider purchasing neutral colors in several shoe styles (flats, sandals, heels, and so on). This will ensure that no matter what type of shoe you want to slip onto your feet, you’ll have a guaranteed match.