The new neutrals you need to know now
We all recognise a neutral country when we see one. All you have to say is cuckoo clocks, watches (not the Apple Watch) and hidden Nazi gold, and we know where we are.
Neutral colours, however? Not so easy. It wasn’t always this way. A few years ago you could say, categorically, that black and white were neutrals – ie something that went with everything. If you were slightly older, you could argue the case for camel. But borders have opened up. Khaki and olive have muscled their way in as (arguably more modern) alternatives to camel; burgundy could be a substitute for brown (although brown is definitely back for autumn); navy has trumped black in many instances; and grey is a more dirt-resistant white.
The advanced fashion pupil will even champion the theory that animal prints are a neutral. If you’re Iris Apfel they’re probably at the tamer end of your basics.
With profusion comes confusion. Is there even any logic in talking about neutrals? If you want cohesion, yes; although the word ‘neutral’ itself, with its blah overtones, might be misleading. Your personal neutral should be whatever colour/s (stick to two or three) are most flattering and make you happy.
If you wear separates, choose blouses and jumpers in these shades. If you’re a pattern wearer, ensure your neutrals are a significant element in the mix, either as a background or a dominant accent. That way you guarantee as many of your clothes work together as possible. You also remove the temptation to try it all on in shops – focus on a spectrum rather than the entire Pantone chart.
As for accessories, you won’t go wrong with black and navy in winter, but they can look heavy in summer. Tan is a perennial, but in certain shapes looks too classic. Cream is more striking and metallics more youthful – in dull rather than high-bling finishes, mind you. You don’t want your neutrals to be bland, but screechy is never a good look.
The new neutrals
Cotton blouse, ￡34.99, H&M
Masscob cotton midi skirt, ￡265, Matches Fashion
Sunglasses, ￡27, & Other Stories
Victoria Beckham leather bag, ￡490, Net-A-Porter; Leather mules, ￡195, Aeydē