The New Neutrals
In case you haven't noticed, color is EVERYWHERE right now. Jeans in every hue are readily available, as are blazers, trousers, shoes, bags, you name it. Color is officially the thing for spring.
I can often be heard saying that the best way to wear color is with a neutral. Now, if you're a color veteran, you can play around with different color combos for sure. That's not wrong at all. However, if you're a color newbie, then teaming with a neutral is the way to start.
So... what exactly is a neutral? The term neutral has broadened in the past several years, and it's much more open to interpretation now. And this is a good thing! This means more things in your closet will work with those coral jeans you just bought but are still kind of scared of. So let's break it down.
The Classic Solids.
Solid neutrals that almost always work with bolder colors are white, black, grey, navy, chambray, cream, khaki and putty. You will rarely go wrong with pairing one of these with a strong shade. Black's the only one of the bunch to be a little more careful of. While it may seem like thee go-to neutral, it can tend to look severe next to spring's bright colors. Black will work better with softer, pastel-like or faded colors. For more saturated hues, stick to the others in this category.
The New Classic Solids.
'New' solid options include mint, seafoam, and yellow. It may sound weird, but these work brilliantly with colored separates. Mint and seafoam are quieter colors, while yellow just weirdly works with a ton of stuff.
The Prints.
This is where it gets fun. Certain prints can serve as fabulous neutrals. My favorites are stripes, animal prints, and polka dots. Don't be scared. Always look to the base colors that make up the print to tell you whether it will serve successfully as a neutral. For example, the components of a leopard print are often cream, black, tan, and grey. All typical neutral solids! Same with stripes and dots. A navy/white dot and grey/cream striped top work as a neutral because the elements are neutral solid colors.
See how that works? This will not only help to make pairing with colors easier, but it can give otherwise ho-hum outfits more visual depth.
Now as you get more used to color in general, you can try adding a second bold pop to the overall ensemble. But that's a whole other topic. In the meantime... go neutrals!
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Bryn Taylor, a professional stylist, is the founder of The Re-Stylist a personal styling service and site devoted to the fashion needs of women over 40 living in or around New York., The Re-Stylist helps clients create modern, flattering ways of dressing that suit their evolving tastes, lifestyles, and body types.
Through in-depth wardrobe consultations and closet cleans, clients learn what looks good on them, where and how to shop, and how to use outfit-building tools and an organized closet to make getting dressed fun again.
Bryn Taylor has been in the industry for over seven years. She’s worked with Bloomingdale’s, Phillips Van-Heusen, J. Crew, Vintage Shoe Company, House of Lavande, and L’Oréal, among others. Her greatest joy, however, comes from personal styling, where she can help change someone’s whole outlook through a simple change of clothes.
Bryn prides herself on listening, giving sincere advice, and offering a fresh perspective to help her clients feel confident and chic. There’s a particular place in her heart for women of sophistication. They are the most beautiful. And, of course, the most fun to dress!
For more information on The Re-Stylist and services offered, please visit therestylist.com or email Bryn at bryn@therestylist.com.
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