Trust me when I say that the scattered amount of bold-colored items in my wardrobe hasn’t been for lack of trying. Every season, I’ll try to make at least a few purchases from the ROYGBIV spectrum to spruce up my otherwise beige-to-black closet. But without fail, I find myself defaulting to a generally neutral color palette. As someone who doesn’t enjoy taking time to get ready in the morning, not having to worry about any of the items in my wardrobe clashing with one another makes getting dressed feel like a breeze. I will, however, give myself a small pat on the back for recently graduating from groutfits (an all-gray outfit) to warmer, beige focused ensembles. Brown counts as a vibrant color in my book.
But despite how minimalist a neutral color palette may seem, the chic combinations that can emerge from it are far from boring. It just takes a little extra imagination to keep a lackluster look at bay. But as these celebs prove ahead, utilizing a few layering tricks and choosing fun textures are all you need to keep your relatively mononochrome looks ahead of the game. Read on to see the looks that are reinforcing my love for neutrals.
A prime example that neutral tones can still feel fun. Instead of opting for a simple light brown sweatshirt, Gigi went with a tie-dye version to lay under a moto vest. Maybe I should consider making red western boots my color purchase of the year.
Kendall Jenner puts a twist on her usual off-duty uniform by pairing her high-waisted jeans and Nike Air Force 1s with a sheer button-up shirt and satin bralette. On paper, her outfit is as classic as they come, but opting for a sheer top over a basic top is the key to proving you can still make up-to-date trends work within the modest neutral color spectrum.
On Kendall Jenner: Supriya Lele top; Paris Georgia Bella Bra ($225); Re/Done Jeans; Emili earrings; Nike Air Force 1 ($90); By Far Mini Rachel Bag ($358)
With an editorial flourish—the coat neatly tossed over her shoulders is the oldest styling trick in the book—Margot Robbie shows off a sophisticated beige ensemble.
On Bella Hadid: H2OFagerholt jacket; Amiri sweater; Adidas Yeezy Boost 700 Analog (from $285); Dior purse; DMY by DMY Olsen Rectangular Sunglasses ($130); Ambush Necklace; Dior x Shawn Stussy Necklace; Svelte Amelia Hoops ($465). Meet my dream transitional outfit now that spring is on its way in. Showing off just how relatable she can be, Bella Hadid threw a fuzzy fleece zip-up jacket over her casual brown turtleneck and white jeans.
On Ashley Graham: Free People Phoebe Set ($148); Sam Edelman Hai Knee High Boot ($200). I truly hope the sweater-set hype never dies down. It’s such a good look that’s still dressed-up enough to work for multiple occasions.
On Kaia Gerber: Imaan x Frame Leather Darted Blazer ($1195); Polo Ralph Lauren Lamb-Suede Flare Pant ($800); By Far Laura Booties ($562); By Far Miranda Bag ($624). If I could sketch out my exact dream outfit for 2020, it would be a variation of Kaia Gerber’s look here. I love that she makes her neutrals pop by playing with textures, eschewing a wool-blend blazer for a leather one and replacing simple trousers with a pair of suede flares.
On Hailey Bieber: Jil Sander coat; Petar Petrov sweater; Nike Air Force 1 ($90); Saint Laurent New Wave SL 299 ($380); Jennifer Fisher Samira Huggies ($265). The neutral monochrome look has transitioned from the groutift to a head-to-toe off-white–and-beige ensemble. Hailey Bieber makes sure to add some dimension to her light-hued getup by breaking up her cream-colored sweater and pants with a pink-tinged overcoat.
