When dressing in neutrals during the summer months, the goal is to look effortlessly chic without falling into the monotony of muted tones. Here are my top tips on how to wear neutral colors during the warm weather months:
1. Play with Textures
Neutrals include shades of black, white, gray, and variations of brown and beige. Incorporating different textures and fabrics in your outfit is key to ensuring that a head-to-toe neutral look is anything but boring. Summertime textures such as linen, silk, cotton, leather, raffia, straw, and interesting knits or weaves are all great options for adding dimension to a neutral outfit. In my look here, I combine a soft cotton dress with a silky patterned scarf and a more structured leather handbag and raffia heels. The mix of relaxed materials (cotton and raffia) with more elevated textures (silk and leather) creates interest while still being sophisticated.
2. Pick one dominant neutral, and accent with another neutral
To ensure your neutral outfit looks cohesive and chic instead of thrown together, I recommend picking one dominant color for your look and then accenting with a second neutral color. In my outfit here you can see that my look is predominantly black given the midi length dress, but I added accessories in a light beige color to brighten the look, including a beige handbag and heels, and this silk scarf that has a pretty nautical knot pattern on it in beige and black that really ties the look together. Similarly I love chocolate brown and white together, or ivory and camel!
3. Lean into interesting silhouettes
A simple black dress can be beautiful or blah depending on the cut, and I love the old school glamour of this dress with it’s dolman style sleeve, cinched waist and full skirt. I highlighted the waist of my dress even more with this scarf tied as a belt. Other summer staples that have wonderful silhouettes include a pair of high waisted trousers, or shorts, or the dramatic line of a beautiful bag. Something a little unexpected and perhaps architectural to elevate summer’s relaxed textures and materials.
4. Add a little pop with pattern
Picking one item with a pattern that includes several neutrals is an easy way to tie your outfit together. A silk scarf is an endlessly versatile piece that can do just that in any number of outfits! Tied this beautiful Carrick scarf from Fleur Sauvage on as a belt, or you can add one to your neckline to create extra interest around a short sleeved sweater, or wrap it around the handle of your handbag – the styling options are endless and you can find additional ways to wear a silk scarf here and here!
You can always get 20% off your Fleur Sauvage order with code “Stacie20”
Outfit details:
- J.Crew Dress
- Fleur Sauvage Scarf c/o 20% off with “stacie20”
- J.Crew Sunglasses (on sale for 57% off)
- Mikimoto Earrings
- Mark Cross Top Handle Bag (old)
- Sarah Flint Sandals c/o (old)
Shopping List:
Absolutely love this look, Stacie. So timeless and works well for day or night!!