If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I love wearing neutrals year round. I think it’s because the colors are calming, and I feel comfortable, confident, and polished when wearing them. Also, neutrals are clearly a timeless and versatile wardrobe base to build upon. In this post, I’m sharing a few ways of styling neutrals for summer so they don’t look plain or boring. Here we go!
* * * * *
Pair Light and Dark Neutrals
A color doesn’t have to be light to be considered a neutral, and you can certainly wear dark neutrals in summer (like I wore my black maxi skirt in this post). Dark neutrals include charcoal, chocolate, rust, navy, burgundy, olive, and black. Mixing light and dark neutrals is always a classic and polished combo.
Pop some color
Wearing a lot of color isn’t really my thing, but I like to bring in splashes here and there, and a neutral palette is the perfect backdrop to make that one item stand out and compliment your whole look. Think about adding color with scarves or other accessories.
A quick word about these shorts: I talked about them here, and I ended up buying them in three colors, one of them being coral red. They’re made from a stretchy material and are super comfortable. My new faves!
Add texture to your neutrals
Another way to keep a neutral outfit from appearing boring or plain is to add texture. Look for pieces with statement materials like straw, linen, neutral patterns, or lace, and pair them with softer fabrics like cotton, lightweight denim, or silk. I added texture with my accessories, like a straw hat (my fave or similar) and purse, strappy sandals (similar), layered necklaces, and sunnies.
Speaking of accessories, I just bought my second pair of these sandals. They’re cute, comfortable from the first wear, and they go with everything.
Do a monochromatic look
A monochromatic palette is timeless. Consider wearing slightly different hues of the same color (like white, ivory, beige or off-white) for a classy and sophisticated look. One thing to remember when pairing neutrals is to be sure that they have the same undertones (warm with warm and cool with cool).
Outfit Details
tank top || shorts || sandals || straw bag || sunglasses
hat (similar here, here & here) || necklaces: link / coin
And there you have it! These are some ways of styling neutrals for summer without looking boring or plain. I appreciate you stopping by!
xo, Lisa
If you liked this post…
Also, I’d love it if you would PIN this to Pinterest or share with others. Thanks for your support!
Neutrals for Summer
I love all the textures in this outfit Lisa!! That makes it look so wonderful.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks so much, Jodie!
xoxo, Lisa
I don’t think well outside of the fashion box. Tend to be too matchy-matchy and too worried to break the silly style rules I was raised with. So, I don’t think of wearing dark colors with light colors and yet I rarely wear a monochromatic look either. Going to try wearing neutrals more often, and putting darker neutrals with a light shade. Your look is lovely. And your legs!! WOW!!
Thank you, Leslie! I think a lot of people still struggle with some of those old-fashioned rules.
xoxo, Lisa
Neutrals are my favourite, and as you say the different summer textures can make such a statement too. Adding a Straw bag to a white linen dress or shorts are a stunning look. You look amazing in these shorts, effortlessly stylish.
xx
Lisa, OMGosh its Lori Fallbeck, can’t believe I just came across this. You look AWESOME, exactly like you did. Hope you and your family are safe and well. Would love to talk.