Are Neutrals your Best Friend?
When shopping for an investment piece like a quality blazer, why are we always drawn to safe neutrals? Black, navy, brown or tan. Do you pause to second-guess yourself, wondering whether you’re electing to take the safe path to style?
Neutrals, one hundred per cent, hold an important place in everyones’ wardrobes and help us also play safely with the more colourful world of style and fashion. I bet you are wondering how exactly? Why is it about neutrals that are so special?
Firstly, a quick colour lesson: what are neutrals?
Neutrals are colours that typically don’t appear on the colour wheel or greyed-down colours. Neutrals generally don’t dominate or stand out. That is why they go with so many other colours, and that is why they are essential in nearly every woman's wardrobe. One item of clothing in a neutral is going to go with so many more pieces of clothing in a whole range of colours within your wardrobe.
The most well-known neutrals are black, white, grey, cream, tan and brown. But don’t forget there is also navy and dark green! These two neutrals are certainly more colour-based but actually sit in the neutral landscape as Society has accepted these “colours” as neutrals over time.
Neutrals can be light or dark, cool or warm, and universal. Just as it sounds, a universal neutral suits everyone.
Use neutrals to make your wardrobe look effortless.
Versatility is the best characteristic you can foster in your wardrobe. Neutrals are simple, stylish and bring harmony. Therefore, neutral classics give you greater outfit options, with the handy advantage of saving money and contributing to sustainable fashion.
Neutrals are a go-between with all colours – the mortar between the bricks. If you have two colours that might not work ideally together, you can add a neutral to bridge the divide between the contrasting colours.
Even if you are creating a purposefully loud outfit, the appearance of a neutral will ground and strengthen the overall look. They are the ultimate support act. Their power lies in their ability to work harmoniously with other colours, and not send distracting messages to the eye of the beholder.
Tips from the expert: what should you look for?
When shopping, look for:
- Neutrals with quality craftmanship
- Neutral bottoms that easily pair with your favourite patterns and statement colours on top
- Neutral items in elegantly classic styles – these are your wardrobe foundations
- Neutral items with subtle detail that can stand alone when you choose a wholly neutral outfit
- Neutral tees to go under a sundress or to be layered under a pinafore or blazer
- If you don’t know your skin undertone, go for universal neutrals that have elements of both warm and cool, such as soft white, taupe, stone.
What NOT to do:
- Don’t always default to black as a dark neutral. Instead try Navy - a neutral that pairs well with so many colours within all the colour palettes. Navy’s relationship with other colours on the colour wheel means you can create a complementary or harmonious combination.
- Don’t assume you can’t pair your neutrals with each other! You can try stone with steel, or off-white with beige, or shades of brown for a monochromatic combination.
- Never feel like you MUST BE COLOURFUL! Neutrals also let the true colours in your complexion and features shine through. Some people simply suit neutrals more than colours.
Science of Style is here for you
- Put the Science of Style neutral range to the test - your outfits will work together in function and style.
- The SOS Crème Brulé for example continues to be one of our most popular neutrals bringing a light look to your outfit.
- Discover your skin undertone with a SOS Colour Analysis so that you can choose the right neutrals for your complexion – are you warm or cool?
Most of us look GREAT with neutrals as part of our outfits. And remember, some of us even look better focusing on neutrals and steering away from too much colour. If you’re wondering what colours and neutrals are right for you, it might be time to get that Colour Analysis you’ve likely been considering!
Start your style journey with Science of Style - you’ll find creating outfits will become truly effortless.