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Neutral: The word itself means (adjective) having no strongly marked or positive characteristics, or, (noun) a neutral color or shade, especially light gray or beige—both of which sound impartial, and quite unimaginative. However, for those who worship at The Row’s minimalist altar, neutral dressing stems from a deeper place—one rooted in being style conscious, trend-wary, and uncompromising on taste. Seemingly safe—and dare we say, even boring to fashion maximalists— what they lack in color, they make up for in detail, craftsmanship, and silhouette.
Vogue s Color Guide for Neutral Girls:
- The Powder Pink Shirt: Toteme wide-sleeve cotton poplin button-up, $440
- The Red Tank: Flore Flore Esmé tank top, $105
- The Sheer Skirt: The Garment Gilian skirt, $270
- The Baby Blue Bag: Bottega Veneta Cobble small top handle bag, $3,300
- The Butter Yellow Dress: Zara double-layer knit dress, $80
- The Chocolate T-Shirt: Frame vintage s/s tee, $110
- The Navy Pleated Skirt: Simkhai Stella pleated combo skirt, $395
- The Siren Red Sandal: A.Emery Heidi sandal, $200
- The Green Woven Bag: Dragon Diffusion Santa croce small tote, $375
Come summer, the desire to wear color becomes hard to ignore, even for those who naturally gravitate towards creams, browns, and greys. There are ways to indulge (I’m reminding myself here just as much as I’m reminding you, reader) in the spirited mood that doesn’t feature head-to-sandal rainbow-colored motifs. Blending both worlds is easier than one might think—simply look to softer shades, like butter yellow, sage green, powder pink, and baby blue to find a happy medium. Heading to dinner with friends? Tuck a chic tank top from Éterne into a pale green sheer skirt from The Garment. A neighborhood stroll with the dogs? Pair Róhe’s poplin shorts with a pale pink button-up from Toteme. Outdoor BBQ on the calendar? Staud’s black babydoll dress won’t take you too far out of your comfort zone, but a beaded necklace and burnt red sandals from A. Emery will spice things up a little.
These are neutral outfits with a point of view, and there’s a look to get inspired by for every occasion. Ahead, discover and shop nine colorful ensembles for those ready to dip into a new palette.
An Avocado Green Shirt, Pale Blue Bag, and Pleated Trousers
Summer’s coolest outfit is a familiar one, simply executed in a novel color palette: avocado green, pale blue, and bright white.
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A Pink Button-Down and Zesty Extras
The multi-colored straps of these woven sandals and a pop of orange raffia are all you’ll need to invigorate a weekend look compromised of a pink button-down and white poplin short.
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A Bright Red Top and Striped Pants
For relaxed days spent either indoors or outside, comfortable staples like Flore Flore’s cherry tank and Leset’s striped trousers will look intentional but feel like pajamas (in the best way).
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A Simple White Tank and Sheer Midi Skirt
Bring a sheer midi skirt into off-duty territory by adding a ribbed jersey tank top and thong sandal. A black woven bag anchors the look.
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A Butter Yellow Maxi Dress and Eclectic Accessories
Butter yellow is the new cream! Keep it soothing on the eyes with brown accessories, and a serpentine-colored beaded necklace.
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A Chocolate Brown Tee and Navy Midi Skirt
Navy is a neutral in its own right—a deep brown T-shirt, padded flip-flops, and east-west bag strikes the ultimate balance of dressed up and dressed down.
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A Little Black Dress With a Flash of Red
Pair a babydoll dress with red, wrap-around sandals and a pearl necklace for an instantly cool date night look.
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A Checked Dress With a Bright Woven Bag
Embrace the effortlessness of the season with Brandon Maxwell’s shirred dress. Add a woven green bag from Dragon Diffusion, and modern jewels to balance out the whimsy.
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A Playful Tank and White Midi Skirt
A 3D fuchsia flower brings a spirited energy to a white poplin skirt and wedge thong sandal.
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