Three ways to make beige anything but boring
How to pull off one of spring’s hottest trends in style
Classic, understated and quietly impactful, beige has always been a tried-and-true neutral in our closets. For spring 2019, the non-showy shade took over the runways at shows like Christian Dior, Tom Ford, Fendi and Gabriela Hearst with its caramel, oatmeal, honeysuckle and tan tones.
The shows proved that beige is far from bland, and that with the right styling and accessories, the low-key colour palette can look fresh and modern. Here are three ways to make your wardrobe work in neutral territory.
Add a colourful accessory
Break up a beige look by introducing a pop of colour to your ensemble via vibrant accessories. You can even incorporate neon, the season's other big trend, into your look. Arm yourself with a bold bag, slip into bright shoes or add a colourful flourish with a scarf. Stick with solid shades for maximum impact.
Salvatore Ferragamo Gancio City Crossbody Bag, $737.22, shopbop.com
Cassedy Shoe, $95, aldoshoes.com
Reversible Skinny Scarf, $25, bananarepublic.ca
Work in textural elements
If you're going for a head-to-toe beige look, choose separates with texture to help create visual interest. Look for items that show off an interesting element, whether it's a blazer with lace or fringe, or corduroy pants. You can even pair different materials together like leather, silk and suede, or go for embellishments in the form of sequins.
Free People Emilia Relaxed-Fit Contrast Lace Jacket, $203, thebay.com
Alice + Olivia Bernice Embellished Crepe de Chine Top, about $662 CAD, net-a-porter.com
Pleated Satin Skirt, $60, hm.com
Go for tonal variation
Another way to make an all-beige look work is to choose tonal pieces, which will keep your outfit from looking one-note. For a monochromatic look, pick different shades of beige, whether you're sporting a pant suit or layered separates. Alternatively, instead of going for fifty shades of beige, you can simply create contrast by pairing together a light and a dark shade, or like, tonal hues.
Duchess Blazer Camel, $695, shopsmythe.ca
Koree Skirt, $179.50, clubmonaco.ca
Madewell Fine Rib Turtleneck, $63.19, nordstrom.com
Mishal Cazmi is a Toronto-based beauty and fashion writer and founder of 100 ML. Follow her at @mishalcazmi.