Four Ways to Wear Natural Colors

March 14, 2010 | Style | permalink

Stores and catalogues are filled with the season's natural shades. And while white, ecru and khaki are no-brainers what about these 'off pastels' -brownish pinks, grayish blues and washed out mints that remind me of the makeup palettes you get when you spend $50 at Clinique.

Lots of you have sent questions asking how to wear the season's naturals that I call beigebrownypinkishgraypalebluemintygreenandalittleyellow. Does it look best when you wear all one color? Or is it better to mix natural colors in one outfit? So pictured below are four ways to think about wearing pale tones either solo or in combinations that won't look bland. All runway images from style.com.

WEARING ONE COLOR

Combining smooth fabrics with a piece that has surface interest is a sure way to avoid monotony in a monochromatic look. Fabrics that are crinkled, crumpled, ruched, draped, and folded like origami are out there in all price ranges. Ruffled edges -especially if they look hacked by scissors, frayed edges, and textured knits do the trick as well.

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Jil Sander designer Raf Simons said he was inspired by landscapes for spring. His ecru sheath combines a textural mix of sheer and opaque patches - perhaps inspired by an aerial view.

Clean lines combine with the raised texture of this Lanvin coat. Note the accessories: a soft and peachy shade looks sugar-free worn with tough, burnished metal chain necklaces.

Donna Karan's show notes said that she was inspired by the wind. Wind or not the rippled texture and frayed edges of her steel gray jacket create a curvy peplum effect.

Flounced pieces worn layered like Narcisso Rodriguez's jacket and top create drape and texture in a clean- lined white suit.

COMBINE MATTE AND SHINE

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Lanvin again for a tonal mix of a matte top and a skirt with shine and drape.

Crinkled cotton lends texture to this Ann Taylor jacket - an ideal foil for a shiney pant or skirt.

J. Crew sheeny silk linen pull-on pant for an instant look changer with a jacket.

Burberry Prorsum parachute silk pants net-a-porter.com.

WEAR ACCESSORIES WITH TEXTURE AND A LITTLE BIT OF TOUGH

Burnished metals, rough stones like agate, neutral python shoes and bags, shoes in camel, saddle, or brown keep soft colors from looking either twee or boring.

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Doo-Ri crinkled silk dress - just the kind of shaped but potentially blah look that is an ideal canvas for accessories.

Camilla James' Proud Mary Necklace combines crystals, agate and mixed metals. For information contact nash@succarr.com.

Python studded cuff by Made Her Think.

Proenza Schouler pyramid heel suede sandals on cou turezappos.com.

Burnished silver bracelets at Club Monaco stores.

ADD POPS OF WARM COLOR

Salmon and coral boosts gray tones. Yellow, coral and warm saddle brown accessories break up an expanse of pale or neutral.

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Donna Karan, and three images from Fendi.

Comments

donna says... I like the pale grays with the corals and slamons. I think I could do that and not look too boring. I'm not a fan of the pale colors. They are kind of blah but it it is good to know what to do with them!

Lily says... Love this. Thanks for putting it together -- very useful.

Mac says... It feels like makeup can also play an important role in helping "work" the neutral look. As a sandy-lashed, freckly gal, I've found that a strong eyebrow can help me from fading into one great big beige blur.

georgia says... Definately feel like I have to pay attention to my makeup and warm everything up. I like the grayish colors but peach makeup may be the trick to looking healthy.