One of the key trends of spring and summer 2013 are neutrals. Many designers like Givenchy, Chanel, Gianfranco Ferre, Marni and Ports 1961 showed various variations of all neutral outfits in their spring / summer 2013 presentations.
I’m really drawn to this trend as I love the chic sophistication of this look. Not always so easy to pull of for me as the look tends to be a bit pale for me.
But neutrals lean themselves perfectly to wear several layers and will give you a chance to indulge in another spring trend: sheer. Just grab a couple of neutrals like a simple tank, sheer blouse, skirt, cardigan, jacket and pants and mix and match away.
Many women over 40 look great in tapered pants (either full or 7/8) combined with a longer tunic, dress or cardigan. See if you can play with layers to create a modern, chic and playful look. Use the below looks from Givenchy as inspiration or check out my spring / summer 2013 Pinterest Board.
Below are some items I found in online stores. As you can see I included some short dresses as well. It’s not always easy to find good longer tunics or sleeveless long jackets as shown above, but there are plenty of wonderful short (asymmetric) dresses available. Use those to mix with trousers or leggings. This look continues to be popular on current runways as well (in darker hues), and if you combine your sleeveless dress with long sleeved t-shirts underneath you can wear it for a couple of seasons.
Have fun layering and mixing and matching and of course I would love to see your creations in the style forum.
Are you going to be wearing complete outfits in neutrals this season?
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Yes I love this look! Already planning it out for spring. I’ll throw in some lavender and gold accessories.
So many ways to go with this look!
Probably not all neutral, but I always have a lot of neutral elements in my outfits (especially slacks/skirts and cardigans). I’m going to stick with my plan to add more fun, colorful patterns this year. Though, I won’t venture far from my neutral base just yet, I’m sure.
Yes, please add in the fun Rita. Stick with your plan!
Rita – Google Yasmin Le Bon and the Monsoon S/S13 campaign. At 48 she is the most beautiful Boho Chic inspiration I have ever seen. Made me think of you right away.
I hope you are okay Rita. I know the DC area is closed down today due to the snow. We escaped it but my daughter had to stay in a hotel so she could get to and from her job in the Trauma Unit. I hope this is the last storm of this season. I am ready for Spring!
Hi Suzanne!
Thanks for the tip. Her clothes and style are beautiful…just the sort of thing I’d like to integrate into my wardrobe. I’m not tall enough for long skirts, but I love the fabrics/prints as a shorter skirt and/or blouse. I went to the Monsoon website…so many pretty things! I might just order a few. I hadn’t thought of fun printed pants…hmmmmmmm.
Yes, we did OK with the storm. It has mostly stopped snowing and is now quite windy, but not awful. It was a very heavy wet snow so hard to estimate the totals. It snowed hard all day, but only amounted to about 4″, and it’s a soggy, slushy mess. A few degrees colder and a cold ground would have given us about a foot, I think. I hope your daughter made out OK and it’s over for her. Yes…bring on spring!!
I love neutrals! Not only the cream and beige ones, but also navy, grey and taupe. Neutrals are also beautiful combined with color, like for instance red/coral/orange/green/turquoise and white/cream or beige.
Yes, they are super versatile!
You do like to tease those of us in colder climates Sylvia! I went shopping yesterday and was lost in a sea of black and navy + white, stripes and spots! There were some lovely peaches and apricots, quite a lot of (patterned) tunics, lime green, cobalt blue. Plain, trendy, interesting shaped tunics and tops don’t seem to have filtered down to the high street yet.
It may take a while, but they are also not always easy to find. At least you know what to look out for when hitting the stores..
I am not a neutral girl. I use them only in combination with bright colours. Otherwise I am washed out. Neutals are bad for my complexion. But again, no problem woth something colourful near my face.
I was always a neutral girl and am very drawn to this look. But I also know that colours look better on me. I guess I will just have to find a good balance…
Ditto for me Greetje. I am naturally quite pale and need to wear make up, as well as colour near my face.
It looks so clean and crisp. Can’t wait to see it in the shops!
Hopefully it will arrive in your area soon…
I adore this look on the page. It’s both pretty and sophisticated. But it’s not so good off the page and on me! I agree with Greetje and Lorraine that I need something a little more, otherwise I can look the same colour as the garments!
Yes, that’s true for many of us. A scarf could be great for this purpose as it will our give our face some much needed colour.
Right now it is still winter here and the spring clothes are just coming out. no white or neutrals yet all clour which is so nice.
I find most neutrals make me look tired except white. So will look at wearing white on white or white with colour. i like the idea of white on white with a pop of colour from necklace,scarf, bag or belt.
Oh if only winter would go i am so ready for spring and summer
Enjoy the colours and stock up! The mood for fall 2013 seems to a whole lot more somber.
I could wear this look once I have a little color from the sun. As the “high” is 22F today, that won’t be happening for a while.
And I do think it would be wise to invest in a two piece look so that the the top/bottom can be mixed and matched with other items. I am in love with the white Alice & Olivia peplum top. So cute! I could pair that with white trousers, a skirt, shorts – I am talking myself into it! LOL!
Beautiful trend. I also prefer wearing it when I have a light sun tan.
Can’t wait for spring and sunshine anyway…
Annette
Lady of Style
Hello dear Sylvia
which store I can find and buy ?
Hi Maria, Clicking on the small images will take you to the online store for that product. I also saw quite a lot of neutrals in Zara today.
Neutrals this pretty will always be timeless & classic!!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
If I wasn’t planning on wearing neutrals I most definitely am now. Bring on the Spring weather!
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