Neutral tones are essential in every wardrobe, especially for the colder months when layers and textures come into their own. With shades like beige, cream, camel, gray, and classic black, neutral outfits offer a timeless, polished look while being versatile enough to mix and match. Take a look below at how to style neutral clothes, shoes, and accessories for chic winter and fall outfits.
What should I wear between fall and winter?
When it comes to transitional weather, it’s all about layers. You want to be able to alter your outfit as the day goes by and temperatures change.
Adaline @sdmomstyles above shows off an ideal outfit for winter and fall. If you want to add extra versatility, you could wear a shirt under a sweater so you can take off your knitwear if you are too warm.
Get her look with this similar sweater, coat, jeans, boots, bag and necklace.
What colors not to wear in fall?
There are no rules. You can embrace traditional fall shades or choose unexpected colors. This article is all about neutral colors and how to wear them in cooler months.
Can you wear white in the fall and winter?
Of course. White can look beautiful in winter and fall because the ‘usual’ colors to wear during these seasons are darker. Just make sure you’re thinking about practicality as well as style. So, if it’s rainy where you are, keep your white towards the top of your outfit to avoid getting your white pants or boots dirty.
How to create a neutral wardrobe?
The key to creating a neutral wardrobe is choosing different textures and shapes that add interest to subtle shades.
The beauty of neutrals is they won’t ever be off-trend, so you can invest in them safe in the knowledge you can wear for years to come.
Let’s start with our favorite neutral clothes, shoes, and accessories that are stylish and appropriate for cooler months.
Then, read on for a capsule wardrobe where we put them together.
Neutral tops for winter and fall
Choose a combination of shirts, sweaters, and cardigans to last through winter and fall. Sweaters and cardigans in neutral shades can make your outfit look very high-end.
J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt – J.Crew Bungalow Popover Shirt – J.Crew Spring Street Cropped Ribbed Cashmere Sweater – J.Crew Brushed Cashmere Fitted Cardigan Sweater
J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt – J.Crew Spring Street Cropped Ribbed Cashmere Sweater – J.Crew Collection Wide Leg Tuxedo Wool Trouser – Boden Erin Retro Tennis Trainers – COACH Brooklyn 39 Shoulder Bag – J.Crew Crystal Drop Earrings
Neutral coats
If you want to invest in a coat that you will love for many years to come, choosing a neutral shade is a fantastic idea. You can then change the look of your coat with your accessories. Choosing a different-colored scarf each year will update your look.
Boden Wool Zip Through Jacket – J.Crew Toscana Coat – Sam Edelman Tie Belt Wool Blend Wrap Coat – MANGO Virgin Wool Blend Coat
Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above opts for a classic trench coat, and on-trend chunky loafers.
Check out this similar coat (another option here), dress, loafers (another option here), tote and sunglasses.
Neutral pants and jeans
Choosing a selection of neutral pants and jeans is a fantastic way to start a neutral capsule because your neutral pants will go with all of the tops in your closet, whether you want to stick to an all-neutral palette or add some color.
J.Crew Sailor Stretch Corduroy Pants – HIDDEN JEANS Wide Leg Dad Jeans – Anne Klein High Waist Flare Pants – J.Crew Collection Wide Leg Tuxedo Wool Trouser
MANGO Virgin Wool Blend Coat – J.Crew Bungalow Popover Shirt – Anne Klein High Waist Flare Pants – Boden Iris Ghillie Loafers – COACH Brooklyn 39 Shoulder Bag – BY ADINA EDEN Solid Open Square Hoop Earrings – Nordstrom Tissue Weight Wool & Cashmere Scarf –
Neutral dresses and skirts
Dresses and skirts in neutral shades convey simplicity and sophistication. Choose sweater dresses with long sleeves to keep you cozy. Look for neutral shades in ‘tougher’ materials like leather, suede, and wool for your skirts.
J.Crew Bungalow Dress – Treasure & Bond Cable Stitch Midi Sweater Dress – J.Crew Collection Patent Leather Wrap Skirt – J.Crew A-line Wool Blend Circle Skirt
Sylvia @sylviacolella above (read her style interview here) chooses a wool skirt with her sweater and knee-high boots. Note how adding texture and print adds interest to her all-neutral look.
Steal her look with this similar sweater, skirt (another option here), boots and handbag.
Neutral boots and shoes
Knee-high boots, ankle boots, sneakers, and a smarter pair of shoes—whether flats or heels—will see you through the season. Opt for a variety of neutral shades to give your wardrobe versatility.
Boden Iris Ghillie Loafers – Boden Erin Retro Tennis Trainers – Born Midway Boots – J.Crew Stevie Knee High Boots
J.Crew Bungalow Dress – J.Crew Stevie Knee High Boots – J.Crew Berkley Suede Shoulder Bag – J.Crew Crystal Drop Earrings
Neutral outfits accessories
Team your neutral outfits with neutral accessories to add sophistication to your outfit.
COACH Brooklyn 39 Shoulder Bag – J.Crew Berkley Suede Shoulder Bag – Nina Cristy Satin Clutch – J.Crew Crystal Drop Earrings – BY ADINA EDEN Solid Open Square Hoop Earrings – Nordstrom Tissue Weight Wool & Cashmere Scarf – J.Crew Brushed Cashmere Beanie
Nicola @40notfrumpy above shows how you can wear denim as a neutral.
Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (another option here), tights, sneakers and bag.
Your neutral outfits for winter and fall, all together in one capsule
Below, you can see the clothes, shoes, and accessories from above together in one capsule. You can switch around any tops, bottoms, and coats to create many different looks, adding more variety with your shoes and accessories.
Continue reading:
- Natural colors for an effortlessly chic look
- Building the perfect winter capsule wardrobe: all the cold weather essentials you need
- The best fall accessories to elevate any look
- Fall fashion essentials for minimalists
Like this article on neutral outfits for fall and winter? Share it on Pinterest
Feature image by Sylvia @sylviacolella
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!