Neutrals are overrated. There, I said it. But how can that be right? Everyone everywhere says neutrals are the key to a working wardrobe. But you can do much, much better than dressing in all neutrals all the time. Okay, before I tell you why, let’s back up and make sure we’re all talking about the same thing.
What Are Neutrals?
(Hint: They might not be what you think they are.)
Quick quiz: which of the following colors are neutrals?
Lots of places will tell you that most or all of these colors are. But neutrals actually only include black, white, and all the shades of grey in between. All the other colors shown here (and all other colors period) belong to a hue family like red, yellow, green, or blue.
No matter the terminology, many fashion-y people would argue that these colors should look good on everyone. For example, when you type in “wardrobe basics for women” on Pinterest or Google, you’ll see these colors over and over again.
Why? Well, it’s easier for retailers to buy a limited set of colors for shoppers to choose from. And it’s so much easier to write an article about the perfect white button-up or the 10 pieces everyone needs in their wardrobe (with convenient links to purchase included).
But people come in a variety of colors—why would anyone truly believe these particular colors flatter everyone?
Custom Colors for the Win
Don’t we all want our clothes to flatter us as individuals? I know I look and feel so much better when I wear my best colors versus when I wear true neutrals or these supposed look-good-on-everyone colors. But it took me a very long time to find colors that flattered me and my yellow-ish skin; and, in the meantime, I just assumed that nothing really would. When I stumbled upon a color that provided a more flattering frame, my view of myself and my skin color completely flipped. Because all colors are beautiful in the right context, and I’ve finally found mine. Since, I’ve focused on investing in a wardrobe filled with colors that work for me. But how did I find my foundational wardrobe colors? While they’re different for everyone, we can all find our most flattering colors in the same way.
Start by taking a good look at your skin and hair. We’ll call those your primary fixed colors. These are the colors you have to work with–though for many, including myself, these colors shift during the year and over time. Those colors, and variations on them, will always look good on you. From there, you can branch out into colors that are lighter and darker (see the value scale below) and more intense or more grey (see the chroma scale below) and then into every hue of the rainbow (because there’s a version of every hue that will work for you).
To Keep or Toss Your Neutrals
When it comes to whether you should wear true neutrals, the answer isn’t black and white. 🙂 For some, white or black can work. And there’s a shade of gray for everyone. But for many people, black is too dark. For example, black isn’t the most flattering choice for people with light hair and skin. And for many others, white is just too light. What to do instead? Well, everyone can wear lighter and darker versions of their own skin color. I’ve replaced white shirts with tans and creams and black, in most cases with beautiful, rich browns that are dramatically more flattering.
If you just can’t part with black and white, there are still ways to create killer outfits. For example, try wearing those black jeans and tank with a blazer in a more flattering color. You could also try putting on a scarf or statement necklace in one of your best colors. The trick is to move less flattering colors further down your body; when it comes to color, what’s nearest your face is always most important.
Your best colors are just that—yours. It takes a little extra work to find them, but you’ll always appreciate the effort when the compliments go to YOU and not just your clothes.