Gone are the days when neutrals and nudes would sit at the back of the bus in a great casual OOTD. What used to be just a subtle accent is now the star of a 21st century ensembleEnsembleA complete, coordinated outfit in which each garment and accessory is chosen to work together as one look. Stylists build ensembles around a theme, color story, or occasion, and theGo to Ensemble Glossary, giving textures and even denim a backseat ride. The non-color commotion has even reached top-to-bottom formulas worn relentlessly around the street scene (and we’re not complaining!).
Witness the rise of striking neutrals come into play by fusing together loud statements with the most muted hues by H&M.
1. Muted Military
Look to the camouflage color wheel when matching neutral shades together. Put on an army green bomber jacket for an added edge to a casual ensembleEnsembleA complete, coordinated outfit in which each garment and accessory is chosen to work together as one look. Stylists build ensembles around a theme, color story, or occasion, and theGo to Ensemble Glossary. Bring out the vibrance of a moss green tee with an outerwear in a lighter nude hue. Stick with non-colors near extremes by throwing in dark grey trousers into the mix.
2. Camel Cool
Camel-colored trousers come back for a nude splash, sneaking in through a balanced out mix of off-whites and khakis. Affirm the nude trend until your sunnies with cork and wood textured frames. Keep your OOTD crisp and modern by adding a crowd favorite, the all-white sneaker.
3. Cabana Boy
Bring out your inner dreamy cabana boy by opting for an oversized short-sleeved sweater in warm colors. For an all-neutral outfit, the devil is in the details. Throw in a pair of pleated khaki trousers and classic espadrilles, and take a turn from plain to Monaco preppy.
4. Neutral Nomad
Easy, breezy dressing is the new bestfriend of top-to-toe neutrals. Integrate a mix of light-colored shades starting with a pocket tee that is made for Manila weather. Go crazy with detailed accessories from a patterned straw hat to a textured pair of espadrilles.
Words: Louise Sicat | Art: Mina Aglipay| Photographer: Miggy Abesamis | Styling: Dyn Montalban
Frequently Asked Questions
Make top-to-toe neutrals exciting by mixing textures and details across muted hues: an army green bomber with dark grey trousers, camel trousers with off-whites and khakis, an oversized sweater with pleated khakis, or a pocket tee with a patterned straw hat.
Look to the camouflage color wheel when matching neutral shades. An army green bomber jacket adds edge to a casual ensemble, a moss green tee stands out under lighter nude outerwear, and dark grey trousers keep the palette near its extremes.
Camel-colored trousers add a nude splash when balanced with off-whites and khakis, according to the feature. It suggests extending the nude trend to sunglasses with cork and wood textured frames and keeping the outfit crisp and modern with all-white sneakers.
The Cabana Boy look is an all-neutral outfit built on an oversized short-sleeved sweater in warm colors, pleated khaki trousers and classic espadrilles. The feature says the devil is in the details and that the combination takes a look from plain to Monaco preppy.
Easy, breezy dressing is the new best friend of top-to-toe neutrals, according to the feature. Start with a pocket tee that is made for Manila weather, then add detailed accessories such as a patterned straw hat and textured espadrilles.
