The New Neutrals

The onset of spring brings with it the promise of soft, earthy hues—but there are certain limiting stereotypes that go hand-in-hand with the notion of neutrals. Here, we debunk three of the biggies.

• “Neutral = No Brights Allowed.”

  New rule: any color borrowed from nature can work as a neutral. Consider the rust shade of this suede jacket (not quite red, not quite brown) for making a muted outfit pop, all while staying true to the overall look, which is subtle and clean. Opt for one or two statement accessories—brighter reds and pinks make subtle tones pop.

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  VINCE
  SUEDE BELTED JACKET Vince, $1,475
  
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  JUICE BEAUTY
  PHYTO-PIGMENTS
  ULTRA-NATURAL
  MASCARA goop, $22
  
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  ADINA REYTER X GOOP
  CLASSIC DIAMOND
  NECKLACE goop, $675
  
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  RE/DONE
  SLIM VINTAGE TEE goop, $78
  
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  MM6
  CROSSBODY BAG goop, $450
  
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  LOEFFLER RANDALL
  CAMI ROUND TOE PUMP Loeffler Randall, $325
  
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  KHAITE VANESSA
  HIGH-RISE STRAIGHT JEANS goop, $320
  

• “Prints have no place in a mellow palette.”

  Use tan and cream accessories to tie mixed patterns together. In turn, the striped sweater and floral skirt keep the tonal bag and boots feeling fresh and elevated.

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  VINCE STRIPED
  COTTON PULLOVER Vince, $275
  
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  SARAH ETHEL
  SARAH HENDLER ETHEL
  WHITE DIAMOND
  STAR RINGgoop, $5,250
  
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  VAPOUR BEAUTY
  AURA MULTI-USE STAIN goop, $36
  
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  LOEWE PUZZLE SMALL
  SHOULDER BAG Barneys, $1,990
  
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  RAG & BONE
  ELLIS LEATHER
  ANKLE BOOTS Barneys, $595
  
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  ISABEL MARANT
  RACHEL SILK SKIRT MyTheresa, $565
  

• “Monochrome is always monotonous.”

  To liven up a one-note color range—in this case, crisp white-on-white—introduce a variety of textures. The blush of the chunky knit complements the cotton blouse while glossy, satin sneakers offer a polished finishing touch to clean, matte denim.

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  BURBERRY ONE-SHOULDER
  CABLE KNIT CASHMERE SWEATERBurberry, $1,395
  
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  ATLANTIQUE ASCOLI
  MENEUT POPLIN BLOUSE goop, $657
  
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  VINCE
  WARREN SATIN SNEAKER Vince, $225
  
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  LOREN STEWART
  DIAMOND & EMERALD
  MARQUISE HUGGIE STUDS goop, $595
  
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  VINCE HIGH-RISE
  UTILITY CROP Vince, $275
  
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  BEAUTYCOUNTER
  COLOR SWEEP BLUSH DUO goop, $40
  
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  CHLOÉ FAYE MINI LEATHER
  AND SUEDE BACKPACK Net-a-porter, $1,490