Neutrals. I’m not sure I like the term. I used to love the idea of a monochromatic wardrobe artfully arranged from white to stone to coffee tones, khakis and then greys and blacks. A capsule. Breathable. Something like this >. Where you buy one item and retire another with dignity, understanding the role you play in our over-consumed world and appreciating each purchase you make with a solemnity that Marie Kondo would be proud of.
Unfortunately for ole Marie and the world of order and tidyness, I find I’m going through a period of more is more – bright dresses and silk shirts, mixing prints and stripes, polka dots and textures. Maybe it’s because Summer has rolled around and you feel like colour is the way to go. Or maybe I’m turning into Iris Apfel (hopefully not just yet).
I feel like there will be a time in my life when I wear silk pyjamas and ornate bejewelled rings, oversized sunglasses and fur coats of many colours. And I will shop only at Liberty and buy mountains of macarons from Ladurée that I feed to my Pomeranians. But for now I’m up and down as to what I want and what my wardrobe is or wants to be, so neutrals do sometimes still exert a pull. Especially as this look has moved away from ‘Out of Africa’ connotations or ‘hessian hippy’ styling to something so chic, so breathable and so relaxed that I can’t help but love it.
It feels quite grown up but still über cool. Like a Céline woman without the severity. There is that severe masculine edge but it’s softened by the natural fabrics and the sway of a wisp of hair or a tasteful feminine bow. She knows who she is, likes to look elegant and put together but be comfortable at the same time. Items aren’t fussy but still detailed and clever. Fabrics are cool and comfortable – linen, organic cotton, stiff crochet and fine knit. There’s a hint of beading, a touch of gold, a knot here, a raffia sandal there. And bags are interesting rather than showy. As if you are carrying a functional sculpture that doesn’t need any fussy zips or statement logos.
It’s all about considered basics which – to give Marie her credit – I do believe in. We should consider what we put together as a look. There should be pride in our appearance no matter what the style. And the joy of head-to-toe neutrals is exactly that. It’s a quietly considered style. A breath of fresh air in a world full of too-tight skinny jeans and polyester pencil skirts. A world where movement is slower, more graceful. Our desks are organised and our lunch is always organic but we brought it from home. A life that doesn’t seem so chaotic. We walk with direction and appreciation. There is no rushing or missed gym sessions. There is always time for a holiday. We are just confidently present. Beautifully put together and effortlessly chic…Hmmm…maybe this is the woman we all want to be…
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