LET NATURAL TONES OF SAND, STONE, IVORY AND TAN INSPIRE AN EFFORTLESSLY ELEGANT DRESS CODE
Tonal dressing – sporting a full outfit comprising of shades of the same colour – has been simmering as a styling trend for several seasons now. And this year, the winning palette is made up of beige across all its iterations: sand, stone, ivory, oatmeal and tan. ‘At the recent autumn shows, all the attendees were wearing head-to-toe beige,’ reports Alexandra Fullerton, fashion editor and author.
All-beige dressing exudes a low-key glamour that’s simultaneously effortless yet innovative. ‘It’s a really easy colour to wear to make you look instantly styled,’ says Alexandra. ‘Unlike doing head-to-toe green, for example, where there are myriad different tones of the colour and it could easily become clashy or tricky to pull off, beige has a narrower margin of error.’
“It’s a really easy colour to wear to make you look instantly styled”
Experimentation and texture clashes are key, according to Partner & Personal Stylist, Rachel Pearson. ‘Different textures and fabrics will really bring the look to life,’ says Rachel. ‘Use silks, wools and cashmeres, with leather belts to add definition and interest to any neutral outfit. And look out for button detailing, oversized trouser silhouettes and contrast coloured lining in jackets – this looks great when you roll back the sleeves and adds depth to an outfit.’
Worried about looking a bit too beige? White, that other winning neutral, is great at tempering a camel-centric look. And so is a pop of colour – but rather than veering to the comfort zone of navy and grey, Rachel suggests a glittery sock or piece of brightly coloured statement jewellery. Alexandra recommends a shot of lavender or mint or a flash of neon.
“Different textures and fabrics will really bring the look to life”
Main image: AND/OR top, £59; LK Bennett trousers, from a selection; John Lewis & Partners earrings, £12, and belt, £26
Photography: Hasse Nielsen. Stylist: Charlie Harrington. Model: Steffi Cook at Select. Make-up: Polly Osmond at Premier hair and make-up. Hair: Kota Suizu at Caren