There are lots of fun neutral pieces I’ve seen on clients and our forum members recently that I’d like to share with you. Some styles are complex, while others are simple. Items don’t need bells and whistles in order to look interesting. The cut, fabric and subtle trim of a piece can make it look distinctive.
- Topshop 'Margot' Leather Ankle Bootie (Women): This patent bootie, available in both black and white, has a gorgeous on trend shape and fits a slim ankle to perfection. A walkable two inch heel and fun nod back to equestrian style. It's quite comfortable, but not super soft. I found it to run small so size up. The front tab detail does not cut into your ankle like I thought it would. I am seriously thinking about keeping these in white if the fit and comfort factor work out.
- Club Monaco Kareema Cropped Cable Sweater: I bought this dear little cropped cabled cream knit shell last week and love it. I layered it over a roomy white untucked shirt and combined it with relaxed blue skinnies, white boots and citron trench. It's great on a long neck and regular bust. Not scratchy at all. Fashionable and fun.
- Raleigh Cropped Mock-Neck Sweater: The photo does not do this piece justice, but it's stunning from the back and side too. Check out the spilt back detail and high-low hemline. It's extra fab in motion. Angular drape at its best. The shirt is attached to the sweater, but can be removed. Comes in three colours in stores. I liked the tan and white version best, so it's on my shopping list. The extra long fashion forward sleeves keep you toasty warm.
- AllSaints Verney Tank: A cowl neck tank with lots of drape. Fab over cigarette pants. Also available in black. As great layered over a white shirt as when worn as a shell top.
- Ann Taylor Side Zip Poncho: A poncho that looks as if it came from Barneys New York for a fraction of the price. Oversized but not overwhelming. The side zippers can be adjusted, and the front patch pockets are handy. Throw it over just about any bottom for a trendy look.
- Ann Taylor Patch Pocket Topper: A cozy ink blue sleeveless cardigan with cocoon shaped volume and mixed media trim. It's not supposed to close in front, so don't worry about its wide opening. Fab over sheath dresses too.
- Eileen Fisher Asymmetrical Colorblock Yak & Merino Cowl Neck Poncho (Regular & Petite): A simple asymmetrical cowl neck pullover with an unusual colour blocked edge. Excellent over narrow pants.
- UGG Australia 'Finney' Moto Boot (Women): A comfy mid-calf moto boot that's suited to low volume feet and slim ankles. Fab with a tubular midi skirt and black cropped pants.
- Calvin Klein Heat Crease Jeans Belt: A cognac belt with an unusual buckle keeper. The colour is less warm and orange than in the photo. Great with jeans.
- Vince Camuto Pinstripe Oversize V-Neck Sweater: This one is for Team Avant Guard V-neck. The hemline is tiered like a step all the way round and the stripes are diagonal in some areas of the pullover. A fun pull-on-and-go that can be dressed up or down.
- Club Monaco Briton Pant: A dressy pair of refined wool navy track pants with a constructed waistband. Super sassy and a fashion forward way to wear business casual.
- Chelsea28 Wide Leg Crop Pants: An excellent pair of cream culottes for Team Tall. The pocket linings do not shine through the front of the pants, and the pleats lie flat. You will probably need to hem the length if you're petite or regular height.
- Loft Snow Leopard Print Car Coat: A fun lightweight topper in blue animal print.
- Munro 'Lexie' Boot (Women): These booties look a lot better in person. They are refined and well made. I vote dark brown all the way. They have a subtle sheen to them, which is quite distinctive. Modern, sleek, versatile and available in various widths.
- Zara Oversize Mixed Fabric Poplin Shirt: An oversized white shirt tunic with side entry pockets. This would be mine if it were still Summer.
- DEX Long Sleeve Crop Sweater: A soft and fuzzy low scooped cropped pullover that works well over a cream blouse. Texture-rich and fashionable. It's good on a shorter neck and larger bust.
- Ann Taylor Petite Faux Leather Pleated Skirt: A brown faux leather sunray pleated skirt is most unusual. Great to wear to the office with a soft welted pullover and booties or pumps.
- Ann Taylor Oversized Shirt: An excellent roomy tunic shirt for Team Tall. Wear it as is, or layered under a jacket or roomy cropped pullover. Inge bought this in white and looks like a million bucks. She's also going to purchase it in ink because this type of length is hard to find. Note that this is NOT supposed to be a fitted shirt. It's fashionably fluid and therefore works worn under fluid or oversized knitwear. It also works well under a tailored blazer.
- Ann Taylor All-Season Tux Jacket: The best cropped tuxedo blazer I've seen all year. The leather collar is divine and the fit is amazing. It works well on both a curvy and straight figure. It also works well on an apple shaped body type. Inge bought this jacket and wore it over Ann Taylor's oversized white shirt. She took my breath away when she paired it with jeans, black booties and lots of layered pearls.
- Ann Taylor Faux Leather Trim Crepe Vest: A sleeveless jacket or gilet with straight drape and clean lines. Wear it over a blouse, shirt, pullover or T-shirt. Fab side entry pockets.
- AllSaints Riviera Tavi Dress: You have to try on this dress to experience its alluring appeal. It drapes beautifully both in the front and back. By all means wear it over leggings or skinnies if the sides expose too much leg. Ann Taylor's cropped tuxedo jacket will look great as its topper.
- AllSaints Abi Sleeve Dress: I love this dress. It drapes like a work of art in the front and on the sides, and has a straight back. It's well suited to an apple, rectangle and inverted triangle body type with a shorter neck and larger bust. I like that it has a romantic soft integrity despite being quite hard edge. Feel free to wear it over long black leggings too.
I am unexpectedly in a neutral mood for Fall. Livening up my own outfits with white accents, light neutrals and patterns keeps me happy wearing neutrals from head to toe. Are you gravitating towards neutrals? And do you look for basic neutral pieces as well as more interesting ones?
