Wearing Beige & Neutrals – Where Did Suzanne Go?
You may be wondering where Suzanne went.
She has been kidnapped and replaced with a doppelgänger in beige and neutrals.
It all started when I spotted this beige/grey faux leather asymmetrical skirt NWT while thrifting a while back.
Asymmetrical and sickly greige are two clothing attributes that normally drain the colour from my face and give me acid reflux.
Colour is a rainbow of joy, neutrals have always been a boring yawn for me so why was I drawn to this skirt?
The Story Of The Greige Skirt
I spotted the skirt, analyzed it and walked away convincing myself it was wrong in every way.
I stepped over an aisle pushing onwards with my task at hand all the while a nagging feeling was gnawing at my brain about the-one-that-got-away. Worried, I kept glancing up every few minutes and checking to see if the offending skirt was still there. I panicked when another thrifter moved within arms reach of the skirt. My instincts kicked in and I dashed over to snap it up. Too many times I’ve hesitated when thrifting and lost out on the prize, I didn’t want it to happen again. The skirt was tossed into my already loaded cart. Keeping my Etsy store stocked is a full time job. Understanding what will sell and what won’t is an ongoing challenge. If I didn’t like it I was sure one of my customers might.
When I got home I decided to try on the skirt to prove to myself that it really wasn’t for me.
I’ve been doing this long enough to know this strategy can backfire. I purchased a cream sweater the same day which I was sure would work well with it. Since I very rarely wear cream or beige I figured I’d put the two of them together and really look hideous.
Except…except I didn’t look as terrible as I’d imagined. The vibe certainly wasn’t bright, bold and funky, my normal style statement, this was more chic and cozy.
I decided to try the skirt with a few other pieces from my closet to see how I could style it and if I should sacrifice two other pieces to make room for it.
I’ll be sharing another look with you soon.
For now, what do you think of this ensemble? Does it seem like I’ve been replaced by an alien?
Happy New Year to all my wonderful readers! Wishing you love, health and happiness in 2019!
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday and Fancy Friday
I sometimes love an all neutral look and you nailed it with this one my friend. That skirt is the perfect shade to work with so many things. And trust me, an all beige ensemble has zero chance of dimming your “Suzanne-ness”!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Whew…that’s a relief! Thanks for popping by Debbie : )
Love, love this, Suzanne (maybe because I want to wear it today) : > Srsly, you look gorgeous – the cream sweater flatters your warm hair, and the skirt is a wow. Your instincts – sharp as a needle! And you still look like “you”; all the beauty is still there and you “pop”. xox
I had a feeling you might like this outfit Patti. I’ll let you borrow it the next time you come up for a visit.
It really is a gorgeous outfit. And I’ve been the same way lately…heck, I even tried a nude lipstick (shocking, I know).
Maybe it’s the fact that we have options, and we don’t have to be the same everyday. Maybe like our moods, we can vacillate from bold to subtle.
Either way…this really is a winner.
Happy New Year, and here’s to more interesting outfits!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I’ve tried that nude lipstick too but didn’t care for it much. Anything I can do to help my disappearing lips look a big larger is a good thing.
I agree that shaking things up now and again is a good idea. I find that thrifting always helps me try out new ideas.
Happy New Year Jodie!
One day, not long ago, I had to take the “navette” between Toulouse and Paris for a business meeting. On boarding, I spied a woman some years older than me, dressed head to toe in beige. Unsurprisingly, she was the first on and sat in the first row, even though on the navette there is no first class or even business class. I always thought that beige was boring, that wearing it was like being some kind of chameleon with the carpet. But this woman–even her hair was an indistinguishable shade of blonde/gray/beige, and she was tiny, even shorter than me. Yet she looked like a MILLION BUCKS. She oozed class. Colors are fun and energetic and attention-getting. But if you wear neutrals and you square your shoulders and project confidence, wearing neutrals just amps it up, because you are stating, in a terse whisper, that you do not have to grab anybody’s attention in order for everyone to pay attention.
Whether I can pull that off is another question. But I did learn that those with the biggest sticks can speak the most softly.
I think you look marvelous in the beige/cream outfit, and nobody is ever going to mistake you for a wallflower. You have too much sparkle in your eyes for that.
I think your observation is very relevant, projecting self confidence is the #1 fashion accessory. You can control a room from the moment you step in it no matter what you are wearing when your level of confidence is strong enough.
A friend of mine has this, Melanie, from Bag and a Beret. Although she does dress very wild, even if she is wearing all black from the moment she steps in a room all eyes are on her. She has a presence that is palpable.
This outfit is smoothly, subtle sophistication.
Your hair and lovely smile are popping off my tablet screen. They’ve become a focal point. The outfit is calming, serene, Zen even! 🙂 It has lots of nice texture too!
You haven’t relinquished one speck of your Suzanne style. In fact I think stepping outside your comfort (?) box will create a new desire to see if there are any other ignored or unexplored neutral options that might engage your curiosity.
I did feel it was quite a calming outfit Jude : )
Honestly, I really love this look! The skirt was the stand-out piece before I even began reading the story behind it!
I realized just how much I’m controlled by colour. I knew the cut of the skirt was interesting but it was the colour that was throwing me off.
Isn’t the thing about neutrals that you can fire them up with colour, pattern and accessories? I love the skirt and I love the jumper; I prefer the top out rather than tucked in. The top too is one of those ‘goes with everything’ tops so I think they were both brilliant purchases. I can’t wait to see how you’ve styled the skirt – with your wardrobe and a neutral skirt I should think the possibilities are endless!
Happy New Year!
Normally I’m a print on print kind of gal or colour with print. I rarely wear accessories, I like to keep things quite simple which may seem a bit contradictory when you look at how I dress but I really dislike bracelets moving on my arm or making noise and necklaces getting in my way. I despise rings as I’m a germaphobe and always washing my hands. I own loads of fancy scarves but rarely wear them. I need to get some out and try out your suggestion with the skirt.
Happy New Year to you as well Ronnie!
Not sure if I had alread pressed send but here I go again – just in case!
I thought the thing about neutrals was that they can be jazzed up with colours, pattern, texture and accessories? I love this look on you; the skirt is lovely and the top is one of those’goes with everything’ tops. I prefer the top out rather than tucked in on you. You look very sophisticated and cool.
I can’t wait to see how you style the skirt and with your wardrobe and a neutral skirt the possibilities should be endless!
Happy New Year!
xx
You’re looking as awesome as ever in your pale neutral outfit, Suzanne. Like you, I’m allergic to beige (and to asymmetrical skirts) but surprisingly it seems to work. On you, at least. I still think I would look like the ghost of Christmas past … Like Veronica, I do prefer the top out. I can’t wait to see how you style the skirt with other pieces from your wardrobe! xxx
You and I have very similar tastes Ann. Asymmetrical usually makes me feel lopsided ; P I didn’t mind this skirt though. Trying something new is never a bad thing.
I think I might have to borrow this outfit, Suzanne, and wear it with my new cream puffa jacket. Tucked or untucked, I love this look.
Ha! I kind of consider you the Queen of Neutrals Sue so I’m not surprised you like this outfit.
Happy New Year!
You look good in this outfit. Probably because you have your lovely hair colour to add the colour. I like it. Unexpected? Yes. Nice? Certainly.
And remember cream can be flattering, but with the wrong undertone it can be dreadful.
Greetje
I was lucky this sweater was in cream and not white. I have an aversion to white and so does my complexion.
Happy New Year Suzanne!
Happy New Year Nancy!
I love the story behind the skirt, feeling like it was left out only to make the grab and put it in your cart. I see the beauty in this outfit! I love greys, and neutrals at times, it just depends on my mood. Love the skirt, the cut is stylish and I am a fan of winter white.. love it on you!
Happy New Year Suzanne!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Wow, this is different for you, Suzanne. And guess what? I love it! What a change, but you still rock it. It brings all the attention up to your face and hair, which shine with your personality.
It’s scary when things like this work out. I had it happen and started freaking, does this mean I’m going to wear neutrals all the time now?!! I do wear them more but I still wear my colours. Cheers to opening new doors for the new year! The more variety, the better I think.
Such a departure for you…but I LOVE it! You look fantastic. 🙂
Wishing you all the best for 2019!
http://style4lessvegas.com
Neutrals and you , what a change but never the less you wear them well and because of their shape and interesting touches they are anything but dull. Never fear your personality shines through .
Wishing you good health and happiness for 2019.
haha! fun reading!
but fun aside – you look adorably! especially with your signature sihouette aka sweater tucked in. can´t wait to see the other outfits…..
happy new year! xxxx
You’d look good in a bin bag and no, you definitely haven’t lost yourself in these pale neutrals.
Hand on heart, neither are items (or colours) I’d wear but if you feel fabulous in them that’s all that matters.
I’m currently dressed in a midi skirt, black opaques and a cardigan – three garments I’ve avoided like the plague for years – you never know until you try things! xxx
Our lives can encompass a wider range of styles than habit leads us to, and this nice outfit proves that. Think of it as adding range to your wardrobe, not replacing anything. Often experiments in different directions expand our notion of what is our style.
I find it fascinating the emotion that colour induces. Beige and cream are just two more colours after all. Maybe you could pair each of them with more colourful items to help you feel less kidnapped-by-aliens! But rest assured, you still seem Suzanne-ish to me. The boots are a lovely touch too. I note the colourful brooch that slipped in 🙂
xo Jazzy Jack
I love this neutral. This is such a nice look on you.
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
My wardrobe is the opposite: full of neutrals with the occasional pop of colour…so this totally wins in my books! 🙂
Just read your articles around beige and this skirt.
You did a good job and some of the looks I even kinda like. The purple-ish boots certainly help!
But it probably comes as no surprise that I’m still not a fan of beige. I guess that’s because it really doesn’t suit me with my pale skin and hair AND because I love colours too much.