If You Think Neutrals Are "Boring", These 5 Autumn Outfits Will Change Your Mind
As someone who regularly wears taupe, sand and rust tones, I'm always surprised when I hear someone describe neutrals as "boring". Of course, if you're used to saturated styling and naturally gravitate toward punchy hues, I can understand how an all-beige outfit could feel a tad lacklustre. But I'm also convinced that camel is just about the chicest shade on the colour wheel, and along with its fellow warm neutrals, it can look incredibly expensive.
We're all familiar with the expression "less is more". While there's certainly a place for maximalist dressing, sticking to a low-key colour palette is the secret to looking put-together with minimal effort. In fact, some of the most impactful outfits I've saved on Instagram lately consist of just two or three muted shades. Once you have this base, you can then elevate it with touches of gold-toned jewellery and luxury accessories. Simple.
To kick-start your neutrals journey, I've assembled five easy-to-wear look below. You won't spot any pops of colour here—hopefully you'll agree that these particular ensembles don't need it.
1. Shades of Beige
Style Notes: The true beauty of neutrals is that they go so seamlessly together. Invest in a capsule of beige dresses, outerwear and accessories and you'll never find yourself in an outfit rut again.
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Earrings you have to see up-close to really appreciate the detail.
I wouldn't question it if you told me this was three times the price.
2. Understated Everyday
Style Notes: When you're rushing out the door and you don't have time to start coordinating colours, stick to ecru versions of your everyday go-tos. A jumper-and-jeans combo in this palette never fails.
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Dragon Diffusion bags are perfect for the transition into autumn (and beyond).
One of & Other Stories' best-selling styles, these loafers impress us every year.
3. Night-Time Neutrals
Style Notes: You read that right—light neutrals can work after-dark, too. Opt for evening fabrics like silk and patent leather and add some elegant details like a neck scarf and low-heel slingbacks.
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Dress this down at the weekend with trainers and a loose-fitting jumper.
Mango is a great source of affordable but premium-looking handbags.
4. Office Chic
Style Notes: If I worked in an office, I just know an outfit like this one would make me feel my best. It's polished and professional, but with plenty of pizazz that will showcase your fashion know-how.
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5. Transitional Tones
Style Notes: I know it's a sin to say it in the midst of summer, but I can't wait to wear knee-high boots and beautiful outerwear once again. Rich tones like these have me bursting with excitement for autumn.
Shop the look:
If I owned this divine trench coat, I'd never stop showing it off.
Next Up: It's My Job to Find Amazing Shopping Picks—These 9 New Buys Are Too Good to Miss
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer. After receiving an Audrey Hepburn box set for her 10th birthday and subsequently swooning over the actor’s wardrobe, Bébhinn felt pretty confident she wanted a career that involved clothes. She started her first blog at age 14—the title was a pun, but we’ll leave it at that—and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor for Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and updated takes on classic designs.
While she still loves Audrey Hepburn films, these days, Bébhinn’s sartorial taste sits closer to Annie Hall’s and Alexa Chung’s. In her spare time, she’s likely cooing over cute dogs on rescue websites, playing folk songs on her guitar and browsing bookshops for new additions to her already-overpacked shelves.
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