Style

From chambray to stripes, it’s all about the “new” neutrals. Forget your basic black and mid-tone beige; the new neutrals are like fashion’s it-crowd, minus the snobbery. In fact, there’s little that’s intimidating about them. Best of all, new neutrals can be worn effortlessly no matter where you are or where you’re going.

Leopard Print

(Photo credit: Jesilou Tongio / Brash & Brilliant)

Why it’s a new neutral: With its beige-on-brown-on-black colour scheme, the pattern itself is composed of neutrals. It’s also a timeless print that makes a bold and chic statement.

How to wear it: A leopard print clutch or bag can complement just about any outfit. Whether that’s slacks and a blouse, an evening gown or denim-on-denim, it’s a guaranteed way to add a pop of pretty to an ensemble.

Chambray

(Photo credit: javi_indy / iStock)

Why it’s a new neutral: With its denim-like appearance, chambray is the ultimate four-season, wear-with-all neutral that fits into any wardrobe. Like a good pair of jeans, it can be worn with almost anything whether casual or dressy.

How to wear it: Casually, a chambray button-front shirt can be worn with your favourite pair of jeans. To dress it up, try pairing it with an a-line skirt and bold accessories.

Stripes

(Photo credit: Anna Bryukhanova / iStock)

Why it’s a new neutral: A black-and-white striped anything is a flattering way to add a pop of print into your wardrobe without being over-the-top. Best of all, monochrome is a stylish and versatile look whether at work or at play.

How to wear it: For the workplace a striped dress (whether a-line, pencil or maxi) looks best when paired with a blazer. In the evening and on weekends, try pairing stripes with a denim jacket for a casual yet put-together look.

Floral

(Photo credit: Sara Krauss / Getty Images)

Why it’s a new neutral: From demure and dainty to bold and bright, with such a variety of colour schemes to choose from there’s just about nothing that floral can’t do. In fact, it’s the perfect way to punch-up an otherwise basic outfit.

How to wear it: For a feminine and flirty ensemble, opt for a pair of floral pumps. Pair them with colourful slacks or a pencil skirt and voila – the street is your catwalk!

Blush Pink

(Photo credit: Rachel Murray/Getty Images)

Why it’s a new neutral: Soft, feminine and romantic, blush pink provides an alternate choice to white or cream without being overstated. Think of blush pink as the latte to your everyday cup of Joe – it’s just so much better.

How to wear it: For an effortless day-to-night look, a blush pink midi or maxi chiffon skirt is a simple yet sophisticated way to incorporate this new neutral into your wardrobe. Pair it with a cream or off-white button-less blouse and accessorize with delicate gold jewellery.

Cherry Red

(Photo credit: Christopher Polk/Getty Images)

Why it’s a new neutral: The ultimate power colour, cherry red pairs well with black, white, beige and cream. It also contrasts nicely with its equally bold counterparts green, orange, blue and violet – it’s that versatile.

How to wear it: For the perfect balance of sultry and sophisticated, you can never go wrong with the staple cherry red mani. Cherry red is an also ideal lipstick colour as it suits almost all skin tones and never fails to make those pearly whites pop!

Natalie Timperio is a freelance writer of anything and everything related to life and style. You can follow her blog The Girl With Bangs or visit natalietimperio.com to find out more about her writing and related experience.