summer neutrals 2021 boring or effortless
is there anything better than the first blush of summer? the days are longer, the nights shorter, and the weather is perfection with sunny days and blue skies. these are the days when we love to pull out bright colors and bold patterns that put a smile on our face and brighten our mood. but wait! what about a neutral color palette? does it belong in a summer wardrobe? you bet your bottom dollar it does! so let’s talk about summer neutrals 2021. those tried and true colors that work hard for their money. black, navy, white, green, muted golden brown, and metallics with a touch of shine.
okay, let’s face it, white shorts may not be the most exciting piece of clothing, but it’s one of the most versatile pieces you’ll own. that goes for white pants, a white blouse, and the humble white tee. this one item can partner with just about anything and everything and look fan-tas-tic. and there’s something refreshingly chic about white shorts on a hot summer day. recently, i had the opportunity to partner with Chico’s on Instagram, and i tried their best-selling Brigitte Slim Shorts that come in five colors. guess what color i chose? that’s right, a simple pair of white shorts that will be on repeat all summer long while they keep my style game strong.
summer neutrals 2021
one of my favorite color combos come summer is brown and white. there’s something so classic and chic about this color palette. there are endless opportunities to combine these two colors either together or apart. yesterday’s post included this dynamic duo and as my mother always used to say, “in for a penny in for a pound.” so let’s explore summer neutrals 2021.
neutrals are the most important building blocks of your wardrobe. okay, i get it. neutrals can be bland and a little bit bor-ing. but bear with me because neutrals can be worn again and again without anyone noticing. in reality, neutrals are polished, elegant, effortless, classic, and chic. it bears repeating that neutrals are the hardest-working items in your closet and, when chosen wisely, cost pennies to the dollar. and the beauty of neutrals is that they always look good together.
today’s ootd starts with white shorts from Chico’s that have a sleek pull-on style with a hint of stretch. these are the shorts that will look terrific with a tunic or a tee as they have a flat front and smooth details. since i’m wearing summer neutrals, i chose a sand linen tee with a relaxed fit. this is a tee that looks great with a half-tuck, but i decided i wanted to add a belt to my summer outfit, so full-tuck it is. why a brown belt? well, it ties back to my brown sandals and adds spit and polish to this casual outfit. gold accessories look fantastic with this sun-kissed tee, so i added a gold chain necklace and drop earrings for texture and dimension. many of you will recognize this straw tote that’s seen quite a bit of action this summer. it’s a summer neutral that goes with everything and has a cross-body strap to boot. summer neutrals 2021 boring or effortless? you decide.
shorts | tee | belt | necklace | earrings | gold bangle | sandals | straw tote
shorts | tee | belt | necklace | earrings | gold bangle | sandals | straw tote
happy wednesday, ladies. time to put a smile on someone’s face, including yours.
Hi Beth,
Thank you for featuring neutrals! So very chic. Always reliable. And forever elegant. You look amazing!
reliable and elegant! neutrals are just that. thanks for stopping by.
Not boring at all! I threw together some neutrals yesterday to wear out and about. The surprising thing is how little it cost put together a chic and effortless look: sweater tank from Walmart, (really!), palazzo pants from H&M, and nude sandals from Stein Mart. Without accessories, it was about $60 but felt like a million bucks. Great advice as always.
Walmart has truly upped its style game. your outfit sounds adorable.
Love the look. I notice you wear multiple lengths of shorts. How does one decide which length looks best and when a shorter or longer is appropriate?
it always goes back to personal preference. a no-fail length is typically one-inch above your knee. but petites typically prefer a shorter short to balance their proportions. me? i love many different lengths and find them all suitable. you? that’s completely your choice.
Black and Tan striped blouse, black pants, leopard rain shoes. I declare it’s going to rain forever. I like today’s outfit but I can’t wear belts and I think this needs a belt to look finished.
rain, rain go away! hangeth thou in there.
HI Beth, you have such a pretty figure.
this shorts an tee looks nice on you.
Thank you
You are my inspiration every day.
Have a lovely day
i’m always happy to hear from you gloria!
I love Chicos Brigitte line of pants and these new length shorts. They are such a reliable fit. You did great styling as usual!
Chico’s definitely nailed this!
Looking great as usual! You’ve hit my colors…white with tan (beige/taupe/brown) and you mention white and navy. YES! These are my go-to shades for summer! Now if only I were as tall and gorgeous as you are!
awww, you made my day, paulette! thank you.
Love your look. Please tell me: how do you keep a belt on the waist if there are no belt loops? For me, it never sits true as it is in your photos.
a belt with some stretch stays in place. or you can use fashion tape which is double-sided.
Hello Pretty Lady: I need your help. I live in Southern California so wear white jeans year round. I have become frustrated with NYDJ. They want you to order a size down; I am a size 10. When the 8 comes in I look like a stuffed sausage and I won’t leave the house. If I order the 10 then very soon they bag on me.
Can you recommend white jeans that don’t bag, aren’t cropped, frayed, flared, etc. Thanks.
Love the length of these shorts on you.
You are right…they would be so useful all through the summer.
You look VERYput together…love it💕
Thank you for featuring the Chico’s Brigette shorts! I have been a fan of these for several years and have made converts of several friends, as well. The slimmer width is perfect—doesn’t have that wide, frumpy look that you often see. The fabric is substantial enough not to be see-through and the no-waistband styling makes these just about perfect— the only drawback is no pockets. I own three or four pairs of the white ones (I keep some at our shore house) and wear them so many ways all summer long. Thank you so much for spreading the word—and you look great in them!! I love camel and white as a summer combo, too.
Looking good! Sophisticated in an understated way.