No matter what season it is, or what shades are deemed to be the colors of the season, we’ll always want our key neutrals. Black isn’t going anywhere, of course (in our humble opinions, there will never be a “new black”), but we are seeing a shift from cool grays to warmer brown-based hues like camel, taupe and beige. Here are some of the best ways to wear neutrals in spring.

Neutrals to Wear in Spring 2024

Shifting your neutral palette from grays and blacks to browns can be a great way to reinvigorate your closet or give your old favorites new life. After all, the same base outfit looks super different with a brown jacket versus a gray one, or the same top looks fresher with ivory or taupe pants instead of the black ones you’ve worn all winter.

Ivory or Cream

Perhaps nothing looks as elegant or “quietly luxurious” as an all-ivory or cream outfit, no matter what the season or what’s currently on-trend. But if you love these hues, it might be time to stock up. 

That said, these hues can be difficult to pull off, particularly if you have a cooler complexion — you may need a scarf, a larger necklace or earrings, or even just the right lipstick and blush to liven things up. Or you can just stick to a beautiful pair of cream colored wide leg trousers, like these from J.Crew with the perfect amount of stretch.

Beige and Khaki

Like ivory and cream, beige and similar pale shades can be challenging to wear, but they can be equally luxe and perhaps even more versatile. For example, khaki pants like this glamorously slouchy pair from Madewell can go way beyond business casual — they would work just as well with a button-up as they would with a sequined or beaded tank for evening. 

Camel

A great camel coat is always in style, and a long, tailored version like this single-breasted camel coat from Boden is a great way to bridge the gap between winter parkas and puffy coats and lighter spring jackets. 

Taupe

The cooler-toned cousin of camel or beige, taupe might be the most popular neutral nail polish hue for spring. Consider going for a shade like OPI’s Over the Taupe for your next manicure and see how it just works with everything. 

 

Tan

A little deeper and darker, tan (or whiskey brown, saddle brown, or cognac) is a little easier to wear and makes for a great spring and summer neutral, particularly for sandals and handbags. This type of shade tends to make for a great slightly rugged look too; for example, this Frye crossbody or these Steve Madden boots seem perfectly aged even when brand-new.

Warm Brown

We love a rich, warm cocoa brown, especially in textured materials like suede or leather like this bomber jacket from The Jacket Maker.

Deep Brown

Darker browns are perfect if you want to avoid the harshness of black and the preppiness of navy. If you always reach for a black blazer or cardigan, try a dark brown option like this one from Express and see how it makes for a great alternative.

What are your go-to neutrals? Do you stick to black and/or white? Warm-toned or cool-toned, or does it depend on the season or outfit? Let us know in the comments or in our Growing Younger Facebook group!

–Jacqueline Zenn

You may also like to read more of Jacqueline’s fashion tips like Resort Fashion Trends 2024: Best Pieces For Women Over 50 and The Best Ways To Leap Into Spring 2024 in Style.

This post contains affiliate links which may give us a commission at no additional cost to you.

Are you following Fountain Of 30 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest? We’ve got lots going on, so join in on the fun! Subscribe to our newsletter here.  You don’t want to miss a post and promise not to bug you to death. Join our Facebook Group called Growing Younger where women discuss everything good and bad about being over 50. Additionally Lauren hosts a bi-weekly podcast called Beauty is a Bitch! and an Instagram Live series called “Growing Younger Gabfest with Lauren.”

Please pin!