The best Neutrals for Spring coloring

What is a Neutral?

We don't see neutral colors in the rainbow and we think of them almost as being 'colorless'. The beauty comes with the fact that when a neutral is teamed with a brighter color it doesn't compete, it merely complements!

The neutral forms the background allowing the brighter tone to appear more vibrant.

But although creams and beiges, grey and navy (and even olive green) appear to be almost colorless they usually have either a Warm or Cool undertone.

The best neutrals for SPRING coloring have a WARM undertone but they are also LIGHT and BRIGHT (clear) just the same as the rest of the Spring palette so they all harmonize. All of the colors together are ready to complement your natural Spring coloring.   

Literally hundreds of shades...

You will never match a color exactly and it's not necessary. Just imagine how frustrating that would be in a store! 

You'll quickly see how to use your color swatch as a 'blending tool'. Your colors are never limited as there are literally hundreds of shades between each just like an artist's palette!

I've taken the SPRING neutrals from the first image and extended them to show lighter and darker tones of the same shade - just like we see on a paint chart. All you need to do is ensure that the colors sit happily together, this shows that they all have the same characteristics as a common denominator.

In this case, they are all Light Warm and Bright, nothing deep and heavy!

Think neutrals first

It's important to build a small collection of wardrobe essentials in your best neutrals. These will be the most useful items you own, earning their keep many times over.

Wardrobe essentials are staples that won't go out of fashion and will go from season to season: skirts and trousers, a jacket or cardigan, a classic dress and coat. All of these items will provide the base for the majority of your outfits and, by adding a few tops and accessories in your brighter shades, you'll create an endless amount of mix and match outfits.

A Winter coat, for example, will be worn frequently and needs to sit happily and look good when worn with all your other colors.

The basics of co-ordination

This shows very simply how to introduce your accent shades into the neutrals for Spring coloring.

Take a selection of your best neutrals and slot some Spring color in between for instant harmony. As long as you follow the theme of Light, Warm and Clear you'll create the perfect mix.  

These are the Neutrals for Spring coloring 
and don't forget they can be a bit lighter or deeper!

Be aware that you're looking for colors with a yellow undertone to form a backdrop for the 'brights'. Hold your swatch close to the garment and see if the colors look good together. The Warm toned bright colors will sit happily on a Warm toned neutral.

Ivory

The lightest color that looks good with your coloring and is perfect next to your face is called your 'best white'. 

Ivory has a warm / yellow undertone as have all the colors in your Color Family. Pure white is far too clinical for your golden coloring.

This is your go-to color for staple 'link' items - tops, tanks, shirts and blouses; underwear and nightwear too. Ivory will link together neutrals and bright shades. 

Bright navy

Although navy blue is a 'universal' color - that means it suits  more or less everyone - your best navy is brighter than most. 

You can wear a slightly deeper shade and it will always look good but, given a choice, go for the brightest navy as it will enhance your other bright shades and your vivid natural coloring.

Stone or Light Beige

This can be your go-to color for any wardrobe basic - use your color swatch to blend so that you maintain some warmth to harmonize with your pretty shades. 

You don't have to match this exactly, there are thousands of shades you can use. Just check that it harmonizes with your brights for essentials such as pants, cardigan, jacket, trench coat etc. 

Golden tan or Camel

A rich gingery brown or camel will provide more contrast. Although you can use it for tops and link items, it's a very useful color to use with a heavier fabric. 

This is a beautiful rich neutral to use for cardigans, jackets or a winter coat. A warm wool coat is a wardrobe staple that will last for many years.

Light warm grey

This is your best grey - Light and Warm - it has a slightly yellow undertone which underpins all the other warm shades. You can also wear a cooler grey but it will bring a sharper note to your outfit.

It can be difficult to distinguish between a Warm or Cool grey - take a look at the different Shades of Grey to get the idea.

Autumn grey

This is a warm version of Charcoal Grey but is softer with a yellow undertone. 

This is perfect for a rich wool flannel as coat, trousers, jacket etc. This will need to be brightened up to do you justice. 

Use Neutrals to change your change your shape
Light brings forward and Dark recedes