Neutral Spring Maxi Skirt Look

Are Neutrals Over?

I've run across several videos lately outraging against minimalist capsules and neutral wardrobes. And while I think the shift toward brighter colors, prints and maximalism is an interesting one to watch (hello Y2K), I don't think neutrals or minimalist dressing are all that "evil" or even going out of style.

Since very minimal normcore outfits and stripped neutral focused capsules have been in vogue for so long, it's natural that the next shift is going to answer with some brighter colors and popping prints. (We're seeing this in home decor too with the advent of maximalist granny chic decorating and bold floor to ceiling color after a decade of white walls and clean beige kitchens).

It's extremely normal for a new trend to spring up in reaction to a previous long reigning trend. Typically major cultural and design movements are reacting against the status quo. But just because something was prevalent and widespread doesn't make it wrong. It might make it dated, though, over time as a new trend grows in popularity.

But even as brighter colors enter the stores and our closets, I don't think that neutrals are on their way out.

I didn't realize how much a few core basics, like a white tee and a black tank, could completely solve the "I have nothing to wear" crisis in my closet until I started focusing on finding better basics.

The truth is that in a closet of only loud colors, there is nothing to create outfits with. You need the black pants to pair with the fabulous paisley babydoll blouse and the white tank is a must to help you wear the gorgeous orange skirt.

I'm glad that these bloggers have called attention to the truth that some people (with probably way cooler personalities than my own!) are craving bold color and don't feel at home in a neutral closet. And that's beautiful and I'm glad people looking for maximalism can find inspiration.

But why I wanted to write just a bit about this shift is that it overlooks those of us who rely on our neutrals to create more outfits out of less items. We enjoy the simple clarity that a neutral outfit gives us in a busy day of overwhelm and sensory overload.

Clothing should be there to support you on the day to day and provide an outlet for creative expression and personality, too! So absolutely embrace those fun colors when you're feeling playful and bold. But don't let anyone tell you that you are boring (or a corporate sell out) because you choose neutrals, too.

Are neutrals boring?

Maybe they can be, but I definitely don't think neutrals have to be! This is a very simple monochromatic color pallet but with the fun texture and print elements it feels fresh and feminine and springy to me. IDK maybe I'm just basic. ;-)