Neutrals Are the (Unexpected) Shades of Summer

May 30, 2022

After years of dressing down at home, many of us are more than ready to get all dolled up again. You’d expect to see lots of fancy fare and bright colors, especially as the weather heats up. Which explains why retailers are pushing vivid hues, including neon. But we’re also advocating for summer neutrals. Neutrals span a wide range of shades. We’re talking brown, beige, tan and even subtle versions of green. While you can rock white dresses and black tank tops, neutrals fall into the category of ecru, eggshell and the like. Now you may be thinking that anything falling in this color spectrum must be pretty boring. That couldn’t be further from the truth. From tons of texture to buckles to cut-outs to sheer sections, these pieces are big on personality. These new neutrals come in many forms. Whether you prefer your dresses sleek or slinky, your skirts micro or maxi, your tops cami or cropped, we’ve got you covered. That’s also true when it comes to the prices. You can drop a couple hundred on a designer creation you’ll wear for many summers to come. Or if you desire to try out a trend or two, you can fork over far less and score more items. Now that you’re sold on incorporating summer neutrals into your wardrobe, keep reading to see the most stylish options out there.

Summer Neutrals

Summer Neutrals #1

Acne Studios Sleeveless Dress, $540 at Acne Studios
Summer Neutrals #2

The Frankie Shop Kitou Mini Skirt in Beige, $113 at The Frankie Shop
Summer Neutrals #3

Zara Combination Knit Top, $29.90 at Zara
Summer Neutrals #4

Mango Lyocell Button Shorts in Brown, $59.99 at Mango
Summer Neutrals #5

Zara Linen Shorts, $29.90 at Zara
Summer Neutrals #6

Christopher Esber Buckled Cutout Jersey Maxi Skirt, $640 at Net-a-Porter
Summer Neutrals #7

Pixie Market Brow Pocket Linen Shirt, $119 at Pixie Market
Summer Neutrals #8

Staud Veneto Faux-Leather Shorts, $146 at Matches Fashion
Summer Neutrals #9

& Other Stories Strappy Linen Midi Dress, $99 at & Other Stories
Summer Neutrals #10

Dries Van Noten Silk Satin Camisole, $545 at mytheresa.com
Summer Neutrals #11

Reformation Olivia Linen Top in Cafe, $128 at Reformation
Summer Neutrals #12

Maeve Strappy Jumpsuit in Cedar, $170 at Anthropologie
Summer Neutrals #13

Jacquemus La Robe Arles Mini Shirt Dress, $590 at Luisa Via Roma
Summer Neutrals #14

Zara Silk Pants Limited Edition, $129 at Zara
Summer Neutrals #15

Mango Linen Strap Dress, $79.99 at Mango
Summer Neutrals #16

Pixie Market Chocolate Brown Rene Skirt, $118 at Pixie Market
Summer Neutrals #17

Anthropologie V-Neck Knot Front Midi Dress in Green, $170 at Anthropologie
Summer Neutrals #18

Zara Cropped Wrap Knit Top, $27.90 at Zara

As passionate about feminism as she is about fashion, Morgan C. Schimminger spends much of her time writing and editing pieces on everything from celebrity style to the fight to keep funding for Planned Parenthood. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California at Berkeley and a master’s degree in publishing from Rosemont College. Morgan has contributed to a variety of publications, including StyleBakery, Uptown, metro.pop and Sister 2 Sister. Every week for theFashionSpot, she profiles the Top 10 Best Dressed Celebs and provides a daily dose of stylish stars via Look of the Day.