STYLING

HOW TO WEAR NEUTRALS WITHOUT LOOKING WASHED OUT

By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 2 February 2026

Neutrals are always trending, but wearing them carelessly can render even the sharpest guy a blob of beige. If you find yourself disappearing in the mirror, you need to adjust your approach. There’s a refined art to neutral dressing – once you get the hang of it, your outfits will never be the same. The four steps below will ensure your neutral looks feel more bold than bland.

#1: CONTRAST YOUR COLOURS

Looking washed out is a common problem when it comes to neutral clothes. No matter how oversized or textured your pieces are, they can blend suspiciously into your skin if they match your undertone. The solution? Contrast. If your skin is cool-toned, reach for warmer neutrals like tan or camel. If you’ve got warm undertones, lean into beige, oatmeal and even grey. This temperature tension will elevate your outfit and keep your features looking lively.

GET THE LOOK:
JJ Rebel roll neck cable knit jumper in beige, £25
Pull&Bear Stwd short sleeve sweatshirt in sand, £25
ASOS DESIGN heavyweight relaxed t-shirt in stone, £14
ASOS DESIGN premium oversized t-shirt in stone texture, £20

#2: GET DRENCHED

When putting together a fully neutral look, don’t stick to one shade. We get it, oatmeal is doing the rounds on our feeds right now, but resist the urge to layer it on from head to toe. Instead, curate a palette of different hues to introduce depth and dimension into your look. Think a sandy overcoat over an oatmeal quarter-zip, or some camel cargos with a chocolate brown puffer jacket for a warm winter win. The aim is to stand out, not blend in.

GET THE LOOK:
Topman relaxed fit short sleeve textured check shirt in stone, £36
Nike graphic t-shirt in grey, £37.99
ASOS DESIGN parachute trousers in stone poplin, £35
Clarks Wallabee EVO in dark sand, £100

#3: ADD A POP OF COLOUR

If your neutral look still feels mid, it’s time for a little pick-me-up. And nothing says intention like a pop of colour. Part your sea of neutrals with a well-placed shade. A tomato-red scarf, cerulean blue socks or a green hoodie will add a playful edge to your beige trench coat. You don’t necessarily need to pick saturated shades – neutrals pair well with navy, burgundy and khaki, too.

GET THE LOOK:
Selected trench coat in beige, £165
Polo Ralph Lauren society bear print hoodie in green, £235
Jack & Jones pleated front wide leg trouser in beige, £30
Salomon XT-6 GTX trainers in safari and brown, £185

#4: AMPLIFY WITH ACCESSORIES

Pictures: ASOS

If you consider jewellery an afterthought, think again. Metals matter, especially when it comes to neutrals. Silver harmonises with cool palettes, while gold works with warmer tones. A chunky chain or even a visible watch can make all the difference – bringing polish and intent to your outfit. Even something as discreet as a belt with metal hardware can break up the monotony.

GET THE LOOK:
Bershka Short sleeve t-shirt in white, £9.99
ASOS DESIGN loose straight jeans in washed beige, £35
ASOS DESIGN smart suede belt with gold buckle in brown, £20
Faded Future gold neck chain, £8