Pale Girl Wears Neutrals

summer neutrals over 40

I don’t often wear neutrals

Correction: I hardly ever wear neutrals. In fact, this is it: I’m wearing here all the beige clothes I have in my wardrobe.

And the reason why I don’t wear neutrals is quite evident here, too. Look at me, the colour of my skin… Yep, I’m pale. That’s an understatement, of course, but let’s go with that one for now. So, wearing neutrals is going to be quite  a challenge to pull off, and a huge step outside my comfort zone…

My late mother, on the other hand, used to loo stunning in neutrals (see the original post HERE):

70s safari style

Well, in summer she always had that lovely sun-kissed glow, whereas I would just turn pink and burn… So, it’s probably no surprise that I tend to avoid the sun, and have made peace with my pale skin.

Now, given that neutrals are never going to be my best colours, how on earth did I come up with this outfit?

40+ blogger

summer neutrals

Well, to be honest, it wasn’t exactly planned…

You see, I’ve been quite busy with work lately and haven’t had time or energy to do the laundry for a couple of weeks. And one morning I was just desperate to find something to wear to work (never mind style, I was settling for whatever was reasonably clean…) and I came across these trousers. I usually wear them with something pink, but of course then all I could find was this t-shirt (you’ve seen it in another post with olive trousers and a blue cardigan). Oh well, it was a bit blah outfit, but at least it was clean…

I added the peach scarf to have some colour around my face, and to my surprise it sort of worked. This will probably never be one of my favourite outfits, but I’m going to be annoyingly proud of myself nevertheless, for trying something new.

BTW, I have two dear friends who once told me that if I ever started wearing beige, they would think I’d finally gone bonkers and have me committed… So, Asta and Anu, if you see this, please don’t call the men in white coats yet, I promise this is a one-off, the act of a desperate woman …

Adolfo Dominguez bolso

leopard print sunglasses

Outfit details:

t-shirt and trousers: Marks and Spencer (old) / scarf: Alexander McQueen (old) / 

sunglasses: Dolce and Gabbana (old) / shoes: Van Dal (old) /bag: Adolfo Dominguez (old)

How do you wear neutrals?

Tiina
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28 Comments

  1. Shybiker
    22 May 2016 / 1:43 pm

    This outfit does work in an understated way. I like it. And I like hearing the thoughts in your head as you ponder questions like this.

    • Tiina L
      23 May 2016 / 9:06 am

      Thanks, Ally.

  2. Suzanne Carillo
    22 May 2016 / 1:47 pm

    I think your peach scarf saves this outfit. bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      23 May 2016 / 9:07 am

      I totally agree. The outfit (and my face) needs the scarf to give it a dose of colour.

  3. Patti
    22 May 2016 / 1:58 pm

    You're not officially all neutrals, Tiina, because of your bag and scarf – and the whole look is calming and pretty. I wear neutrals almost every day, but true beige doesn't flatter my skin tone – the scarf is brilliant. xox-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      23 May 2016 / 9:12 am

      I don't think I could wear just neutrals, I would blend into the wall… Yes, beige is a very tricky colour to wear, especially for someone with a very fair skintone. This is the scarf I bought at the thrift shop in Vancouver. Peach is a 'new' colour for me, and I remember wondering if I would get any wear out of it. But I've worn the scarf so many times now, and featured it in several blog posts, too.

  4. Rena
    23 May 2016 / 4:27 am

    It's a smart looking outfit and you look great but I hear you about the challenges of beige. Personally, I sometimes find beige pants difficult to wear or bear witness to someone wearing them. If the fabric is light weight or on the thin side, bulges and lines will show through. If the color is really close to the wearer's skintone, then at first glance it almost looks like they are naked.Renawww.finewhateverblog.com

    • Tiina L
      23 May 2016 / 9:16 am

      Oh, don't get me started on beige trousers! I wear these trousers as the colour is a bit darker (compared to my skintone). But a few years ago I got a pair of cropped linen trousers in beige, thinking I would wear them with something bright in summer. I've never worn them, the colour look awful on me, almost a match to my skin.

  5. Nancy's Fashion Style
    23 May 2016 / 1:04 pm

    Men, you look better in bright colors…..or stripes ofcourse. Well these are stripes but no. But what could you do? Not walk around naked I asdume si it s forgiven!😂

    • Tiina L
      23 May 2016 / 2:19 pm

      Yes, I agree. Bright (or rather, medium-toned) colours are the pale girl's best friend.

  6. Natalia Lialina
    23 May 2016 / 10:43 pm

    While it might not be our (light/pale skin girls) best, I still think we can wear it. I like this outfit on you, especially with warm tones and shiny metallic accessories! Your Mother looks beautiful in neutrals. My Mom also tans beautifully, while I tend to burn. I can get tan if I want to (using sun screen and small dozes of sun), but in the last several years, I also prefer to hide from the sun, simply because it's healthier and easier, or more natural for my own skin. But I still get just a tiny bit darker during summer.

    • Tiina L
      24 May 2016 / 8:46 am

      Yes, we can still wear neutrals, we just a need a few extra s like a pop of colour around the face. And bright lipstick!I agree, hiding from the sun (especially for someone fair-skinned) is definitely the healthier option. Sure, suntan looks nice, but maybe we can leave that to people who tan easily. Pale girls should just accept their fair skin and find ways to make the most of what they've got.

  7. Mother and Daughter
    23 May 2016 / 10:55 pm

    For not wearing neutrals you pulled it off. I am a black, white or blue person myself.

    • Tiina L
      24 May 2016 / 8:47 am

      I usually wear blue or navy instead of neutrals; so much kinder to my skintone.

  8. Julia @ When the Girls Rule
    24 May 2016 / 12:48 am

    I'm the same way! I'm very fair and now that my hair is white/gray beige looks terrible on me. But, the scarf near your face is very flattering. I have seen you in blue and purple which look fantastic on you. Julia

    • Tiina L
      24 May 2016 / 8:48 am

      The scarf really saves this outfit, doesn't it? Yes, blue and purple are my colours. Thanks!

  9. Shelbee On The Edge
    24 May 2016 / 12:22 pm

    The peach scarf definitely makes it work! Scarves save so many of my outfits too especially when you need that little extra pop of color. So don't abandon neutrals just yet. They create such a wonderful canvas for spectacular accessories!I, too, have come to accept my pale complexion and I now am quite protective of it…Shelbeewww.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • Tiina L
      24 May 2016 / 6:40 pm

      It's funny, isn't it? I actually don't think of scarves as accessories, more as an extra layer around my neck for warmth. And because of that I usually stop wearing scarves as the weather gets warmer.

  10. Mica T
    26 May 2016 / 6:52 am

    I like your scarf! :)I don't usually wear head to toe neutrals but I understand the scrambling to find something when the laundry backs up!Away From The Blue Blog

    • Tiina L
      26 May 2016 / 7:20 am

      I don't really wear neutrals either. I don't even have many clothes in neutral tones (unless we count navy as a neutral). I definitely prefer bright colour.

  11. Doused In Pink
    27 May 2016 / 12:28 pm

    It's fun to wear something that you normally wouldn't sometimes. I think the pretty neutrals look great on you! JillDoused In Pink

    • Tiina L
      27 May 2016 / 1:59 pm

      Thanks, Jill!

  12. Jessica Jannenga
    27 May 2016 / 7:46 pm

    I love it on you. Peach is so flattering against your skin tone. Love the metallic shoes, those are fancy! I too have fair skin and also like to incorporate color or a richer shade closer to my face, as you have done. Great bag too!Thanks for linking up with TH Tuesdayjess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      27 May 2016 / 8:58 pm

      Thanks, Jessica. Peach is actually a 'new' colour for me, I've only experimented with it since last year. But I really like it, as an alternative to pink.

  13. Alice Warren
    28 May 2016 / 3:19 am

    I am not much into wearing khaki colors myself either. I think the vibrant scarf really helps bring color to your face.Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!Alicewww.happinessatmidlife.com

    • Tiina L
      28 May 2016 / 12:14 pm

      Oh yes, with a face this pale I really need that pop of colour.

  14. Nicole Mölders
    29 May 2016 / 6:26 am

    Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style

  15. Nicole Mölders
    29 May 2016 / 6:26 am

    These leopard sun glasses are so chic.

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