The Perfect Neutral

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Yes, it’s the same trench coat again…

And at the moment this is my only trench coat. Chocking, isn’t it? I used to have so many of them (and I think I still have 2 more in our house in Brexitania), but I genuinely think I only need one.  

After decluttering (almost) the entire flat (in Helsinki), I’m beginning to think that as much as I love beautiful design and new clothes, I really don’t want to store so much stuff. At this point, having ‘too much stuff’ makes me feel claustrophobic. Like I’m drowning in stuff I don’t need or use. So, in order to simplify my life (and potentially ward off a panic attack or two), I’m also paring down my wardrobe. Slowly, but surely.

I’m not talking about putting together a capsule wardrobe or having only 10 (or 20, or 33, or whatever random set number of) pieces, or completely stopping buying anything new. Oh no, I will buy whatever I like, whenever I find it, you can count on that.

But I will only buy what I truly love and actually wear, and always in the best quality I can find (or can afford). Now, with these sort of guidelines, to be honest, I don’t see any huge shopping trips in my immediate future…

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Anyway…

This coat is definitely not the best quality trench coat. I’m not even sure whether I could mention this coat and quality in the same sentence…  OK, confession time: I got it at Zara a few years back. Yes, I admit: I do occasionally shop at Zara. And I know: Zara is practically the definition of  fast fashion. But in my defence, I only buy something there once or twice a year, and I tend to wear whatever I buy till it falls apart.

So, why do I like this old trench coat, instead of a better quality, classic trench? Well, the answer is simple: I’ve wanted to get a neutral, go-with-anything trench coat for a long time. Unfortunately, neutral colours really don’t suit me. Trust me: I look fabulous in hot pink (or almost any other bright colour), but beige or camel makes me look like I’m suffering from some sort of a fatal disease…

But, the colour of this coat is perfect for me. It suits my natural colouring (in fact, it is more or less exactly the colour of my eyes), and it goes with just about anything I have in my wardrobe. So, this blue-grey (or greyish blue) is my ‘fake neutral‘, and I’ll keep wearing this coat until I find a better quality trench in the same colour. Or until the coat falls apart. Whichever comes first…

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Outfit details:

coat: Zara (old) / top: Samsoe & Samsoe / trousers: Marimekko /
scarf:  A+ more (old) / shoes: Ecco (old) / sunglasses: Dolce and Gabbana (old) / bag: Chanel

What’s your favourite neutral colour? Or, do you rely on ‘fake neutrals‘, like me?

Tiina

Linking up with:

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishHigh Latitude StyleStyle ElixirA Labour of LifeCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeLiving on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the EdgeA Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashThe Fashionista MommaTina’s Pink Friday, Away from the BlueMummabstylish , Mutton Years Style and I

6 Comments

  1. 16 April 2019 / 11:25 am

    I totally agree on buying the best quality clothes you can afford, particularly the best quality coats and shoes (I’m very old fashioned concerning this!). Anyway, your trench looks fabulous, comfortable and cool and I love that it suits your complexion so nicely, as this is not something easy to achieve. I’m glad that you found your own ‘fake neutral’ and think that this color is gorgeous!. I believe that there’s a neutral color for every one, there’s life outside beige!
    Your accessorizing totally rocks, your bag, shoes and scarf are fab pieces!
    besos

    • Tiina
      Author
      17 April 2019 / 10:51 am

      Thank you.
      Yes, there’s life outside beige, absolutely! Besides, beige is so boring, isn’t it?

  2. 17 April 2019 / 11:56 am

    So true Tiina, this really is your colour . I agree that it is far better to buy less but buy better quality especially for coats that don’t date and are timeless pieces. I hope you find exactly what you are searching for in time. I can wear beige but for me black is my neutral, boring I know but its me.

    • Tiina
      Author
      17 April 2019 / 9:31 pm

      I agree: buying a cheap coat is waste of money (especially when you live in a cold climate…) and bad for the environment, but classic styles and quality materials are always a good investment.
      And your black outfits look anything but boring, and certainly like a match made in heaven!

  3. 19 April 2019 / 6:32 am

    You look great in this posh casual outfit. The colors are so flattering on you!

    • Tiina
      Author
      19 April 2019 / 5:54 pm

      Thanks, Nicole. Finding flattering colours is sometimes a bit challenging, so I was really happy having found this coat.

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