Neutral territory: Summer's essential colour spectrum

When it comes to fashion, sometimes subtlety is the most stylish statement of all. From not-so-average tan to just-barely blush and soft, creamy hue, fashionistas are taking a definitive stance on neutral hues, and the results, of course, are undeniably chic. “If colours are loud, nudes are a soft whisper. They allow a woman to wear her dress instead of the dress wearing her,”  believe designer duo Kinnari Kamat and Saaksha Parekh on the warm-weather colour spectrum.

One can break down the nude colour scheme into five categories: whites, pinks, yellows, beiges and browns, and further narrow them down into 30-40 different shades, including porcelain, tawny beige and toasted golden brown. However, nude is a misnomer for the ‘barely there’ shade as it doesn’t take darker skin tones into account, share Kinnari and Saaksha. They add, “Skin colours aren’t that simple. These shades (neutrals) have undertones that may be warm, cool, or a mixture of the two. So when you go shopping for neutral clothing, try and choose shades with an undertone similar to your own natural complexion. Like for example, for people with a lighter skin colour, wearing neutrals with very little undertone works best.  Try and avoid shades with a warm pink or yellow cast. For those who come under tawny or rosy skin tone, choosing pales with a touch of honey, café au lait, or pink but not blue-pink, works well. Ladies with a beautiful light brown skin tone should try neutrals with gold or coppery undertones. And for gorgeous dark beauties, light beige with a drop of rose is ideal.” They further add, “We’re in a place in fashion where women are wanting to express their own unique selves. This array of essence colours is very individual.”

Pick a suit with enough authority for work but in a casual shade — something like a sand tone from the tan family — to make a richer and creamier statement, advises designer Anjali Jani. She suggests, “A jacket with interesting tucks that carve out the waist, clean line, straight-leg pants will add to your beauty. You can carry a ruffled khaki bag and don bone-and-gold shoes to complete the look. Wearing a flesh-coloured or neutral coloured outfit gives an entire outfit a fresher appearance than mixing separates with black or white. With neutrals, you can mix freely and there’s no such thing as clashing shades. This elegant medley sets the tone for shopping or an ideal date-night outfit as well.”  

According to designer duo Neha Modi and Neha Tham, the colour beige with an undertone of salmon gives skin a sensuous glow. “Try a boatneck tunic in this colour, it will make your body look longer, more slender. A shell pink chiffon dress with a glimpse of a bare shoulder is breathtakingly sexy. However, a monochromatic wardrobe, while fantastic for your sartorial signature, can get, well, monotonous, unless you build in a range of textures. Pieces in the same essential palette like an eggshell with an underlay of peach can give you an extra dimension from different weaves. Try silk, chiffon or hand-knitted fabrics. Also, separates that look like a dress is the best of both worlds. A stretchy off-the-shoulder hip-length top in the palest iced coffee paired with a three-tier mega-ruffled skirt in a colour that’s a couple of shades stronger is a great statement-making option,” they add.