Why we fell back in love with beige (and how to wear it now)
- Posted by
- Billie Bhatia
- Published
Get ahead of the trends for spring/summer 2019 by embracing the colour of the season: beige.
The most common question I get asked when I tell people I work in fashion is: ‘What should I be wearing right now?’ This usually sparks a panic in me as I try to recall the biggest trends of the season, many of which will inevitably sound ridiculous to the average shopper. How do you tell someone to be more ‘global community’ in their workwear?
But for spring/summer 2019, my answer is simple, concise, and does not need to be deciphered by a team of fashion editors. This season, you simply need to be more beige.
Beige gets a bad rap, with its name often taken in vain to describe something insipid and unexciting. But done right, it offers endless styling opportunities. A beige wool coat tied at the waist and finished with heavy-set gold earrings: chic. A mid-length beige knitted skirt paired with an oversized black roll neck and white trainers: also chic. A beige silk blouse tucked into blue wash denim jeans and a pair of slip-on mules: so many levels of chic.
Beige on the Burberry spring/summer 2019 catwalk (left) and at Max Mara spring/summer 2019
The spring/summer 2019 catwalks were awash with beige tones cleverly disguised under names like ‘oatmeal’, ‘fawn’, ‘taupe’ and ‘camel’. Long-time beige champions Max Mara encouraged shoppers to wear the shade head to toe, Riccardo Tisci’s debut Burberry collection featured more than 50 beige looks, and Dior even brought beige to eveningwear.
This year, beige is no longer boring. Instead, it should form the building blocks of your wardrobe. Different shades will elevate your workwear from run-of-the-mill to polished, and add elements of luxe into casual weekend outfits. Repeat after me: beige is better.
Wondering how to incorporate beige into your wardrobe without looking bland? Read on for inspiration courtesy of street style stars, plus five stand-out beige pieces to buy now.
Start slowly with camel
If you’re new to the beige brigade, opt for darker shades that verge into camel territory. Soft tailoring works best for this look, finished off with tonal trainers.
Double up with a beige co-ord
A knitted co-ord is an easy way to lift beige from boring to super-stylish. Just throw in a bright accessory, like this red handbag, and layers of gold jewellery.
Brighten up with flashes of colour
Already comfortable wearing different shades of beige from head to toe? Add flashes of one colour to really bring the look to life.
Invest in beige separates
Beige separates will work hard for you, so they’re worth spending money on. This office-ready look can be taken into the weekend by teaming the wide-leg trousers with a cosy jumper, or matching the ribbed roll neck with a pair of jeans.
Go for a beige suit
For those wanting maximum beige impact, it has to be a tailored trouser suit layered with a roll neck. Major chic points coming your way.
Ready to give beige a go? Shop the Stylist edit of the pieces to add to your wardrobe below.
Loewe beige sweatshirt
Anagram-embroidered cotton-terry sweatshirt, £350, Loewe at matchesfashion.com
H&M beige pleated dress
Pleated dress, £34.99, hm.com
Topshop camel coat
Slouch coat, £75, topshop.com
Rejina Pyo beige tote bag
Lizard-effect leather tote, £590, Rejina Pyo at net-a-porter.com
Zara beige hoodie
Pouch pocket sweatshirt, £25.99, zara.com
Images: Getty / courtesy of brands