Style File: The New Neutrals

Style File: The New Neutrals

Color harmony is a critical part of fashion. But there are four color hues that flattering on anyone (yes, we mean you!).

Studio 5 Beauty and Style Contributor Holly Stone helps us replace four traditional neutral tones with other options.


Do you struggle with which colors to wear? Ever put on that blue sweater and then take it off and then put it on again hoping it will look different? With ranges of blue from baby blue to royal blue to ocean blue and every tint (add white), tone (add grey), and shade (add black) in between, color harmony is a critical part of fashion. Wearing colors that make you look your best can often be tricky. And yes there are colors that will look better on you than others. But did you know there are actually color hues that are considered flattering on everyone?

When we think of “neutral” colors and clothing, most of us think grey, black, brown, cream, tan and maybe navy. Considered basic colors, they seemingly can be paired with anything. But what about blue, coral, green or purple? Surely those colors can’t be neutral—or can they? By changing the word neutral from meaning basic to meaning without bias, these colors become the perfect option for ANY person, at ANY age. More bold than the basics, these colors can marry other less-than-perfect color schemes resulting in the most flattering YOU.

Neutral #1: Deep Blue

Not cobalt=warm. Not teal=cool. But a nice blend of both.

Basic replaced:

· Navy

This versatile color is the perfect option to balance a cool grey or a warm taupe. As a skirt, as a cardigan, or simply as a scarf around your neck this color can bring other colors outside your color range closer to harmony.

Holly’s Deep Blue Finds:

Shrug $19-29.95, The Sweetest Thingz

Shirt $24.95, The Sweetest Thingz

Skirt $39.95, The Sweetest Thingz

Neutral #2: Eggplant

Not burgundy=warm. Not plum violet=cool. But a nice blend of both.

Basic replaced:

· Black

Can be worn on top and paired with a lighter bottom or worn on bottom and paired with lighter top. A great accent to

Holly’s Eggplant Finds:

Tunic $39.99, The Sweetest Thingz

Half-tee from $12.95+ , The Sweetest Thingz

Necklace $20.95, The Sweetest Thingz

Neutral #3: Burnt Coral

Not rust=warm. Not salmon=cool. But a nice blend of both.

Basic replaced:

· Chocolate

Probably the color that most would question, this is a fantastic safe option to add brightness to your wardrobe. Compliments tan, green, blue, browns, and some reds.

Holly’s Burn Coral Finds:

Coral Shirt $24, Dillard’s

Skirt $49.99, The Sweetest Thingz

Belt $14.95, The Sweetest Thingz

Lace shirt (green) $20.95, The Sweetest Thingz

Neutral #4: Camouflage green

Not khaki=warm. Not sage=cool. But a good blend of both.

Basic replaced:

· Charcoal

Green is the IT color of this season and a great color to mix. Pair a camouflage skirt with a pair of khaki boots. Wear with blues, darker purples, red, gold, or browns.

Holly’s Camouflage Green Finds:

Shirt $22, Macy’s

Jewelry $25, The Sweetest Thingz

Skirt $39.99, The Sweetest Thingz

Cardigan $39.99, The Sweetest Thingz


Holly Stone is no stranger to business and the beauty industry. Starting as a model at the age of 14 she decided that she preferred to be behind the scenes rather than in front of the camera. She choreographed fashion shows, selected models for events and assisted her agency with make-up.

Her skill for make-up artistry quickly became recognized and the demand for her talent launched a career that would take her all over the country. She received a bachelor’s degree, and took a position as VP of Merchandising for Overstock.com. There she learned the business skills of resourcing, buying, marketing, and negotiating. She moved on to train in Los Angeles at AWARD, a leading make-up artist school in the west.

Today, with her business skills and her passion for the art of make-up, she manages a successful career as an educator and a veteran make-up artist of 16 years. She works in various media with actors/actresses, models, brides, and photographers. She is a consultant to several cosmetic distributors, spas, and salons where she teaches application and technique. She is a nationally recognized educator of cosmetic application and is a personal image consultant to people ranging from high position corporate figures to the every day woman.

Holly is the owner of Re-Creation Studio, School of Media Make-up Artistry. For information about her classes, visit www.learntodomakeup.com.

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