The neutral hue gets a bad rap for being basic. Here’s why that’s incorrect.
At what point in time did a color that was once hailed as timeless, neutral, and elevated become…blah? Somehow, beige’s public perception went from a color used to describe soft cashmere, sandy beaches, and luxurious bedding to drab rental walls, “sad” children’s clothing, and a lack of personality (both in interior design and fashion).
While its reputation isn’t going to feel as dated or generation-defining as Millennial Gray, beige’s “basicness” is undeserved, and the pendulum is just starting to swing back toward positivity. In recent years, the understated color has come back. Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton are often found in head-to-toe sandy hues, TikTok’s latte makeup tag has more than 373 million views, and Vogue named “Quiet Luxury” (which has popularized pared-back, you guessed it, beige looks) one of 2023’s top trends of the year.
We know trends are cyclical, but this neutral comeback seems to hit at just the right time. It’s been a tumultuous few years, and beige somehow provides a soothing balm to the chaos. Sometimes we don’t want to overthink what to wear in the mornings, so reaching for a definitively chic color is an easy way to relieve the stress of getting ready. And something’s soothing about entering a room of soft shades of oatmeal, eggshell, ecru, bisque, or any of beige’s many pseudonyms. Even psychology supports this theory: Beige represents the simple and serene, something we’re all craving at the moment. (Alternatively, sterile white walls can have a mental affront to your eyes that mimics going to the doctor’s office.)
The moral of the story here? Beige isn’t boring. We’d argue that it elevates an outfit or brightens a room more than it brings it down. It’s easy on the eyes, a foundational hue for the perfect capsule wardrobe, and it’s literally the color of the universe. If waving our beige flag is wrong, we don’t want to be right.
The Best Beige Clothing and Accessories
Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan
Jenni Kayne
It’s no secret that Katie is obsessed with this cozy cardigan. It comes in several colors, including a couple of creamy, latte-inspired hues, making it easy to toss over a plain T-shirt and jeans or a slinky slip dress.
Abercrombie Curve Love ’90s Relaxed Jeans
Abercrombie
Even denim is getting a cream-colored upgrade. Abercrombie’s Curve Love line has gone viral several times, for good reason, and these jeans are no exception. The almost scientific waist-to-hip ratio helps eliminate the waist gap on curvier figures, and they have the perfect amount of stretch. You could opt for classic blues, but this oat hue is calling our name.
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Midi Skirt
Quince
Wearing a cashmere sweater for fall is a no-brainer, but why not give your bottom half the same luxury treatment? Despite being made from a knit weave, this skirt manages to not be overly clingy, flowing gently away from the body. Reviewers say it’s extremely soft and doesn’t show underwear lines, which is yet another plus.
Rebecca Allen The Block Mule
Nordstrom
Instead of frumpy flats or uncomfortable heels, try something in the middle. The block heel on these mules makes them easy to walk in and comfortable enough to stand in for long periods of time, without sacrificing style. The leather on these will only get better as they age, and a slightly pointed toe elongates your look, if that’s what you’re after.
J.Crew Ella Open-Front Long Sweater Blazer
J.Crew
Part blazer, part sweater, this long-line piece will instantly upgrade any outfit. Its subtly structured silhouette gives it a preppy, polished vibe, but the fabric is a soft wool blend that’s as warm and comfy as your favorite blanket. Reviewers warn that it runs large, so take that into consideration if you choose to add it to your cart.
Tory Burch Small McGraw Bucket Bag
Tory Burch
If you want to incorporate more beige into your wardrobe but don’t know where to start, opt for a handbag. The clean lines and structure of this Tory Burch bag make it look more expensive than it is, and the logo isn’t too big or flashy. It’s the epitome of Quiet Luxury. Once you make the investment, you’ll soon realize that this neutral accessory is something you’ll use daily.
Sam Edelman Trench Coat
Nordstrom
A trench is a timeless piece, and one of the most popular beige icons in fashion history. As if the coat wasn’t versatile enough, this one from Sam Edelman has a classy storm flap, comes with a removable belt, and is available in two other colors (for you non-beige lovers out there).
lululemon Tapered-Leg Mid-Rise 7/8 Pants
lululemon
Yes, athleisure can be sophisticated. Despite basically being sweatpants, the hue and silhouette of these cropped pants make them a little fancier than your sweats, so they won’t make you feel like a slob in public. The fabric is smooth and nearly seamless, too, making them easy to move in and even easier to lounge in.
Good American Luxe Suiting Pants
Nordstrom
Simple isn’t always better, but when it comes to tailored slacks, it’s typically what we aim for. These trousers, with their clean silhouette, sophisticated pleats and column leg, are universally flattering and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Everlane Supima Micro-Rib Turtleneck
Everlane
Diane Keaton declared in Something’s Gotta Give, “I guess I’m just a turtleneck kind of gal,” and we immediately felt seen. We’re turtleneck gals, and this heathered oatmeal shade from Everlane is on our wishlist. It’s made of super-soft Supima cotton and hugs your figure without feeling restrictive. It also comes in nine other non-beige colors, so consider buying it in bulk.
Blundstone Block Heel Boots
Zappos
Light-colored boots may seem dangerous if you live in a snowy or rainy climate, but this pair is surprisingly easy to clean and water-resistant. Not only will your feet stay dry, but salt or grime will wipe away with a damp rag, keeping them bright and (almost) white for years.
Madewell Crinkled Button-Up Shirt
Madewell
A wrinkled linen top is what Coastal Grandma dreams are made of, but there’s a very fine line between “intentionally undone” and “grabbed this out of the dirty laundry.” This top is very obviously crunched in a way that looks relaxed, not sloppy.
Skims Fits Everybody T-Shirt
Skims
For a little bit of visual interest without shaking up your entire aesthetic, try swapping out your basic white tee for a sandier tone. This one from Skims is made from a buttery soft material and comes in several shades of nude to complement your complexion. It is more fitted than your average T-shirt, making it ideal for layering.
