8 Neutral Outfit Ideas To Keep You Cool This Summer
As the sun shines and the weather heats up, we're inching closer to a breakout summer like no other. With most of us excited to be outdoors with our loved ones, it's time to get into the looks we've been mentally preparing for the past year and a half sitting at home. While I've gotten accustomed to the basic black and heather grey combinations from the loungewear overload we experienced, those dark days are finally over and I'm ready to brighten up my summer wardrobe.
Experimenting with color in your day to day outfits is never a bad idea. Although I love the thought of wearing both bold and soft pastels this season, I live for a chic neutral aesthetic. What inspires me most about this season's color trends is mixing and matching a variety of pigments and neutral tones together to create a refreshing balance to an everyday look. Whether a head to toe nude outfit or pairing pops of bold color with muted tones, even the slightest details can take you very far this season in a variety of stylish ways.
They say what you wear is an expression of how you feel, and these looks are giving excitement and hope in a world full of possibilities. Check out my noteworthy neutral summer looks with a twist.
1. Yellow is the New Neutral
As Seen on Raven Smith
All neutrals are not created equally. Implementing a soft pastel yellow this summer paired with nude accents takes blending in while standing out to a new level. The perfect way to ease back into a color this season, this comfy two-piece short set makes a subtle yet casual statement that's nothing short of effortlessly cool.
2. Cool Tones
As Seen on Courtney Simpson
A hint of mint is a refreshingly cool mix to classic neutral tones. Paired with a chic white boot and light washed denim, layering a white blazer magically highlights this tonal combination. Neutrals don't always equal nude. Experimenting with neutrals such as white and cool pastels brings life to a classic denim look.
3. So Complementary
As Seen on Dime Jones
For your upcoming RSVPs this summer, accentuating the little black dress with a contrasting nude is a sophisticated work of art. Black is the perfect neutral to create an effortless timeless look, balanced with a subtle soft nude brightens up this gorgeous silhouette. Add a red lip for an extra pop of elegance.
4. The Coolest Hue
As Seen on Sharaye Thomas
Layer one of summer's coolest hues with chic neutral accessories for an on-the-go athleisure look. Blue is trending as one of the most in-demand colors of the season, so adding a nude contrast is a major compliment to this super cute eye-catching look. The blazer is a perfect addition to this active set as it works perfectly together in creating a beautiful balance of color.
5. Natural Habitat
As Seen on Brittany
Vacation-ready is an understatement. Even in the tropics, this neutral coverup is a naturesque take on luxury swimwear. Bring your poolside look to life by adding a bold sunny with chunky jewelry, making it a look that can easily transition on and off the beach.
6. In the Abstract
As Seen on Ellie
Adding neutrals to a bold palette with a soft nude blazer layered over a brightly colored ensemble for a casual everyday approach. The compliments of tangerine orange mixed with a multicolored tie dye swirl is the definition of comfy chic attire. While wearing neutral, there's more fun to play around with random pops of color. I'm loving that colorful shades are having a moment making a great addition to this stunning mix of creative style.
7. Gal on the Go
As Seen on Wura Ogunsanya
Paired with a classic Nike sneaker, these sand colored textured pants are an elegant twist to a casual cute everyday look. Accessorized with pops of deep colorful green and orange tones, I'm hunting down every item to add on my summer wishlist. Love this classic white asymmetrical crop top underneath a matching white blazer for a crisp and clean addition to this must-have look.
8. In Luxury
As Seen on Nana Agyemang
This summer is giving designer luxe one Jacquemus dress at a time. A stunning go-to spring/summer look, this sand-colored bodycon silhouette takes chic to a new level. Its all in the details as the cut adds a touch of sex appeal with the perfectly placed pops of skin.
To get your fashion fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Style section here.
Featured image by Sharaye Thomas/Instagram
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Meet The Designer Behind This Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" Video Look
When Megan Thee Stallion dropped “Hiss,” a shift happened. From the audacious lyrics to the striking visuals, there was no doubt that the song and video would go viral. The opening of the video shows the H-town hottie rocking a barely there Shibari red dress, showing off her voluptuous frame. It was a sexy moment created by Timeekah Murphy of Alani Taylor. The designer exclusively tells us how the opportunity came about and what it was like seeing her design on Megan for the first time.
Timeekah Murphy
Photo courtesy
xoNecole: How did the opportunity to create such an iconic look for Megan Thee Stallion's "Hiss" video come about?
Timeekah Murphy: The opportunity came from a DM from celebrity stylist Zerina Akers. She asked for a unique Shibari piece for Megan, and I needed to get it done in two days. So, of course, I did everything in my power to make it happen. I've always wanted to design for Megan, so this was an awesome opportunity for me.
xoN: What was that initial feeling of seeing the dress on her for the first time?
TM: I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
xoN: Did you meet her? If so, how was that moment?
TM: I didn't meet Megan during the shoot, but during my time in LA, I got the opportunity to meet her at LA Pride with Tiffany Haddish, Common, and EJ King (stylist). Megan is such an amazing person, so it made it even better to know that my designs were going to be worn by her. I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
"I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her."
Photo courtesy
xoN: Walk us through the creation of the dress. How did you come up with the look, and how long did it take to make it?
TM: I was the co-designer for a brand called Deviant in 2018-2020, and we used to make custom Shibari pieces. That's how Zerina knew me. So I'm very familiar with making these types of pieces. We made plenty for Beyoncé, Cardi B, Tiffany Haddish, Tyra Banks, and so many others. So Zerina knew exactly what she wanted.
To get it done, it took me a day and a half. It's very intricate and time-consuming, so I spent about six hours making it then I sent an image of it to Zerina, and she didn't approve the first one, so I had to start from scratch again after getting my guidance and understanding of what was needed. The next day, I went to The Lab and created another version, and she approved it. I had to get it shipped overnight so that she would get it in time and fast forward to seeing it on the big screen.
xoN: What's next for you?
TM: Everything. The sky is not my limit, so the Alani Taylor brand is expanding into so many different avenues. We are getting involved in the community more, offering sewing classes to the youth. I've opened up a store for my brand in Atlanta and now preparing for fall/winter Fashion Week.
Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" video/ YouTube
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When I recall my years in school, there were two subjects I always loved: History and English. History because I just loved learning about different cultures, religions, and the world before I arrived and English because I loved to write. I enjoyed writing assignments, and my teachers would always tell me how good of a writer I was. In my spare time, I enjoyed reading magazines and began writing poetry and songs about love and heartbreak (y’all remember how intense high school romances were).
I took journalism as an elective and was even on the Yearbook staff. However, when it came down to choosing my college major and a possible career, media/ journalism was nowhere on my radar. I loved writing, but was it a career? Could I make money from it?
Throughout my matriculation, I changed my major a few times. I mean, I knew I wanted to do something creative, but what? I finally settled on journalism only because I knew I enjoyed writing, and at that point, I needed to choose something and stick with it. But even with the fun class projects and internships, I still didn’t believe journalism would be my career path. However, I was good at it, and I was networking with others in the industry. So, after graduating, I worked other jobs but continued writing. Finally, I got my big break as an editor, and I haven’t looked back since.
Looking at my journey, you can say that being an editor was divine, and maybe I was running from it. A lot of us are taught to find a steady career that pays well, and baby, I always saw myself living large. But I was always a creative, and I knew that I wanted a career path that would allow me to express myself.
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Feature image by Milan Markovic/ Getty Images