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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Exclusive: Gabrielle Union On Radical Transparency, Being Diagnosed With Perimenopause And Embracing What’s Next
Whenever Gabrielle Union graces the movie screen, she immediately commands attention. From her unforgettable scenes in films like Bring It On and Two Can Play That Game to her most recent film, in which she stars and produces Netflix’s The Perfect Find, there’s no denying that she is that girl.
Off-screen, she uses that power for good by sharing her trials and tribulations with other women in hopes of helping those who may be going through the same things or preventing them from experiencing them altogether. Recently, the Flawless by Gabrielle Union founder partnered with Clearblue to speak at the launch of their Menopause Stage Indicator, where she also shared her experience with being perimenopausal.
In a xoNecoleexclusive, the iconic actress opens up about embracing this season of her life, new projects, and overall being a “bad motherfucker.” Gabrielle reveals that she was 37 years old when she was diagnosed with perimenopause and is still going through it at 51 years old. Mayo Clinic says perimenopause “refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years.”
“I haven't crossed over the next phase just yet, but I think part of it is when you hear any form of menopause, you automatically think of your mother or grandmother. It feels like an old-person thing, but for me, I was 37 and like not understanding what that really meant for me. And I don't think we focus so much on the word menopause without understanding that perimenopause is just the time before menopause,” she tells us.
Gabrielle Union
Photo by Brian Thomas
"But you can experience a lot of the same things during that period that people talk about, that they experienced during menopause. So you could get a hot flash, you could get the weight gain, the hair loss, depression, anxiety, like all of it, mental health challenges, all of that can come, you know, at any stage of the menopausal journey and like for me, I've been in perimenopause like 13, 14 years. When you know, most doctors are like, ‘Oh, but it's usually about ten years, and I'm like, ‘Uhh, I’m still going (laughs).’”
Conversations about perimenopause, fibroids, and all the things that are associated with women’s bodies have often been considered taboo and thus not discussed publicly. However, times are changing, and thanks to the Gabrielle’s and the Tia Mowry’s, more women are having an authentic discourse about women’s health. These open discussions lead to the creation of more safe spaces and support for one another.
“I want to be in community with folks. I don't ever want to feel like I'm on an island about anything. So, if I can help create community where we are lacking, I want to be a part of that,” she says. “So, it's like there's no harm in talking about it. You know what I mean? Like, I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change. I'm just getting better and stronger and more intelligent, more wise, more patient, more compassionate, more empathetic. All of that is very, very welcomed, and none of it should be scary.”
The Being Mary Jane star hasn’t been shy about her stance on therapy. If you don’t know, here’s a hint: she’s all for it, and she encourages others to try it as well. She likens therapy to dating by suggesting that you keep looking for the right therapist to match your needs. Two other essential keys to her growth are radical transparency and radical acceptance (though she admits she is still working on the latter).
"I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change."
Gabrielle Union and Kaavia Union-Wade
Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images
“I hope that a.) you recognize that you're not alone. Seek out help and know that it's okay to be honest about what the hell is happening in your life. That's the only way that you know you can get help, and that's also the only other way that people know that you are in need if there's something going on,” she says, “because we have all these big, very wild, high expectations of people, but if they don't know what they're actually dealing with, they're always going to be failing, and you will always be disappointed. So how about just tell the truth, be transparent, and let people know where you are. So they can be of service, they can be compassionate.”
Gabrielle’s transparency is what makes her so relatable, and has so many people root for her. Whether through her TV and film projects, her memoirs, or her social media, the actress has a knack for making you feel like she’s your homegirl. Scrolling through her Instagram, you see the special moments with her family, exciting new business ventures, and jaw-dropping fashion moments. Throughout her life and career, we’ve seen her evolve in a multitude of ways. From producing films to starting a haircare line to marriage and motherhood, her journey is a story of courage and triumph. And right now, in this season, she’s asking, “What’s next?”
“This is a season of discovery and change. In a billion ways,” says the NAACP Image Award winner. “The notion of like, ‘Oh, so and so changed. They got brand new.’ I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
"I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
She continues, “So I'm just trying to figure out what's next. You know what I mean? I'm jumping into what's next. I'm excited going into what's next and new. I'm just sort of embracing all of what life has to offer.”
Look out for Gabrielle in the upcoming indie film Riff Raff, which is a crime comedy starring her and Jennifer Coolidge, and she will also produce The Idea of You, which stars Anne Hathaway.
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Feature image by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images
Victoria Monét Opens Up About Feeling ‘Validated’ Months After VMAs Turned Her Down To Perform
Victoria Monét has had an incredible year. Thanks to the success of the widely popular “On My Mama” that went viral, the singer/ songwriter’s Jaguar II album debuted in the top 10 of Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart. She also went on to headline her own sold-out tour. So, when the MTV VMAs happened in September, everyone was surprised to learn that Victoria’s team was told that it was “too early” for the “Smoke” artist to perform at the award show. However, a couple of months later, the mom of one received seven Grammy nominations, including “Best R&B Album” and “Record Of The Year.”
Victoria is currently in London and stopped by The Dotty Show on Apple Music and shared how she feels “validated” after being dismissed by the VMAs.
“It really does feel nice and validating because, in my head, the reason why I wanted to be a performer at the VMAs or award ceremonies like that is because I felt like I am at the place where I should. I would work really hard to put on the best show that I could, and I was excited to do so,” she said.
“And I guess the best way to describe it for me is like when you're like on a sports team, and the coach is like, ‘No, you gotta sit this one out.’ When they finally put you in, and then you score all these points, and it feels like that feeling. You're like, yes, I knew it wasn't tripping, but I knew I worked hard for this, and so it's been super validating to just have these accolades come after a moment like that, and I know the fans feel vindicated for me.
While her fans called the VMAs out on their decision, the “Moment” singer kept it cute and is still open to performing at the iconic award show. “I feel no ill towards them because it's just maybe that's just truly how they felt at the time, but I hope their mind has changed,” she admitted.
Aside from recognition from the Grammys, she has also received praise from legendary artists such as Janet Jackson, Kelly Rowland, and Usher.
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Feature image by Amy Sussman/WireImage for Parkwood