New Neutrals for Fall

This year has brought the neutral shoe to the front page of every fashion blog and into every magazine. Celebrities on the red carpet have been strutting their stuff in nude-colored pumps. Nude is the new black, when it comes to shoes in 2007.

In the past, the point has been to match every article for a composed and copasetic look. But we get it- you can use a color wheel. You have the sense to wear a black purse and black shoes at the same time. Good for you. Now toss those rules out - we’re stepping up the fashion game. What a great neutral-colored accessory does is bring the eye to the main ensemble. You can wear a bright, fierce dress and a shocking lip color, and those are going to be the features that stand out to an onlooker, a suitor, or the camera.

For Fall 2007, we’re changing all the rules again. Not only can you wear the standards – black, brown, metallics , and nude – but you can also wear… blue? Yes. Blue, and yellow, and several other colors you’d never consider using as a neutral.

Don’t worry about “matching” your blouse. If there’s no blue anywhere in your outfit? Don’t sweat it. If you’re really insecure, use complimentary colors to justify whatever color you’re using as your neutral. Be fearless; just be sure not to let your “neutral” accessories overpower your main focal piece, which should contain the most vibrant color.