Why unassuming beige is a shortcut to what really matters — shape and drape

That’s the beauty of beige: it leaves no room to hide. You can’t distract from dodgy seams or questionable tailoring with saturated colour. Quiet luxury is discreet for a reason

Sat, 21 Feb, 2026 - 02:00

Annmarie O’Connor

Rejection is the cornerstone of personal style. Knowing what we don’t or won’t wear prevents overwhelm and develops intention: the guardrail of taste.

It always helps, though, to have a cheat code when time, patience, taxis, and good decisions are in short supply. For me, that shortcut is often a soft neutral. How thrilling. Hear me out.

The unassuming nature of anything beige-adjacent is precisely what makes it such an effective foil. Neither a scene-stealer nor an attention-grabber, its low-key reputation allow us to focus on what really matters: shape and drape. Take the spring-coded double-faced wool cape at COS.

Its fluid lines provide visual tension when worn with simple black separates. Low-energy day, high-impact result.

Likewise, the ‘Eva’ skirt from Reiss balances sharp knife pleats with a flattering hip-placement, easy smocking and a golden tan.

That’s the beauty of beige: it leaves no room to hide. You can’t distract from dodgy seams or questionable tailoring with saturated colour. Quiet luxury is discreet for a reason.

For the maximalists, there are moments when a look is simply overworked. If creativity tips into chaos, think like a chef and neutralise the noise. No time to change? A sharply cut beige blazer will rein in rogue silhouettes (see How to Wear It).

Accessories work just as hard: GANNI’s taupe ‘Bou’ bag softens the melodrama while retaining its signature playfulness.

As I admonish my inner magpie for urging me towards Essentiel Antwerp’s sculptural mules, I remind myself that animal print is, indeed, a neutral (thank you, Jenna Lyons)— and therefore a wardrobe basic. I’ll basically be wearing them with everything, which surely counts for something.