Effortless Elegance: Styling Neutral Colours For The Office
What you wear in the workplace speaks volumes about your confidence and professionalism. Neutral tones like beige, white, grey and taupe form the backbone of polished office ensembles. They don’t just simplify outfit planning - they exude understated elegance that complements any professional setting. In this blog, we explore how you can master neutral dressing through thoughtful tailoring, textures and patterns.
Start with neutral foundations
An effective minimalist wardrobe includes foundational pieces you reach for time and time again. They're practical, comfortable and make every outfit feel put together all year long. Neutral coloured dresses and tops are staples that quietly work their magic. They create balanced and tasteful ensembles that transition smoothly from morning meetings to after-work engagements.
An excellent example is our Crepe Knit Singlet in Oyster, which perfectly blends structure and softness. Designed in Australia, this must-have piece is crafted from Milano crepe which lends an exquisite touch to any look. It features a refined square neckline which pairs beautifully with our Crepe Knit Skirt in Oyster. This skirt showcases a pencil silhouette and a modern front split that brings a polished touch to your everyday workwear.
Redefine power dressing with neutral tailoring
Tailored pieces are crucial elements of an effective and adaptable office wardrobe. With their structured silhouettes, premium fabrics and clean lines, tailored pieces deliver luxurious looks that transcend seasons and trends. When crafted in neutral tones, these staples can be easily mixed and matched for different occasions.
Our Manhattan Pants in Oyster are a reimagining of classic tailored trousers. Ethically crafted in Australia using our signature Japanese Crepe, these full-length pants come with thoughtful details such as a pressed front and back crease. The hook-and-bar fastening at the fly and slanted front pockets make them a practical and beautiful addition to your daily workwear.
Complete the look with a matching singlet and our City Trench Coat in Oyster for a cohesive ensemble. Made with our signature Japanese suiting fabric, this fully lined piece includes a self-waist tie, cuff tabs and an edge-to-edge collar and revere.
These neutral tailored pieces exude a simplicity that makes them perennial fashion chameleons. Instead of relying on flashy embellishments or bold patterns, they let their quality and craftsmanship take centre stage. Every detail is carefully chosen, with nothing feeling unnecessary or overdone.
Infuse depth and drama with textured pieces
Texture adds dimension to minimalist workwear. Think luxurious fabrics like Milano crepe, silk or wool — each material adds its own character to neutral ensembles, making even the most understated hues feel rich and refined.
Textured clothing reflects attention to detail and a sense of curated style. It lets you express your personality within the constraints of formal workwear, proving that a neutral coloured dress or shirt can be both dynamic and timeless.
Incorporate texture and movement into your minimalist workwear with our Wrap Pleat Skirt in Dark Gold — featuring crisp pleating, a striking asymmetrical wrap-front detail and an invisible side zip closure for a clean, streamlined finish. Plus, the rich dark gold hue introduces a subtle warmth to neutral-coloured palettes.
Style the skirt with our Anabelle Shirt in White, a versatile piece crafted from 100% premium cotton. It includes a concealed placket, a classic point collar and gold button closures at the neck and cuffs. This shirt provides a clean, sharp look, proving that true style often lies in the details.
Refresh your look with statement prints
Neutral tones like beige, oyster and taupe create an ideal canvas for prints. Whether it’s delicate pinstripes, checks or florals, a well-chosen print adds character to your outfit. They rejuvenate your work wardrobe, infusing it with a touch of individuality and contemporary style.
How to accessorise neutral outfits
Accessories are the secret to wearing head-to-toe neutrals without looking plain or predictable. Incorporating subtle textures, tactile accents and pops of colour can instantly transform your outfit from simple to stunning.
Go bold with jewellery
Choose sculptural gold earrings, a chunky resin bracelet or a statement necklace with natural stones. These pieces stand out beautifully against neutral coloured maxi dresses and blouses.
Choose the right bag
Opt for a structured tote in a jewel tone, a textured leather cross-body or an embellished clutch to add contrast to your neutral looks.
Layer different textures
Breathe life into muted tones with a patterned cashmere or silk scarf. Tie it around your neck, drape it over your shoulders or knot it onto your handbag.
Choosing what shoe colours to wear with neutral dresses and tops
Shoes are another great way to add tactile touches to your minimalist workwear. Here are some tips:
Add depth with dark tones
Black or deep brown shoes are a reliable way to ground your neutral outfits. Whether it’s sleek black pumps or classic loafers, darker tones complement nearly every neutral shade.
Play with vibrant hues
Add a fun twist to your neutral ensembles with shoes in eye-catching shades like emerald green, rich red or striking cobalt blue.
Consider seasonal colours
Soft pastel shoes, like blush pink, powder blue or mint green are go-to choices for spring and summer. When the cooler months arrive, rich autumnal tones such as burgundy or forest green ensure your workwear evolves with the seasons.
Reinvent your professional wardrobe with Perri Cutten
Knowing how to dress in neutral tones ensures you stay stylish, composed and ready to conquer whatever the day brings. At Perri Cutten, we offer pants, outerwear, tops and dresses in neutral colours, offering endless styling possibilities.
Every piece in our women’s workwear range lends a premium edge to your wardrobe. Crafted from breathable and tough materials, they offer comfort and resilience that fit into the demands of a modern workplace.
Shop online or explore our collection in one of our seven boutiques and select David Jones stores across Australia. We also ship internationally to New Zealand, the USA, the UK, Canada, France, Hong Kong and Singapore.
