I love a good beige. Taupe. Tawny. Bisque. Heathered Flax. Pale Aloe! They all work for me. These colors remind me of the J.Crew Catalogue from the 80s with all of their tempting shades of neutral. They all sound so chic and muted. Bark. Oak. Oatmeal. I remember being tempted by every Classic Merino Cardigan and Sequin Cami.
It seems the world is really embracing this “sad beige” aesthetic and it’s continuing to grow in popularity. Suddenly the fashion folks along with interior designers and even party planners are getting in on the trend. And baby’s rooms! Have you seen the gorgeous creme bedding and marshmallow fluff balloon arrangements? They are the definition of whisper quiet luxury.
Enter Kim Kardashian’s famous “minimal monastery” look of nothing on the walls, a strangely stark interior, barely furnished but with a big sofa and not a vibrant shade in sight. I can’t say I like the overall aesthetic but the colors? Yes please.
Who could forget Julia Roberts dynamic performance in Steel Magnolias. The newly engaged Shelby is asked by Truvy played by Dolly Parton what weddin’ colors she has chosen for her big southern celebration. Her reply? “Mah colors are blush and bashful.” Indeed. I’ve taken to using this line all the time. It’s just the perfect answer for so many questions. (What are you wearing to the conference? Mah colors are blush and bashful.)
Even Pantone’s color of the year for 2025 is Mocha Mousse. Look at that gorgeous scoop of mmmm. It looks positively delicious. I can picture a cozy cashmere sweater and flowy pants to match echoing that rich neutral. Of course complemented by an oversize scarf in a shade just a touch lighter… maybe a mocha foam for instance? Ooooo. How lux! And almond milk suede shoes to complete the look? Perfection. With a cappuccino overcoat you could walk a runway, honey.
The concept is fresh. Clean. The soothing warmth of those blendy hues of whites and creams with just a hit of camel or caramel or honey. I’m not a coffee drinker but I love the look of a latte. It’s so refined. Foamy. Frothy. Swirly. Inviting. Whipped cream topping colored. It’s a yes.
And with a nod to none other than Miranda Priestly herself, it appears that monochromatic light colors are the groundbreakers this spring. I guess the devil is in the earthy details.
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