If 2019 was the year of loud neons and statement-making animal prints, 2020 [1] is the year we're letting neutrals do all the talking. From solids and plaids to oatmeal and buttery off-white, this particular spectrum of tones has been catching our attention on Instagram recently. Lucky for you, we've scoured Banana Republic's [2] website to find all of the neutral pieces your closet needs.
Sure, these shades might feel more subdued and the pieces less in-your-face, but that also makes them more wearable. Minimalists [3] and those with a more classic style may have felt excluded from last year's statement trends, but with neutrals, it's easy for everyone to join the party. Want to keep it extra casual? Just add your favourite denim [4]. Feeling a little more bold? Go for a monochrome outfit instead. Ahead, we've rounded up a handful of neutral looks that made us stop scrolling on Instagram — and included a similar Banana Republic piece you can shop instantly. Keep scrolling for serious outfit inspiration.
How to Style: A Camel Sweater
Your waist isn't the only place to tie your sweaters; follow the lead of Instagram's most fashionable crowd by tying it across your chest. This method can dress up a simple t-shirt-and-jeans look, or be used to add an interesting element to a dress or skirt, too.
Chunky Oversized Sweater
Chunky Oversized Sweater [5] ($90)
How to Style: A Knit Cardigan
It's not that cardigans ever went anywhere, but there's no denying that they're back and trendier than ever. There are limitless ways to wear one, but for an ultracasual option, try some sweatpants, white sneakers, and a low-key statement bag. Consider the off-duty look mastered.
Classic-Fit Washable Bi-Stretch Blazer
Classic-Fit Washable Bi-Stretch Blazer [6] ($199)
How to Style: A Quilted Jacket
For a more medium-weather version of an oversized puffer, add a beige quilted jacket to your wardrobe. The tone is fresh and bright for Spring, yet more neutral than a colourful pastel. To create a street-style outfit NYC girls would be envious of, pair your jacket with pants and coordinating accessories in the same hue.
Water-Resistant Quilted Jacket
Water-Resistant Quilted Jacket [7] ($169)
How to Style: A Long Teddy Coat
The zip-up teddy coat that sparked the trend in 2017 might be losing traction, but the fabric it's made from is still circulating around the fashion world. Just look at this outfit for proof. The longer length and defined structure give it a totally reimagined feel.
Sherpa Cocoon Coat
Sherpa Cocoon Coat [8] ($229)
How to Style: High-Waisted Dress Pants
Dress pants may be extremely traditional, but that doesn't mean they aren't stylish. Create an Insta-worthy outfit (or a work look that will seriously impress your coworkers) by combining your pants with a turtleneck sweater, short trench, and heeled boots in a similar shade.
Japan Exclusive Logan Trouser-Fit Pleated Cropped Pants
Japan Exclusive Logan Trouser-Fit Pleated Cropped Pants [9] ($120)
How to Style: A Satin Top With Statement Sleeves
Want to elevate your favourite jeans with as little effort as possible? Just add some shine to your blouse collection with the help of satin and silk. (And maybe some statement sleeves, too).
Satin Smocked-Sleeve Blouse
Satin Smocked-Sleeve Blouse [10] ($63, originally $80)
How to Style: A Slip-Style Camisole
Slip-style pieces are everywhere right now, and it's easy to see why. Thanks to their shiny look (see the previous slide) and relaxed, low-key sexy feel, they make every outfit look that much more fancy. For the most subtle way to try the trend, style a slip camisole with a denim skirt and blazer.
Washable Silk Cowl-Neck Camisole
Washable Silk Cowl-Neck Camisole [11] ($99)
How to Style: A Classic Trench
One must-have piece in both the outerwear and neutral categories is a trench coat. Timeless, structured, and as versatile as they come, you'll never stop finding new ways to style it. This look shows it paired with white sneakers and blue dress for a subtle pop of colour that still feels neutral.
Water-Resistant Trench Coat
Water-Resistant Trench Coat [12] ($228)
How to Style: A Plaid Blazer
Neutrals and patterns aren't mutually exclusive; this matching suit showcases just how nicely they can play together. If you're not quite ready to go all out, start by adding just the plaid blazer to your closet. No matter how you wear it, your outfit is guaranteed to feel put-together and stylish.
Classic-Fit Washable Bi-Stretch Blazer
Classic-Fit Washable Bi-Stretch Blazer [13] ($199)
How to Style: A Cropped Jacket
A cropped collared jacket is extremely casual, but when you pair it with matching pants, it can take on a whole new life. This outfit, for example, looks just as good for running errands as it would for grabbing after-work drinks with friends.
Fuzzy Trucker Jacket
Fuzzy Trucker Jacket [14] ($159)
How to Style: An Oatmeal Blazer
Want to reinvent your favourite neutral blazer? Just add a belt. Thick or thin, with a statement buckle or without, it'll completely change everything you know about how to style your blazer. Finish things off with neutral accessories that ensure the belt is still the focal point of the outfit.
Classic-Fit Flannel Blazer
Classic-Fit Flannel Blazer [15] ($199)
How to Style: A Turtleneck Sweater
Turtleneck sweaters will never stop impressing us. Not only are they versatile, but they manage to keep our necks warm in any temperature. For another way to wear your favourite one, try combining it with a pair of snakeskin pants and black boots.
Turtleneck Sweater
Turtleneck Sweater [16] ($99)
How to Style: Tapered Pants
We've been giving extra love to wide leg pants lately, but tapered styles still deserve attention, too. If you've got a big meeting or important event coming up, pair yours with a coordinating blazer and heels in a unique shade.
High-Rise Tapered Pant
High-Rise Tapered Pant [17] ($99)
How to Style: A Half-Zip Sweater
There's just something about a half-zip sweater that feels like the perfect piece of loungewear, even compared to its hooded and full-zip counterparts. It also feels inherently more fashionable. For the ultimate weekend outfit, style a buttery half-zip with a pair of relaxed-fit pants — jeans, trousers, or anything in between.
Ribbed Half-Zip Sweater
Ribbed Half-Zip Sweater [18] ($129)
How to Style: An Off-White Blazer
If you feel like you've exhausted all of the ways to style your favourite blazer, have you tried showing a little leg? Accomplish this look by wearing an oversized blazer with a miniskirt and knee-high boots, or bike shorts and sneakers.
Long and Lean-Fit Tuxedo Blazer
Long and Lean-Fit Tuxedo Blazer [19] ($149, originally $199)
