The colour beige has copped some flack over the years for being a nothing colour, a hue that's been reduced to non-offensive wall paints and the colour of our national cricket team's distinctive uniform from the 80s. It is the the colour of blandness and can probably attribute most of its fashionable revival to that don't-look-at-me norm core sub-trend that's well and truly made its presence felt over the past two seasons. Fashion's constant obsession with change and renewal often provides an opportunity to start the new season fresh with a blank slate, and shades of beige provide a calming and elegant option for both work and weekend.
It's also come into its own this season as several designers explore its varied shades, from elegant mocha hues to blissed-out taupes, teaming them with other seasonal tones of khaki green, navy and brown.
While a strong 70s revival is a key story for next season, beige provides the perfect starting point to ease into retro-inspired separates, from Loewe's coffee-coloured flared pants to Prada's A-line skirts. Close to home, that prim 70s mood can also be felt in Kate Sylvester's beautiful collection as well as the languid Halston-style draped dresses from Miss Crabb.
1 C & M trench coat, $265. Penny Sage skirt, $420. Tatjana Panyoczki 18 carat gold earrings, $1670, from Fingers. Skin heels, $180.
2 Karen Walker jacket, $520. Kate Sylvester skirt, $295. Senso sandals, $295. Lewis Fredericks "The Larkin" horn sunglasses, $435. Levante tights, $18.99, from Farmers.
3 Penny Sage dress, $420. Deadly Ponies bag, $1200. Stella McCartney brogues, $995, from Runway.
4 Miss Crabb wrap dress, $550. Kagi gold chain, $149. Verali platform mules, $89.90, from Wild Pair.
5 Julian Danger dress, $265. Miss Wilson boots, $399.
6 Kate Sylvester top, $295. Sue Park skirt, $599. Trelise Cooper necklace, $80. Catwalk heels, $89.90, from Wild Pair.
