Boston in Black and White
Boston in black and white
by Leo Lukaszevicz
In the bustling city of Boston, a new fashion trend has taken hold: neutrals. From the vibrant streets of Back Bay to the historic alleys of Beacon Hill, Bostonians have been loving neutral colors in their everyday attire, creating a fashion movement that is both minimalist and chic.
Nathalia Castrillon is a contemporary fashion designer who owns her own ethical and sustainable brand, Nathalia JMag, which will be featured on the runway at this year’s Boston Fashion Week. When picturing the fall and winter fashion season, she explained that Bostonians’ favorite shades are “definitely neutral colors,” the most popular being “beige, browns, black, and gray.”
One of the primary reasons for this shift towards neutral colors is the timeless elegance they exude. Neutral shades are versatile and can be effortlessly incorporated into various outfits, whether it's a business meeting or a casual brunch. The simplicity of these tones shift the outfit’s focus to the cut and fit of their clothing, resulting in a more refined and polished appearance. Castrillon says there are a lot of “serious” jobs in the city, and that neutrals are an easy way for people to look fashionable on the go.
Neutral colors also make mixing and matching clothing pieces a breeze. This is particularly appealing to busy city-goers who value efficiency and practicality. A neutral color palette eliminates the need for elaborate color coordination, reducing the time and effort required to put together an outfit. “Obviously there are people who experiment with their style,” Castrillon said, “especially college aged people and students at the art schools. But in general, people tend to be minimalistic and blend in with the crowd.”
This minimalist lifestyle of mixing and matching select neutral pieces has gained traction across multiple cities, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity. In Boston, many residents are adopting minimalist principles, favoring a smaller, high-quality wardrobe filled with timeless neutral pieces that can be worn for years without the worry of their more pricey pieces going out of style. This also helps with sustainability, eliminating fast fashion trends and highlighting long lasting, multi-use clothing pieces.
“I think another part of the culture that impacts the minimalist, neutral style is the weather,” Castrillon stated. Boston is known for its ever-changing weather, and neutral colors are well-suited for this city's climate. Lightweight, beige trench coats, gray sweaters, and taupe boots seamlessly transition from the cool, crisp days of autumn to the snowy landscapes of winter, making them a practical choice for locals.
As Boston continues to evolve as a fashion-forward city, it's likely that the neutral color trend will remain a staple in the local style scene. The practicality, versatility, and elegance of neutrals make them an essential choice for Boston locals navigating the demands of urban living. Castrillon predicts we’ll see these neutral colors intertwine with rising fall and winter trends, including specific staple pieces like “puffers, platform boots, and wide-leg pants.”
Overall, the fashion landscape in Boston is undergoing a subtle, yet profound, transformation as neutral colors take center stage. This shift reflects the city's evolving tastes, the embrace of timeless attire, and minimalist lifestyle. Inspired by the weather or personal preference, those living in Boston have discovered that there's an undeniable allure to dressing in neutrals, proving that sometimes, less truly is more.
Until next Monday,
Leo
Photo: Pinterest