Neutral colors are the building blocks of any outfit, especially for the classic summer dress. A white or beige dress is the epitome of summer apparel, reflecting summer’s light and earthy tone. The summer dress is a classic and essential piece to any wardrobe. People worry about neutral being too bland or too simple, but there are endless possibilities for this basic closet staple.

I spotted this Fashionista showcasing her classic dress with a variety of twists. Her dress, composed of white and beige stripes, is a common pattern but unique to this summer classic. The neutral colors highlight the Fashionista’s complexion and the cut of the dress creates an elegant look. The detailing of three small bundled flowers decoratively attached to her waistline highlights her figure and enhances the dress’s distinctiveness. She adds additional color by accessorizing, and successfully doesn’t overwhelm the simplicity of her outfit. This Fashionista cleverly mixes prints by combining a multicolored striped scarf to complement her dress while establishing her outfit’s color palette. She picks two colors from her scarf and picks them up in her accessories. Gladiator sandals and a leather burgundy cross-body bag provide contrast between her accessories and dress.

To replicate this look, find a neutral colored dress as the focus of your outfit and build by adding accents of color through accessories, such as a light textured scarf. Make sure to keep within a particular color scheme. Selecting too many colors will detract from the outfit’s simplicity. Neutralize this summer’s heat wave with this timeless summer dress.