French Blue Is the New Neutral

French Blue Is the New Neutral
📍 Greenwich, Connecticut

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Every season has its signature color, and I’ve found myself gravitating toward something a timeless hue this Spring: French blue. Elegant, timeless, and just unexpected enough, this particular shade has become a standout in my wardrobe—not as a bold statement, but as a new kind of neutral. It’s a hue that sits somewhere between chambray and slate, offering all the versatility of navy or beige but with a refreshing twist.

I first fell in love with French blue through a pair of tailored trousers I picked up on a whim. They struck the perfect balance between structured and feminine, classic and cool. I styled them with a cream pussy-bow blouse, a black jacket, and my favorite nude block heels for brunch in Greenwich on an unseasonably cool day. The look felt effortless, but elevated—the kind of outfit you don’t have to think twice about, yet still makes you feel pulled together.

That’s the magic of French blue—it works with almost anything. Much like camel or white or navy, it acts as a grounding color, one you can build an entire look around. But unlike those traditional neutrals, French blue offers a bit more personality. It feels intentional. Chic. A little Parisian, even. And because it’s not overdone, it feels fresh in a way that a typical beige or black just doesn’t right now.

Since that first outfit, I’ve been experimenting with ways to incorporate more of this shade into my everyday style. It pairs beautifully with white cotton poplin, rich chocolate brown, soft grey, and even unexpected shades like olive or bright red. One of my favorite recent pairings? A French blue striped shirt from Sézane tucked into white jeans, finished with red Margaux ballet flats and a straw bag for a walk with Brennan on a warm afternoon. It felt polished but playful—easy enough for a walk along the water, but pulled together enough to stop for lunch somewhere charming. That’s the sweet spot I always try to find.

What’s even better is that French blue transitions beautifully across seasons. It’s light enough to wear in spring and summer, but rich enough to layer with deeper hues in fall and winter. Picture it with a chunky camel knit, or under a navy wool coat with suede boots. It also works well across textures—from crisp cotton and linen to silk, wool, and tweed. It’s a true chameleon, and one I’ll be wearing far beyond the current trend cycle.

There’s also a certain mood that comes with French blue—one that feels calm, confident, and quietly luxurious. It reminds me of vintage French workwear and the blue of Parisian doors. It feels classic without being boring. And it fits right into the aesthetic I’m always chasing: polished, feminine, and just a little bit European.

If you’re looking to update your wardrobe with something that feels both fresh and timeless, French blue is an easy place to start. You don’t need to overhaul your closet—just try swapping in a pair of French blue trousers, a silky blouse, or even a colorful handbag. Add it to the rotation of your favorite denim, your go-to white tee, or the everyday knits you already love. It’s the kind of color that plays well with others, but still knows how to stand on its own.

So yes, I’m officially declaring French blue the new neutral. Not because it replaces anything, but because it enhances everything. And in a season where we’re all looking for simplicity with a touch of elegance, it might just be the color that does it all.

Love from Connecticut,
Katie

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