Here are some ways to make the shift into neutral this summer:

— Start with white jeans. Find a pair of well-fitting white jeans to anchor any other neutral or even bright colored tops and jackets. White denim can instantly give your warm-weather wardrobe a fresh look.

— Wear white with white. Pairing white separates together is one of the newest trends on the spring runways. Some designers even paraded white tailored shorts and matching jackets down the catwalk — all part of the sleek minimalist trend in neutral ensembles.

— Build a wardrobe of neutrals. Keep your summer pieces to a minimum of two or three key colors — white, tan or gray — in basic pieces: one pair of jeans, one pair of capris, a long skirt, one jacket and several T-shirts or tops. Then you'll have ready access to neutrals that will blend with each other as well as other colorful items you already own.

— Mix it all up. Another sophisticated way to update your style quotient. One of the most popular neutral combinations on the summer scene: taupe with white or darker khaki and tan with ivory. Keep the darker color on the bottom for a more flattering silhouette.

— Think texture. Neutrals don't have to be boring. Look for details like open-weave knits, lace, embroidery, pleats, ruching or fabrics with a little shine. Layered over a matching tank or tee, crochet cotton sweaters are a great way to transition from cool spring days to warm summer nights. Whatever you do, however, keep your neutral pieces light and breezy in soft fabrics like silky blends and cool cottons.

— Add neutral accessories. Love the head-to-toe white look? Then give it even more of a "cool" summer vibe with tan accessories, such as a straw fedora or a camel-colored leather messenger bag, tortoise-shell sunglasses or flat-braided huarache sandals. Gold jewelry is the perfect accent for whites and tans; stick to silver for white and grays.

I've never been a fan of white shoes (something I remember from my childhood filled with years of Easter Sunday, white patent Mary Janes). But a word to the fashion wise: Unless you have wonderful feet and legs, steer clear of them.

— Pop in prints. There are lots of prints that coordinate with neutrals of course, but one of the classic ways to give your neutrals a dash of panache is pairing them with animal prints. They're an easy way to add a little excitement to a soft color palette. Throw in an animal-printed swimsuit or top when you pack easy neutrals for a beach getaway, and you've got a glamorous change of pace for day or night.

— Liven up with color. OK, even if you're a chic minimalist and love living in neutrals, you can add a little color to your summer style basics. Scarves are one of the best ways to give your neutral outfits a vibrant punch of color. And handbags and shoes can add some color, too.

— Consider your skin tone. Think about your skin tone when choosing your whites. Since pure whites often have a blue undertone, they look best on people who have cooler skin tones; creamier off-whites usually look best on people with warmer skin tones.

Photo: This summer, one of the best ways to put your wardrobe into neutral is to add a pair of white jeans. Top it off with a white blouse for even more chic style. Photo courtesy of Gap Inc.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association.