Shade akin to cream

BEIGE

Think of a neutral color often used in interior design that sits between white and light brown, named after a French word for natural wool.

"Shade akin to cream" points to a light, neutral color similar to cream but slightly darker or more muted. The answer is "BEIGE," a common term for this pale, warm tone often used in fashion and design. The clue plays on the comparison between two soft, off-white shades—cream being brighter and beige more subdued. It’s a straightforward definition without hidden wordplay.