What To Wear With Green

Fall has arrived! I usually start the season with a comprehensive color and style trend report, but this year I thought I’d break the trends down into bite-sized pieces. I’m starting with a trend that was huge at the fall fashion shows, and on social media: the color green.

There are four shades of green that I’m seeing the most:

• Pistachio: a pale green (that may also be called sage or light olive.)
• Avocado: a bright yellow-green. (Pantone calls this color Guacamole.)
• Olive: a dark yellow-green.
• Forest: a dark blue-green.

Whether you want to wear these colors from head-to-toe, or in tiny accents, here’s what to wear with green…

Fall Foliage Colors

Greens, oranges, and yellows are analogous colors on the color wheel so they look gorgeous together. (Take a look at my post One Color You Should Always Wear for a simple explanation of color theory.) You only need to take a look at fall foliage to see what I mean.

Banana Republic’s Fit And Flare Dress in Orange Rust would look lovely with their Multi Stone Stretch Bracelet in pistachio.

This Tory Burch Miller Color-Block Mini Shoulder Bag combines olive with two shades of orange.

Take a look at this Topshop Boiler Jumpsuit which would look cute with a rust belt bag like the Simple Pouch Belt Bag from Madewell.

Blues

Blue and green are also analogous on the color wheel. Choose any shade of blue from pale blue, to denim to navy.

Throw on a casual olive top like this Ann Taylor Snap Trim Sweater with your favorite jeans.

I just bought these Athleta Bakasana 7/8 Tight In Powervita™ tights in Dragonfly Green. These are the first pair of tights that I’ve bought that isn’t navy or black, so I’m playing it safe by wearing it with my favorite navy top!

My nail polish is O.P.I.’s Things I’ve Seen in Aber-green from their Scotland Collection. I love how it looks against the dusty blue Teva sandals that I wore all summer (and will for as much of fall as possible!)

When it gets too cold for sandals, I’ll switch to the olive booties that I bought during the fall pre-season sales.

Light Pinks And Purples

Green and reds are complementary colors (opposite sides of the color wheel) so they also look good together. To avoid looking like your holiday decor, use hints of red (i.e. pink and purple.)

I love these Madewell Side-Walk Low Top Sneakers In Color Block Sneakers in olive with a touch of light pink.

Ann Taylor’s Floral Silk Little Scarf incorporates forest with light pinks. This would look beautiful with a pink or light yellow blouse and neutral pants.

Metallic And Neutral Colors

You can always wear green with neutral colors (white, gray, beige, black) or metallics (silver, gold, or bronze.)

This Rebel Nell Nicole Pendant Necklace combines shades of olive and avocado with silver.

If you like a little sparkle in your clothing, take a look at Anthropologie’s Sequinned Cargo Shirt.

Neutrals are a nice way to tone down bold colors. I am thinking about buying this Everlane Japanese Go Weave Swing Skirt which is in a bright avocado that is way out of my comfort zone. Wearing it with a black or navy top would help!

What Not To Wear With Green

Okay, I’m sure some celebrity or model will prove me wrong, but I’m going to stand by these don’ts…

• Don’t wear solid green with red (hello, Christmas.) If they’re mixed with other colors, or in a print, it’s probably okay.
• No matching your tights with your green dress (hello, Christmas Elf!)
• Don’t wear a green dress with brown tights or tall boots (hello, Christmas tree!)

More Green Inspiration

You’ll find more inspiration and shopping options on my Pinterest Boards. Take a look and let me know what you think! Will you be wearing green this fall?