Earthy colors bring warmth and depth to any wardrobe. Inspired by nature’s palette – think clay, sand, olive, rust, terracotta, browns, and deep forest green – they evoke a sense of pared-down chic, calm, and connection to the world around us. Unlike ultra-trendy shades, they stand the test of time and are quietly elegant, very versatile, and flattering on a range of skin tones. And right now they’re right on trend too. Let’s take a look at how to wear earthy colors.
What are earthy colors?
So, what exactly do we mean by earthy colors? They draw from the natural environment. They include rich browns, soft tans, muted greens, ochres, warm creams, and dusty oranges. You can also think about dusky rose, brick red, and golden mustard. They tend to have warm undertones, often with a slightly muted finish that feels organic and understated.
Why wear them?
While you might naturally think about them for Fall, they work beautifully in every season, layering effortlessly with one another or acting as a neutral base for more vibrant pieces or neutrals. These shades can add warmth to your look without overwhelming it, and they bring a sense of quiet luxury: refined, subtle, and sophisticated. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist capsule wardrobe, love a natural style, or simply want clothes that feel timeless and earthy, earthy colors make dressing feel easier and more intentional.
Kim @kimair above opts for a beautiful, silky, coordinated set.
Steal her look with this similar shirt (another option here), pants (another option here), sandals, handbag and earrings.
Who Suits Earth Tones?
The beauty of earthy colors is that they suit a wide variety of people. If you have warm tones in your skin and hair, these shades will naturally enhance your complexion. However, even those with cool undertones can wear earth tones—opt for cooler versions like olive, taupe, or charcoal brown. Or wear earth tones away from your face. The key is choosing depth and contrast that complement your natural coloring. For example, deeper skin tones look stunning in terracotta, burnt sienna, and mustard, while fairer skin tones often glow in soft camel, sage green, and sandstone.
Brands that often carry earthy colors
Some of the brands we’ve noticed that feature lots of earthy colors at the moment are:
How to wear earthy colors
Start simple: pair a white tee with olive trousers, or layer a rust cardigan over a black dress. Earth tones also pair beautifully with denim, black, or even soft pastels. Try mixing textures—cotton, linen, suede, and knits all add richness to these grounded shades. And don’t forget accessories: a tan leather bag or pair of camel boots can tie an outfit together in a warm, effortless way.
Below, you can see a capsule wardrobe built with earthy colors that are sure to inspire you to add more of these stylish shades to your outfits.
tops
These tones are incredibly versatile, pairing well with both neutrals and bolder shades, and they tend to complement a wide range of skin tones, so they’re perfect to wear with your existing jeans, white, or black pants. Just choose your favorite earthy color and look out for a top in the style you love best.
J.Crew Baird McNutt Irish Linen Garçon Classic Shirt – J.Crew Squareneck Button-back Linen Top – J.Crew Ramie Puff-sleeve Top – J.Crew Asymmetrical Lyocell Top
Below, you can see how you can combine olive with white.
J.Crew Asymmetrical Lyocell Top – M.M.LaFleur The Abby Eco Better Than Denim Jean – J.Crew Carsen Slingback Sandals – Donna Karan New York Valley Stream Flap Crossbody – M.M.LaFleur The Quinn Dipped Earrings
jackets and coats
Opt for a blazer in a deep olive green rather than your usual black, choose a poncho in an earthy peach, or choose a coat in a soft brown. Look out for textures like suede which will perfectly complement natural shades.
M.M.LaFleur The Moreland OrigamiTech Travel Blazer – MANGO Suede Jacket – MANGO Belt Lyocell Trench – J.Crew Cashmere-wool Blend Poncho
Combining earthy shades with denim works perfectly, as shown below.
MANGO Belt Lyocell Trench – M.M.LaFleur The Nora Eco Soft Wave Top – rag & bone Lisbon Denim Midi Skirt – J.Crew Krista Leather Slingback Kitten-heel Sandals – ALDO Willam Clutch – MANGO Resin Beaded Drop Earrings – Nordstrom Metallic Lightweight Wrap
Pants and jeans
Choosing pants in earthy colors—like khaki, olive, clay, taupe, or deep brown—is a smart way to build a versatile and stylish wardrobe. Perfect to wear with your existing white shirts and t-shirts.
M.M.LaFleur The Rina OrigamiTech Sculptural Pant – J.Crew Wide-leg Essential Linen Pant – J.Crew Stratus Textured Satin Pant – MANGO Linen-blend Suit Bermuda Shorts
Sharryn @hestylishwoman above showcases a stylish outfit composed of earthy shades with a pop of neon.
Check out this similar top, pants (another option here), flats, sling bag, earrings, necklace, head scarf, belt, and sunglasses.
Dresses and skirts
While earthy colors are often associated with fall, skirts and dresses in olive and terracotta work wonderfully for summer too. Pair with neutral or metallic sandals.
M.M.LaFleur The Artemis OrigamiTech Travel Dress – J.Crew Halter Mixy Dress – Loveappella V-Neck Jersey Maxi Dress – J.Crew Gwyneth Flounce-hem Linen Slip Skirt
M.M.LaFleur The Artemis OrigamiTech Travel Dress – J.Crew Carsen Metallic Ankle-strap Sandals – Donna Karan New York Valley Stream Flap Crossbody – M.M.LaFleur The Quinn Dipped Earrings – Ettika Seastone Pendant Necklace
shoes
Choosing a pair of shoes in a new color is the ideal way to update your existing closet. Wear with your summer dresses or to dress up your jeans.
Rockport Hennly Heeled Sandals – J.Crew Carsen Slingback Sandals – Donald Pliner Clodie Slide Sandals – Tory Burch Phoenix Sneakers
MANGO Suede Jacket – M.M.LaFleur The Nora Eco Soft Wave Top – J.Crew Slim-wide Jean – Tory Burch Phoenix Sneakers – Donna Karan New York Valley Stream Flap Crossbody – MANGO Resin Beaded Drop Earrings – Elizabetta Vicenza Wool & Silk Scarf
Accessories
Earthy-colored accessories pair beautifully with a wide range of colors, acting as a neutral.
Donna Karan New York Valley Stream Flap Crossbody – MANGO Long Flora Earrings – MANGO Resin Beaded Drop Earrings – Elizabetta Vicenza Wool & Silk Scarf
Carmen @carmen_gimeno above mixes a combination of earthy shades to stylish aplomb.
Get her look with this similar dress (another option here), sandals, handbag, belt, necklace (another option here) and sunglasses.
What to wear with earth colors – some ideas
You can, of course, mix up your earthy colors together to create very stylish outfits. However, you may want to add other shades to the mix.
Below, you can see some of our favorite colors to combine with earthy shades.
White and ivory
White and ivory pair beautifully with earthy colors, creating a soft, natural contrast that feels both fresh and grounded. These light neutrals bring a sense of brightness and balance to the rich warmth of tones like olive, terracotta, rust, camel, and taupe. While pure white adds crispness and clarity—ideal for modern, clean-lined looks—ivory offers a subtler, more organic feel that complements the muted depth of earthy hues. Whether it’s an ivory blouse tucked into moss-green trousers or a white tee layered under a clay-colored jacket, these combinations evoke an effortless, nature-inspired elegance that works year-round.
We think this is the perfect way to wear earthy colors during the summer.
Favorite Daughter The Favorite Blazer – M.M.LaFleur The Nora Eco Soft Wave Top – M.M.LaFleur The Abby Eco Better Than Denim Jean – M.M.LaFleur The Quinn Dipped Earrings
Cathy @themiddlepageblog above wears an ivory blouse with her olive jeans.
Recreate her outfit with this similar blouse, jeans, pumps, necklace, belt, bag and sunglasses.
denim
Whatever denim you already have in your closet will complement your earthy shades. Denim is a timeless wardrobe staple that pairs effortlessly with earthy colors because of its natural, grounded aesthetic. The classic blue of denim—whether light-washed, indigo, or even black—provides a cool contrast to warm, nature-inspired tones like terracotta, olive, sand, or rust. This balance of cool and warm shades creates a harmonious look that feels relaxed yet put-together. Denim’s rugged texture also complements the soft, matte finish of many earthy fabrics, enhancing the overall tactile appeal of an outfit. Whether it’s denim jeans with a sage-green sweater or a chambray shirt over brown trousers, denim acts as a neutral anchor that enhances the richness of earthy tones.
J.Crew Étienne Cropped Button-up Chambray Shirt – Rails Portola Denim Vest – J.Crew Slim-wide Jean – rag & bone Lisbon Denim Midi Skirt
Rails Portola Denim Vest – J.Crew Gwyneth Flounce-hem Linen Slip Skirt – Donald Pliner Clodie Slide Sandals – Donna Karan New York Valley Stream Flap Crossbody – MANGO Long Flora Earrings
Colors on the opposite spectrum
Wearing colors from the opposite end of the spectrum to earthy tones—such as bright jewel tones, pastels, or cool, saturated hues—can create a bold, eye-catching contrast that energizes your look. Shades like cobalt blue, fuchsia, teal, or lavender stand out sharply against more muted, grounded colors, making for a striking and modern aesthetic. These combinations work especially well when you want to add a pop of personality or elevate a neutral base with unexpected color. Mixing earthy with vibrant can also reflect a balance between natural calm and confident self-expression, giving your outfit both depth and dimension.
Open Edit Everyday One-Button Linen Blend Blazer – J.Crew 6″ Harbor Linen Short – J.Crew Krista Leather Slingback Kitten-heel Sandals – Nordstrom Cashmere & Silk Wrap
Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above opts for a sky blue shirt with her beige pants.
Get her look with this similar shirt, pants, flats, handbag, earrings and scarf.
metallics
Gold and metallics pair beautifully with earthy colors, adding a touch of warmth, sophistication, and subtle glamour. Because earthy tones like olive, terracotta, sand, and rust are naturally muted and grounded, metallic accents—especially in gold, bronze, or copper—can elevate the overall look without overwhelming it. Whether it’s a gold necklace against a deep brown top, bronze sandals with a clay-colored dress, or a metallic belt over a khaki jumpsuit, these elements bring light and richness that complement the organic feel of earthy shades.
J.Crew Carsen Metallic Ankle-strap Sandals – ALDO Willam Clutch – Ettika Seastone Pendant Necklace – Nordstrom Metallic Lightweight Wrap
Do you already have earthy colors in your closet for this season, or are you planning to add some? Let us know in the comments below if you’re considering adding earthy colors to your wardrobe.
Examples of earthy colors outfits you can wear
Below, you can see the outfits you can create from some of the items featured above, so you can see how you might wear earthy colors this season.
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Continue reading:
- How to make your wardrobe basics shine
- A capsule wardrobe and style guide for the NATURAL style personality
- Natural colors for an effortlessly chic look
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Feature image by Kim @kimair
The post Nature’s palette: how to wear earthy colors appeared first on 40+ Style.