How to Wear Olive Green & 18 Colors to Pair This Fall

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By Sara Nawaz

Olive green is having a major moment this fall, and it’s easy to see why. This earthy, versatile hue is not only flattering on a wide range of skin tones, but it’s also incredibly easy to style. Whether you’re looking for casual, work-appropriate, or dressy outfit ideas, olive green can seamlessly fit into your wardrobe. Let’s explore how to wear olive green effortlessly with these chic outfit ideas. Perfect for every occasion and season. Style tips to boost your wardrobe.

How to Wear Olive Green

The History of Olive Green

Olive green has a rich history rooted in both fashion and symbolism. The color gets its name from the olive fruit, and historically, it has been associated with peace, thanks to the olive branch symbol. Beyond its symbolic meaning, olive green was first popularized in military uniforms, giving it a strong, utilitarian edge. Over time, it has become a fashion staple, especially during the fall months, because of its warm and grounding undertones.

Why Olive Green Works for Fall

Fall is the perfect season to embrace deeper, more muted tones, and olive green fits the bill perfectly. As nature’s colors shift to warmer hues, olive green mirrors this transformation, making it an ideal shade for your fall wardrobe. It pairs well with other seasonal colors like browns, oranges, and deep reds, but it also works with neutral shades like black and white.

How to Wear Olive Green

Olive green is a soothing and grounding color. It’s tied to nature, evoking feelings of calm and stability, much like the serene effect of being surrounded by trees and greenery. Wearing olive green can make you feel more connected to the earth, offering a sense of balance and peace. So, not only is it a visually appealing color, but it can also positively affect your mood.

Shades of Olive Green

Olive green isn’t a one-size-fits-all color. There are variations that lean warmer or cooler, depending on the undertones. Some olive greens have a yellowish base, making them warmer and great for pairing with earthy tones, while others have a bluish tint, making them cooler and ideal for pairing with more neutral or dark shades. Knowing the different shades helps you choose the one that flatters your skin tone the most.

18 Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the fun part—styling olive green! Here are some of the best colors to pair with this chic hue: Whether you’re dressing up or down, these combinations are sure to create a cohesive, stylish look. Here are 18 stylish outfit ideas pairing olive green with various colors:

1. Olive Green + White

Pair olive green cargo pants with a crisp white blouse for a clean and fresh look. Complete it with white sneakers or sandals for a casual yet chic outfit.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Olive Green + White)

2. Olive Green + Ivory or Cream

An olive green blazer over a cream-colored sweater with matching cream pants creates a sophisticated, neutral-toned outfit that’s perfect for work or brunch.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Olive Green + Ivory or Cream)

3. Olive Green + Black

Wear an olive green midi skirt with a fitted black turtleneck. Add black ankle boots and a black handbag for an edgy, sleek look.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Olive Green + Black)

4. Olive Green + Brown

An olive green utility jacket over a brown knit dress and brown boots creates a cozy fall ensemble. Add a brown leather belt to cinch the waist for added flair.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Olive Green + Brown)

5. Olive Green + Gold

Dress up your olive green jumpsuit with gold accessories like a gold belt, earrings, and sandals. The gold adds a luxurious touch to the earthy tones.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Olive Green + Gold)

6. Olive Green + Yellow (Mustard)

Pair olive green trousers with a mustard yellow blouse for a bold and vibrant contrast. Add neutral shoes to balance the look.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Olive Green + Yellow (Mustard))

7. Olive Green + Orange

Try an olive green maxi dress with a burnt orange cardigan for a fun, autumn-inspired look. Finish with tan boots for a cozy vibe.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Olive Green + Orange)

8. Olive Green + Red

Olive green pants paired with a bright red sweater is a striking combination. It works especially well during the holiday season for a festive yet chic outfit.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Olive Green + Red)

9. Olive Green + Dusty Pink

A soft pink blouse tucked into olive green high-waisted pants creates a feminine, romantic outfit. Finish the look with nude heels and delicate jewelry.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Olive Green + Dusty Pink)

10. Olive Green + Other Greens

Layer an olive green coat over a mint or sage green sweater for a tonal green look. Add black jeans or leggings to keep the outfit balanced.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Olive Green + Other Greens)

11. Olive Green + Beige

Olive green cargo pants with a beige sweater and beige ankle boots make a perfect neutral-toned look for fall or winter. Add a beige scarf for extra warmth.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Olive Green + Beige)

12. Blue and Denim with Olive Green

An olive green jacket paired with a light denim shirt and dark blue jeans creates a casual yet stylish look. Add white sneakers for a laid-back vibe.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Blue and Denim with Olive Green)

13. Gray and Olive Green

A gray turtleneck paired with olive green slacks is a great choice for a sleek, modern look. Add gray heels or loafers to complete the outfit.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Gray and Olive Green)

14. Navy Blue and Olive Green

Try an olive green dress with a navy blue blazer and navy pumps for a sophisticated office outfit. The navy adds a rich contrast to the earthy olive tone.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Navy Blue and Olive Green)

15. Sage Green and Olive Green

Create a soft, monochromatic look by pairing a sage green sweater with olive green trousers. Add neutral shoes to let the greens shine.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Sage Green and Olive Green)

16. Plum with Olive Green

Pair a rich plum-colored blouse with olive green trousers for a bold color combo. Add plum or neutral shoes to tie the look together.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Plum with Olive Green)

17. Tan and Olive Green

Wear olive green pants with a tan trench coat and tan boots for a polished, neutral look. This combination is perfect for cooler weather.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Tan and Olive Green)

18. Rust or Burnt Orange with Olive Green

A rust-colored sweater paired with an olive green skirt or pants is a perfect autumnal outfit. Finish with brown boots for a cohesive fall look.

Best Colors to Pair with Olive Green (Rust or Burnt Orange with Olive Green)

These combinations offer a wide range of styles, from casual to sophisticated, all with olive green as the base color.

Casual Looks: Comfortable and Chic

Olive green works perfectly for casual outfits. Pair an olive green bomber jacket with jeans and sneakers for a laid-back yet stylish look. Throw on a scarf and some gold jewelry, and you’re good to go!

Olive Green in Different Outfit Styles (Casual Looks)

Office Wear: Professional Yet Stylish

Olive green can also be professional. Try an olive green pencil skirt with a white blouse, or an olive blazer over a navy dress for a polished, office-ready outfit.

Olive Green in Different Outfit Styles (Office Wear)

Evening Attire: Elegant and Modern

For evening wear, an olive green dress paired with black or gold accessories can create a stunning, modern look. Opt for a satin or velvet fabric to add an extra level of elegance.

Olive Green in Different Outfit Styles (evening wear)

Bags

A brown leather tote or a black clutch are excellent accessory choices for olive green outfits.

Belts

Cinch your waist with a black or snake-skin belt to add structure to your look.

Shoes

Black boots or tan flats pair seamlessly with olive green ensembles.

To take your olive green outfit from day to night, all you need are a few accessory swaps. Swap your flats for heels, add a statement necklace, and opt for a darker lip color to make your look more evening-appropriate.

  • Don’t overdo the green: It’s best to avoid wearing olive green head-to-toe unless you’re going for a monochrome look.
  • Avoid pairing with overly bright colors: Bright neons or vibrant shades may clash with olive green’s muted tone.

For those with curvier figures, opt for structured olive green pieces like blazers or trousers. If you have a more petite frame, go for lighter, flowing fabrics in olive green to avoid overwhelming your silhouette.

Olive green is perfect for layering. Try wearing an olive green sweater under a leather jacket, or pair an olive green cardigan with a denim shirt for a cozy yet stylish look.

Coats

An olive green trench coat is a must-have for fall. It’s versatile, stylish, and keeps you warm.

Jackets

Bomber jackets, leather jackets, and parkas in olive green are perfect for a cool, casual vibe.

To make olive green the star of your outfit, keep the rest of your look simple. Pair an olive green dress with neutral accessories, or let an olive green coat be the focal point with a basic black outfit underneath.

Olive green is the ultimate fall color—it’s versatile, flattering, and oh-so-chic. Whether you’re going for a casual daytime look or something more polished, olive green is the perfect base for countless stylish outfits. So, don’t be afraid to embrace this earthy hue in your wardrobe!

Q1. Is olive green a good color for all skin tones?

Yes, olive green is a universally flattering color, thanks to its warm and cool undertones.

Q2. Can you wear olive green with bright colors?

It’s best to pair olive green with muted or neutral tones, but if you want a pop of color, opt for deep, rich hues like burgundy or mustard.

Q3. What accessories go best with olive green?

Neutral accessories like black, brown, or metallics pair beautifully with olive green.

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