There’s something undeniably chic and soothing about wearing the colors of nature. Earthy tones like olive green, soft browns, sea blue, sandy beige, and warm terracotta are calming and timeless and tend to be very flattering. So, take a look outside, be inspired by the changing seasons, and create looks that are stylish and harmonious with the environment around you. This article shows you how to incorporate nature’s palette into your wardrobe with outfits featuring natural colors.
Why wear natural colors
Natural colors are versatile and effortlessly chic. Inspired by the Great Outdoors, they exude calmness, balance, and sophistication. And they’re easy to mix and match—think about it: the natural world goes together, so choosing natural colors means everything in your wardrobe will go together. Plus, as our skin tone tends to change as we age, wearing softer shades can be more flattering.
Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) opts for an elegant green co-ordinated set, and teams with heeled sandals and statement earrings.
Steal her look with this similar silk shirt and pants set, sandals, bag and earrings.
What do we mean by the colors of nature
Look around you, and wear the shades that you would find in the natural world – so you could choose everything from ocean blues, forest greens, sandy neutrals, or autumn leaf shades. It’s a great wear to get color inspiration for your next outfit.
Tips for wearing natural colors
1. Also choose natural fabrics
Natural colors and natural fabrics tend to go well together. So, team your natural shades with materials like linen, cotton, silk, cashmere, wool, and suede.
2. Add metallics if you want to up the glamour
When you want to elevate the look of your natural colors, chunky silver or gold jewelry and metallic shoes are great options.
3. Play around with textures to add interest
Soft shades are definitely not boring. To add even more interest, think about color and texture. Mix textures like tactile silk and warm suede to enhance the appeal of your outfit.
Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish above (read her style interview here) opts for a beautiful terracotta shade that mirrors autumn leaves.
Check out this similar dress (another option here), pumps, handbag, belt and scarf.
natural color outfits
Let’s move on to some beautiful natural colors that we’ve found this season and how to wear them.
Natural color tops
Starting with tops, think about earthy shades or sky blues. You could also think about prints inspired by nature. Choose a mixture of t-shirts, shirts and sweaters to give your outfits versatility.
COS Regular Boxy Mock Neck T-Shirt – COS Oversized Curved Hem Shirt – COS Relaxed Floral Shirt – COS Clean Cut Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Coats and jackets
If you want to add more natural shades to your closet, opting for a new coat for the new season is a great way to do so, given that your coat has such a big impact on all your outfits. Moto jackets in suede are a stylish choice for fall, or add a longer overcoat when the weather turns cool.
Rails Alma Cotton Blend Jacket – BLANKNYC Suede Moto Jacket – Nordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row Megan Renee Oversize Wool Coat – COS Leather-Trimmed Wool Scarf Coat
Sandra @lapecosapreciosa above opts for a cape over her neutral top and green pants. She adds boots in an on-trend burgundy shade.
Steal her look with this similar top, cape (another option here), pants, booties, bag, earrings and belt.
Pants and jeans
Your blue denim jeans will go with all of your natural colors. But, you could also update your denim by looking for a pair in a natural shade. Cargo pants are very on-trend at the moment and you’ll find many come in an olive green. Also choose smarter trouser styles so you can dress up your natural colors.
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide Leg Jeans: Button-Front Edition – Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Skyrise Wide Leg Utility Pants – COS Wide Leg Tailored Twill Pants – Open Edit Wide Leg Pants
Dresses and skirts
Look for details like asymmetry, high-low hems, and draped styles to elevate your natural-color dresses. If you choose a looser dress style, you can play around with your silhouette by wearing a belt—either look for a woven belt that will mirror your natural look or contrast with a metallic belt. Cargo skirts are also very on-trend at the moment.
FRAME Asymmetric Hem Chambray Dress – COS Corduroy Midi Shirtdress – Nordstrom Tie Waist Long Sleeve Knit Midi Dress – Treasure & Bond Utility Maxi Skirt
Patricia @patriciaafricaiglesias above (read her style interview here) opts for beautiful brown, and ups the glamour of her look with her burgundy accessories, heels, and her manicure.
Check out this similar dress (another option here), tights, pumps, earrings, bag, belt and headband.
Shoes and boots
You can alter your natural look to suit your style personality. Leather boots with chunky heels will go with many of your outfits and keep you comfy. A pair of sneakers in a sky blue or autumnal shade will add casual flair. You can opt for pumps to up the formality of your outfit, but keep everything in the hues of nature.
MICHAEL Michael Kors Darrington Sling Flats – Steve Madden Dodge Sneakers – Frye Olivia Combat Boot – Blondo Dyme Waterproof Chelsea Boot
Accessories
There are some beautiful accessories in natural and autumnal shades in stores to go with your natural outfits. Look for soft creams and blues as well as fall colors. Either contrast your outfits by wearing chunky gold jewelry, or play up the natural look you’re going for by pairing with wood jewelry.
rag & bone Small Belize Basketweave Embossed Leather Shopper – Cuyana Classic Easy Leather Tote – Tory Burch Fleming Soft Bucket Bag – Ettika Set of 2 Crystal & Chain Link Necklaces – Tory Burch Geo Fish Statement Necklace – BaubleBar Mia Statement Earrings – Ozel Natural Wooden Acrylic Boho Drop Dangle Earrings – Nordstrom Tissue Weight Wool & Cashmere Scarf
Your natural outfits together in one capsule
Below, you can see the outfits from above together in one natural color capsule. You can see how you can easily change around the clothes, coats, shoes, and accessories to create lots of outfits that all go together.
Some final thoughts
Wearing natural colors is about more than just following a trend – it’s one way to connect with the beauty of the world around us. By choosing hues inspired by nature, you create a wardrobe that feels grounded, calming and timeless.
Brands to look at if you love natural colors
Continue reading:
- How to dress the natural style personality
- Casual wear outfits for everyday
- How to pair jackets with dresses: Are there any ‘rules’?
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Feature image by Sandra @lapecosapreciosa
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I love the natural style personality, but I’m also a bright spring who lives in bright bold colors. I wear mostly shades of teal and turquoise. I’m trying to incorporate more warm neutrals like brown and cream, but pastels wash me out. How do I make this style work for me?
turquoise and teal actually work really well with brown and cream. If you want to wear others colors too, just make sure you wear your ‘good’ colors close to your face. Just a brighter lipstick, scarf or earrings can make a difference too.