Last Updated: 2025-07-13
Today I want to chat about something I'm super passionate about - styling earthy tones! As someone who's totally fallen in love with these colors, I can tell you they're incredibly warm, versatile, and just have this amazing sophisticated vibe~
I'll be real with you though - it took me a hot minute to figure these colors out. I definitely had some "what was I thinking?" moments in the beginning (we've all been there, right?). But once you get the hang of it, these shades become like your most reliable friends. They just... work.
1. Let's Talk About What Earthy Tones Actually Are
Okay, before we dive into the fun stuff, let me break down what we mean by "earthy tones" (because I used to be so confused about this!). Think about all those gorgeous colors you see in nature - you know, like soil, sand, rocks, clay, trees, and leaves. These colors are usually warm and kinda muted, which honestly makes them super easy to mix and match. Here's my little cheat sheet:
A. Warm Browns:
You know, chocolate, mocha, that perfect caramel shade that reminds me of my morning latte 🤎
B. Greens:
Olive (my personal favorite), moss, sage - basically forest vibes
C. Beige & Off-White:
Sand, ivory, cream, oatmeal - these are like your quiet confidence colors
Related Posts: How to Style Coastal Grandma Outfits
D. Rust & Terracotta:
Brick red, burnt orange, clay - think southwestern sunset
E. Muted Mustard & Yellow:
Ochre, honey, marigold - not bright yellow, but that soft, golden kind
F. Moody Blues & Grays:
Slate, dusty blue, charcoal, stone gray - because not everything earthy has to be brown!
2. Starting with the Basics (Because We All Need a Foundation!)
Listen, if you're staring at your closet right now thinking "where do I even start?" - I totally get it. When I first wanted to try this whole earthy thing, I was so overwhelmed.
But here's what I wish someone had told me: start small and build up.
A. Neutral Tops:
Girl, get yourself a white, beige, or olive t-shirt first! These are literally your best friends - they go with EVERYTHING.
B. Bottoms in Muted Colors:
I'm obsessed with my khaki trousers - they're like jeans but somehow more grown-up? And this sage green skirt I found last month... I've probably worn it four times already. Don't judge me. Oh, and here's a tip - linen in summer, corduroy in fall. Different textures keep things interesting.
C. The Perfect Outerwear:
Okay, this might be a bit of an investment, but trust me - a tan trench coat, brown leather jacket, or camel wool coat will change your life. Like, seriously!
D. Don't Forget Accessories:
This is where you can really play without committing to a whole new wardrobe. A beautiful scarf, a hat that makes you feel mysterious, a bag that makes you happy every time you carry it - these little things can totally transform an outfit.
3. Mixing & Matching Like a Pro (Or At Least Trying To!)
The best thing about earthy tones? They're pretty forgiving when it comes to mixing and matching. Here's what I've learned:
A. Go Monochromatic:
This is literally the easiest way to start! I love wearing my caramel sweater with brown pants and my camel coat. Sometimes I feel like a walking coffee palette, but in the best way possible!
B. Play with Complementary Colors:
OMG, olive green and rust together? chef's kiss Or try cream with deep brown - nature knows what it's doing, right?
C. Experiment with Textures:
This is where it gets fun! I'm obsessed with pairing my chunky beige knits with my khaki suede skirt.
And don't even get me started on linen, corduroy, leather, and cotton - they're all amazing with earthy tones!
4. Real Outfit Ideas (That I Actually Wear!)
A. Casual Weekend Look:
What I wear: Olive green wide-leg pants (seriously, they're like wearing pajamas but make it fashion), an ivory tee, and this dusty blue denim jacket I practically live in during transitional weather.Why it works: It's effortless but still feels intentional. The olive and blue remind me of a peaceful lake surrounded by trees. Plus, wide-leg pants are having a moment, and they're so much more flattering than I thought they'd be.
B. Work Outfit (That Won't Put You to Sleep)
Outfit: Cream wide-legged pants, a silk-blend khaki top, and my beloved camel coat when it's chilly.
Why It Works: There's something about earthy tones that just screams quiet confidence. The cream pants feel fresh and modern, while the khaki adds just enough color to keep things interesting without being loud about it.
Accessories: I keep my gold jewelry simple - maybe small hoops and a thin bracelet. And my structured brown tote bag makes me feel so professional and put-together.
C. Date Night Ready:
Outfit: A dark brown satin midi skirt (it swishes when I walk and I love that), a cream knit sweater, and if it's cool, a sage green scarf.
Why It Works: The mix of textures is what makes this special - the smooth satin against the cozy knit creates this interesting tension. The sage green adds just a whisper of color. It's elegant but not trying too hard.
Accessories: Taupe ankle booties instead of black - they're softer and more unexpected. And a simple clutch, maybe in a deeper brown or even a pop of rust if I'm feeling bold.
D. Outdoor Adventure or Travel Time:
Outfit: Dark coffee-colored leggings, a cream beige hoodie, and this puffer vest in dark brown that I'm slightly obsessed with.
Why It Works: It's all about comfort without looking sloppy. The coffee and brown tones feel grounded and natural - perfect for hiking or those long travel days.
Accessories: A knit beanie (maybe in mustard if I want some color), my most comfortable sneakers, and a crossbody bag that can handle whatever the day throws at me.
5. Layering is Your BFF
Y'all, layering with earthy tones is seriously THE BEST. Here's what I do
A. Throw an olive cardigan over a white tee with beige pants (my lazy day uniform)
B. Layer a white vest over a rust-colored dress with sneakers (so cute for brunch!)
C. Pair a mustard yellow sweater with a tan coat for a chic, layered look.
6. Earthy Tones for Every Season? Absolutely!
I used to think these colors were just for fall, but honestly? They work year-round if you know how to play with them.
Spring: I go lighter - sage green, dusty blue, cream. My linen trousers with a simple knit top feel fresh and new after a long winter.
Summer: Terracotta, sand, ivory in breathable fabrics. I have this terracotta dress that gets so many compliments, and it's perfect for those warm evening dinners.
Autumn: This is when I go full earth goddess. Rust, olive, mustard, deep browns. I break out the corduroy and wool, and everything just feels so cozy and intentional.Speaking of corduroy, if you're curious about how to style this amazing autumn fabric beyond just earthy tones, I've got you covered! Check out my detailed guide on How to Embrace Corduroy Fashion in Autumn and Winter for even more cozy outfit inspiration.
Winter: I deepen everything - charcoal gray, forest green, rich chocolate brown. My camel coat over a charcoal sweater is practically my winter uniform.
7. Don’t Forget About Patterns
OMG, can we talk about patterns for a sec? While I totally get that solid colors feel safer (been there!), adding some patterns to your earthy-toned wardrobe can be such a game-changer!
Here's what I've learned through lots of trial and error:
A. Plaid is Your Friend: Oversized plaid shirts or scarves in muted greens, browns, or reds can add a touch of casual flair. If you're totally smitten with plaid like I am, you'll want to dive deeper into How to Style Plaid. Trust me, there's so much more you can do with this timeless pattern beyond just earthy tones!
B. Floral But Make It Earthy: Okay, hear me out - floral doesn't have to mean bright and loud. I recently scored this amazing dress with mustard and rust flowers, and when I layer it with my fave brown leather jacket?
C. Baby Steps with Stripes: If you're pattern-shy like I used to be, start small! My go-to is this super cute striped tee in warm browns, or this adorable polka-dot blouse in a soft sage green. Trust me, they're way easier to style than you'd think!
8. Accessories Are Everything
Not ready to commit to a full earthy-toned wardrobe? Girl, same - that's why I started with accessories! Here's my current obsession list:
A. Bags:
Like, have you SEEN how gorgeous leather bags look in earth tones? I'm particularly in love with this crossbody in the perfect shade of cognac brown (though my bank account wishes I wasn't 😅). And don't even get me started on my olive green tote - it's literally perfect for everything!
B. Shoes:
Real talk - brown boots are literally the most versatile things ever. I wear mine with EVERYTHING. And these beige loafers I got? Total game-changers for work!
C. Jewelry:
My secret weapon? Gold jewelry! It just hits different with earthy tones, you know? And lately, I'm really into these wooden beaded bracelets I found - they add such a cool, natural vibe to any outfit.
9. Earthy Tones for a Balanced and Timeless Style
Can we just take a moment to appreciate how earthy tones basically make everything look expensive and put-together? Like, even when I'm just throwing on basics, these colors make me feel so elegant and timeless.
I know it might seem overwhelming at first (trust me, I've been there!), but once you start playing around with these colors, you'll be hooked! Start small with those basic pieces we talked about, then gradually add in some fun layers and different textures. And those patterns? They'll become your best friends before you know it!
Remember babes, this is supposed to be fun! There's no "right" way to wear earthy tones - it's all about what makes YOU feel confident and comfortable. Some days I nail it, other days... well, let's just say we all have our moments! 😂
What's your favorite way to style earthy tones? Are you a pattern person or do you stick to solids? Let me know in the comments - I'm always looking for new inspo! 💕
FAQ: Your Earthy Tones Questions Answered!
Post by: Luna
