Green can be tricky to wear – with so many shades, it’s easy to pick the wrong one. In this instalment of my ‘How to Wear Colour’ series, I’m showing you how to find the greens that truly suit you.
Watch the latest video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/7ZX_fZd77tk
Versions of green
Green sits between yellow and blue on the colour wheel, so it can be either warm or cool. The hue depends on the mix of blue and yellow and other characteristics like depth and brightness.
Deep and rich greens like forest, bottle, or fir may not appear to have much warmth or coolness, as depth is the dominant characteristic. Equally, sage or mint are lighter and paler, while emerald green is a much brighter shade.
The key consideration when wearing green depends on your own colouring. Get the right mix that suits you, and you won’t struggle again!
Tips on wearing green
Often associated with renewal or nature, green is seen as a calming colour, and it comes and goes through the seasons. In the UK, it’s often associated with spring, as rolling hills, trees, and flowers bloom. For others, it’s the colour of envy and greed, and it’s often chosen for school uniforms! However you feel about green, it can be a great wardrobe staple or simply used as a pop of colour, like a scarf, top, or accessories.
It pairs beautifully with neutrals like navy, grey, creams, and browns. For anyone who prefers a bolder combo, try it with pink – it creates a real wow effect! And for the festive season, red and green is always a hit.
How I wear green
My set of swatches
Green features well in my wardrobe, particularly in dresses and tops, although less so for the bottom half. You’ll get a peek in the video, and I’ll be sharing some outfits on social media next week.
Sage is a great option as it’s more of a greyish-green and perfect for my soft, blended features. I have a jumper dress I pair with jeans or leggings, and my favourite summer dress has a mix of greens in a leaf pattern – something I reach for when warmer weather arrives.
I’m careful not to go too yellow-based with my greens, as I have a cooler skin tone. Too warm shades, like olive, moss, or khaki, can make my skin look sallow. My greens therefore tend towards teal and turquoise, which I’ll cover in a future episode as I have plenty to show.
Check the socials (Instagram and Facebook) to see the green-inspired looks next week and don’t forget to watch the video on YouTube too.
Your best greens
Warmer complexions suit yellow-based tones, which are more common in the shops – olive, chartreuse, lime, and khaki. If these make your skin look dull or sallow, they’re likely too warm for you; wear them away from your face, or in small amounts within a pattern to minimise the impact.
Cooler greens are harder to find and often have more blue or grey tones, making them better suited to cooler skin tones.
Generally, lighter greens flatter fairer colouring, while brighter shades tend to suit those with stronger features.
The key consideration is finding the right version for you – how would you describe the colour, and what impact does it have against your skin tone? Get this right, and you won’t struggle again!
During my Colour Analysis Consultation, your characteristics are assessed to establish the right shades and how to wear them. If you’re not sure what suits you – get clarity by booking a consultation. Gift vouchers are available, or you can come with a friend.