Teal is surprisingly wearable, yet many people avoid it simply because they’ve never been shown how to wear the right version for them.
So why does teal feel so tricky – and how can you wear it with confidence? In this instalment of my ‘How to Wear Colour’ series, I’ll help you understand where teal sits in colour terms, and show you how to wear it with ease.
Watch the latest video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/hYRyFJiwOjg
Versions of teal
Teal sits between blue and green on the colour wheel. That’s what makes it so versatile, but also what causes hesitation – is it warm or cool?
A true teal (a blue-green) is actually neither warm nor cool, which is why it tends to work well for so many people.
Some teals lean more blue and feel cooler and crisper. Others lean greener and feel warmer and softer. You’ll also see big differences in depth, from soft and muted teals through to deep, rich versions.
This is why one teal can look fantastic on someone, while another makes them feel washed out or overwhelmed. It’s rarely the colour itself – it’s the version. Go too bold, bright and blue and you’ll verge towards turquoise, which generally isn’t as easy to wear compared to true teal.
Tips on wearing teal
Teal works beautifully with neutrals such as chocolate brown, charcoal grey and navy, but don’t be afraid to go all in either. It’s a calming colour – not overly bright or bold – so for many people it’s easier to wear than expected. It can also work well as an alternative to navy, particularly if navy feels heavy or harsh near your face.
You can also try teal in your makeup, particularly eyeshadow or eyeliner – it’s a subtle way to bring the colour close to your face and brighten your features. Pro tip: Try the Teal Eye Pencil or Smoke or Blue Lagoon eyeshadows – available to try in the studio and online – it’s a fun way to experiment with shades before committing to clothing.
If you’re feeling hesitant, try teal within a pattern, or introduce a pop of teal through accessories such as a scarf. Pro tip: The Olivia scarf in Ocean is a great teal option that suits everyone and is available from the studio as well as online.
How I wear teal
My set of swatches
Teal is one of my favourite colours to wear. Unsurprisingly, it features heavily in my wardrobe – dresses, tops and trousers in a variety of teal shades. If you follow me on social media, you’ll have seen me wearing teal regularly.
You’ll get a closer look in the video of some of my favourite teal pieces, and I’ll also be sharing some teal-inspired outfits on Instagram and Facebook next week.
Teal works well across all seasons, and I love wearing different tones together to create a more blended overall look from soft muted teals to deeper shades from my swatches. I tend to avoid very bright, bold, blue-based shades and stick mainly to mid-depth teals, although I do often dip into my deep teal shade!
Check the socials (Instagram and Facebook) to see the teal-inspired looks next week and don’t forget to watch the video on YouTube too.
Your best teals
If you stick with a true blue-green teal, you won’t go far wrong.
Warmer complexions can usually move slightly towards greener, more yellow-based teals. Cooler colouring often suits bluer-based teals better (sometimes edging closer to turquoise).
If teal feels too strong near your face, wear it lower down in skirts or trousers. Alternatively, try smaller doses within a print to add interest without overwhelm.
Generally, brighter teals suit people with stronger features. So if you’ve tried teal in the past and felt it didn’t work, it’s worth revisiting the shade rather than ruling the colour out completely.
Teal was hotly tipped as a colour to watch for 2026, although Cloud Dancer took the spotlight instead (more on that soon). Teal began appearing in shops during the autumn and winter months, and I featured it in my Colour Trend Guide and Shop the Look guides here. I expect it to continue into spring and summer, so it’s worth keeping an eye on.
During my Colour Analysis Consultation, your individual characteristics are assessed to establish the shades that suit you best and how to wear them confidently. If you’re unsure what works for you – get clarity by booking a consultation. Gift vouchers are available, or you can come with a friend.