Mint green has become an increasingly popular fashion colour in recent years. The cool, calming shade evokes thoughts of springtime and new beginnings. Mint pairs well with other pastels like blush pink, pale blue, and lavender. It also pops against bright whites. The versatility of mint has led it to expand beyond spring and into year-round wardrobes.
The History of Mint in Fashion
Mint green has roots as a fashionable colour as far back as the 18th century. Women of the Georgian era commonly wore mint green dresses and accessories. The rococo style of the time embraced pastel hues like mint green, pink, and blue. Moving into the 1950s, mint became a staple colour for kitchen appliances and housewares as it gave off a clean, refreshing vibe. It wasn’t until the early 2010s that mint made a major resurgence in the fashion world.
The Mint Green Comeback
In 2012, mint green shone on the runways of popular designers like Nanette Lepore and Cynthia Steffe. The next year, mint exploded in popularity. Retailers began carrying an abundance of mint clothing, shoes, and accessories to meet consumer demand. Celebrities like Jessica Alba, Reese Witherspoon, and Allison Williams were spotted wearing the hue. Mint mansions even popped up around the world, showing the colour’s dominance extended beyond fashion.
There are several factors that contributed to mint’s fashion comeback in the 2010s:
- Vintage inspiration – Pastel colours and 1950s/60s style gained popularity in the 2010s. Mint green evokes mid-century modern aesthetics.
- Reaction against neon trends – After the neon brights of the late 2000s, mint provided a refreshing, soothing change as a trending colour.
- Associations with spring – Mint green’s link to the season makes it perennially cycles back around.
- Flattering for many – Mint flatters a wide variety of skin tones from fair to deep complexions.
The resurgent popularity of mint green in fashion has held steady since its comeback in the early 2010s. It is now considered a new neutral and fashion staple.
Mint in Women’s Fashion
For women’s fashion, mint green works well for a variety of garments and accessories. Here are some of the most popular ways mint colour is incorporated into women’s wardrobes:
Dresses
Mint dresses are a staple for spring and summer. Light, airy mint dresses epitomize the effortless femininity of the warmer months. Mini, midi, and maxi dresses are all chic in mint. Pair with neutral sandals or slides for an easy daytime look.
Tops
Mint coloured blouses, tanks, and t-shirts pair perfectly with denim and can be dressed up for work or worn casually with jeans. Mint camisoles and crop tops also match well with neutral bottoms like white pants.
Bottoms
From pants to shorts to skirts, mint bottoms offer endlessly chic outfit possibilities. Mint jeans are on-trend for casual wear while mint midi skirts, tailored shorts, and slacks work for dressier occasions.
Shoes
Add a pop of mint to any outfit with shoes in the colour. Sandals, sneakers, mules, and heels all come in fashionable mint tones. Metallic mint shoes are also stylish for evenings out.
Bags
Handbags, purses, totes and backpacks in mint provide the perfect accessory to polish off a mint-accented outfit. Mint bags work year-round to incorporate more of the cool tone into fall and winter looks.
Jewelry
Mint jewellery like statement necklaces, delicate rings, and charming bracelets infuse a touch of the colour into any outfit. Mint jewellery provides affordable ways to accessorize with the trending tone.
Outerwear
Coats, jackets, and cardigans in mint green offer lighter weight top layers ideal for spring and summer. They provide warmth without overheating. In colder months, mint coats add visual interest against greyscale winter backdrops.
Activewear
The popularity of athleisure has extended to making mint workout staples. Mint sports bras, leggings, shorts, and sneakers keep the colour trend going while getting fit.
Swimwear
Make a splash poolside and at the beach in mint swimsuits and cover-ups. Mint bikinis, one-pieces, and sarongs have become a summer staple.
Lingerie
Mint lingerie and undergarments allow for subtly incorporating the hue beneath clothes. Mint brings a delicate touch under neutral outfits.
Mint in Men’s Fashion
While women have more options for sporting mint in fashion, the colour has grown in menswear as well. Ideal for the warmer months, here are some key ways men are embracing mint:
Shirts
Mint button-downs, polos, t-shirts, and tanks are all stylish warm weather choices. The colour pops against dark denim or khaki pants.
Shorts
Men’s flat front shorts and board shorts in mint green work for casual summer activities or dressy occasions.
Pants
From linen to chino, mint pants offer a refreshing alternative to standard khaki and grey.
Suits & Blazers
Light mint suiting and blazers provide custom, stylish options for weddings and events.
Shoes
Mint loafers, bucks, sneakers, and sandals incorporate the tone into casual and formal footwear.
Socks & Undergarments
Mint socks, boxer briefs, and undershirts allow subtly worked in mint for a pop of colour.
Swimwear
Men’s swim trunks and board shorts in mint tones keep guys on-trend at the pool and beach.
Athleisure
Mint hoodies, t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers cater to guys wanting mint in their sporty casualwear.
Wearing Mint Year-Round
While mint green screams spring and summer, fashion-forward folks have begun sporting the colour all year. Here are some tips for working mint into fall and winter outfits:
- Layer mint tops under jackets and coats
- Pair mint pants and accessories with black or grey tones
- Incorporate mint footwear into darker looks
- Add mint bags and jewellery as pops of colour
- Wear mint dresses and skirts with black or nude tights
- Throw on a mint coat over dark separates
Mint combines effortlessly with ever-popular neutrals for a trendy look even in colder weather. Using mint as an accent colour keeps the tone current beyond its typical spring/summer season.
Mint Colour Palettes
Beyond wearing mint green on its own, the colour combines gorgeously with select shades in coordinated palettes. Here are some of the most fashionable colour pairings with mint:
Mint and Navy
Nautical mint and navy screams summertime chic. The palette pops on everything from dresses to swimsuits.
Mint and Coral
Vibrant mint and coral complement each other beautifully for an energetic, tropical vibe.
Mint and Lavender
Dreamy mint and lavender create an ethereal, romantic look that transitions from spring through summer.
Mint and White
Crisp white helps fresh mint shine. It’s an easy pairing for casual to formal mint outfits.
Mint and Grey
Muted grey grounds lively mint green. It’s an unexpected combo that works surprisingly well.
Mint and Blush
Pretty mint and blush pink offer a delicate, feminine colour story for all seasons.
Mint green helps expand colour options beyond traditional neutrals. Combined with accent colours that complement it, mint creates aesthetically pleasing palettes and outfits.
Accenting with Mint
For those not quite ready to wear head-to-toe mint, incorporating small touches of the colour can ease into the trend. Here are some ideas for subtly accented mint:
- Mint shoes with a neutral outfit
- Mint handbag or backpack
- Mint jewelry like earrings, necklaces, rings or bracelets
- Mint scarf or hair accessories
- Mint phone case
- Mint nail polish on fingers and toes
Even little accents of mint make an impact against neutrals like black, white, grey, and denim. Ease into mint fashion with small accessories first before expanding to larger mint statement pieces.
Mint in Home Decor
Mint green’s expanding popularity reaches beyond fashion into home decor as well. The tranquil tone brings a relaxing vibe into any space. Here are some ideas for incorporating mint decor:
- Mint accent wall in a bedroom, living area or kitchen
- Mint bedding, pillows, and throws
- Mint vases, trays, and decorative objects
- Mint bathroom towels, shower curtain, and accessories
- Mint outdoor patio cushions and umbrella
Use mint sparingly as an accent or go all-in with mint furniture like a statement couch or chairs. Mint decor aligns with the colour’s rise across lifestyle categories.
Conclusion
Mint green has proven it has staying power beyond its initial comeback. The versatile hue suits any season and flatters most skin tones. While the colour remains a staple for spring and summer clothing, fashion continues finding new ways to creatively incorporate mint for year-round wear. With mint expanding into realms like athleisure, swimwear, and men’s fashion, the colour shows no signs of retreating from its popularity surge anytime soon. When styled in palette with complementing accent colours or neutrals, mint makes a standout addition to women’s and men’s wardrobes.
Looking ahead, fashion forecasters predict mint will continue trending strongly. As consumers seek out soothing, nature-inspired hues, mint satiates that demand. The sweet spot mint has hit between neutrals and brights ensures its ongoing inclusion across categories. For those looking to refresh their style, mint provides that perfect touch of updated colour. Green with envy over mint fashion? This cool tone delivers style in any season.
