Olive is a versatile neutral color that can work for many skin tones. When considering wearing olive clothing, there are a few key factors to take into account:
The different shades of olive
Not all olives are created equal. The olive color palette ranges from yellow-tinged greens to deeper, grayish greens.
Lighter yellow-green olives complement warm skin tones with golden, peach, or yellow undertones. The yellow olive hue brightens up warm complexions. Yellow-green olives also pair well with other earth tones like mustard yellow, camel, or terracotta.
Grayer olives in the blue-green family match cooler skin tones with pink, red, or blue undertones. The blue undertone in these deeper greens flatters fair and pinkish complexions. Pair grayish olives with other cool-toned colors like pastels, berry tones, or navy blue.
True green olives in the middle of the spectrum work for both warm and cool complexions. These versatile green olives coordinate with a wide range of colors from warm neutrals to cooler hues.
Olive skin tones
Those with olive skin tones have a greenish-golden tint to their complexion. Olive skin has some warmth but also muted, cooler undertones.
Wearing olive clothing colors can be trickier for those with olive skin. Lighter, more yellow-based olives run the risk of blending in too much with olive skin. But deeper, cooler olives like army green can make olive complexions look drained.
Olive-skinned individuals need to find the right balance of olive shades. Look for olives with enough contrast from your skin—for example, pairing a lighter yellow green with medium olive skin. Grayish blues and blue-tinged teals also pop against olive skin. Avoid matching your skin exactly.
Eye color
The hue of your eyes also factors into which olives are most flattering.
Warm brown or hazel eyes look great with lighter green olives in the yellow spectrum. The golden flecks in warm eyes coordinate with the golden olive tones.
Blue, green, or gray eyes stand out against more grayish, blue-tinged olives. The cool eye colors contrast with the deeper olive hues.
Green eyes have the most flexibility, looking equally nice with yellow green, true green, gray green, or blue green olives. Play around with different olive shades to accentuate your green eyes.
Hair color
Your hair color impacts which olive hues work best.
Those with warm brunette, auburn, red, or blonde hair look fabulous in lighter yellow-based olives. The golden olive tones flatter and echo the warmth in the hair.
People with cool black, dark brown, or platinum hair shine in grayish, blue-tinged olives. The deeper teal olives complement their cooler hair color.
If you have a mix of warm and cool tones in your hair, you have more flexibility. Any shade of olive from yellow-green to blue-green can work with hair that has a mix of warm and cool.
Color pairings
Certain colors pair beautifully with different shades of olive clothing. Use color pairings to accentuate your olive pieces.
Yellow green olives
– Mustard yellow
– Camel
– Terracotta
– Coral
– Peach
– Cream
– Khaki
– Rust
– Tan
– Gold
True green olives
– Navy
– Emerald
– Moss green
– Forest green
– Lime green
– Teal
– Turquoise
– Neutrals like black, brown, gray, and white
Gray green olives
– Pastels like mint, lilac, or pink
– Cherry red
– Wines
– Berries
– Plums
– Orchid purple
– Sky blue
Clothing items and styles
Olive works for a range of clothing items. Certain olive hues also pair well with particular clothing silhouettes and styles.
Yellow green olives
– Casual sundresses
– Flowy blouses
– Wide-leg pants
– Oversize knits
– Cozy sweaters
– Relaxed jeans
– Sporty athleisure
True green olives
– Tailored trousers
– Leather jackets
– Trench coats
– Crisp button-downs
– Polished blazers
– Professional sheath dresses
Gray green olives
– Feminine skater dresses
– Ruffled blouses
– Flared jeans
– Pleated midi skirts
– Swingy a-line skirts
– Fit and flare dresses
Seasonality
Olive works year-round but shines the most in fall and winter.
The earthy olive tone encapsulates the mood of fall. Olive jeans, sweaters, and jackets feel so seasonal. Pair olives with autumnal colors like mustard, rust, and red for a fall-chic look.
In winter, rich olives add much-welcomed warmth and depth. Trade in black for olive coats, knits, and boots this winter. Combine forest green, navy, and gray for a wintry palette.
Olive still fits for spring and summer but tends to work best in lighter, brighter yellow-greens. Accent casual spring outfits with olive accessories. In summer, opt for breezy yellow green dresses and tops.
Conclusion
Olive is one of the most versatile neutral colors that flatters so many skin tones. Consider your complexion, eye color, hair color, and the olive shades that contrast or coordinate best. Use color pairings and silhouettes that accentuate your olive pieces. Olive works year-round but feels especially perfect for fall and winter. With so many factors working in its favor, olive is absolutely a good color to wear.
