As a style blogger, I’m often asked what colors go well with tan shirts. Tan is a versatile neutral that can be paired with many different colors and styles. In this article, I’ll discuss the best color matches for tan shirts and provide outfit ideas to help you look stylish.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are those located opposite each other on the color wheel. These color combinations create high contrast and make each hue “pop.” Some of the best complementary pairs for tan include:
- Purple – A rich plum or lilac looks sophisticated with tan.
- Blue – From navy to sky blue, all shades complement tan.
- Green – Olive, forest, mint, and lime green make tan shirts shine.
- Red – A bold crimson or burgundy balances out tan’s neutrality.
When wearing a tan shirt, add a complementary colored accessory like a scarf, handbag, or statement jewelry. This simple styling trick makes any outfit more eye-catching.
Analogous Colors
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel. They create a harmonious look when combined. Beautiful analogies for tan shirts include:
- Cream – Wear a tan shirt layered under a cream cardigan or blazer.
- Khaki – Tan and khaki are perfect neutrals to pair together.
- Beige – Try a tan shirt with beige pants or skirt.
- Taupe – Combining taupe and tan makes for an elegant earth tone outfit.
- Gold – Metallic gold jewelry and accessories accent tan nicely.
Sticking with analogous earth tones allows the neutral tan shirt to shine as the focal point of your look.
Monochromatic Colors
A monochromatic color scheme uses different shades, tones, and tints of one base color. For tan shirts, monochrome options include:
- Light Tan – Pair a darker tan shirt with pants, shorts, or skirt in a lighter tan.
- Dark Tan – Reverse that for lighter top, darker bottom monochrome look.
- Tanned Skin – If you have tan skin, wearing a tan shirt monochromatically enhances your natural skin tone.
- Brown – Different shades of brown complement tan perfectly.
Monochrome tan outfits have a pulled-together, sophisticated look. Add interest by playing with different tan shirt shades and fabric textures like flannel, linen, or suede.
Neutral Colors
Other neutral colors like black, white, gray, and brown also combine seamlessly with tan. Neutral outfit ideas include:
- Black pants or jeans – The classic tan shirt and black pants combo never goes out of style.
- White jeans – Crisp white denim paired with a tan shirt feels fresh for summer.
- Gray blazer – Wear a tan shirt with gray suit pants and blazer for work.
- Chambray shirt – Light wash denim shirts complement tan tops.
Neutrals are easy to match with tan shirts when getting dressed. Keep silhouettes and fabric textures interesting by mixing casual with formal pieces.
Earth Tones
Beyond basic brown, tan also pairs well with other earth tones like:
- Olive green
- Rust
- Moss green
- Mustard yellow
- Terracotta
- Peach
Earth tones add warmth and depth to a tan shirt outfit. Try a sweater in mustard yellow or pants in clay red. Use color blocking to highlight these rich tones.
Pastels
For a spring or summer look, pair a tan shirt with soft pastels like:
- Mint green
- Lavender
- Baby blue
- Blush pink
- Butter yellow
Pastels keep a tan shirt outfit feeling light and airy when the weather heats up. They have a chic retro vibe for women and men.
Navy
Navy may be neutral, but it deserves its own special mention. This versatile shade combines flawlessly with tan shirts year-round. Try a tan shirt with:
- Navy blazer
- Navy dress pants
- Navy suits
- Navy shorts
- Navy jeans
Navy and tan is a timeless color pairing. It works whether you’re dressing for the office, a casual date, or running weekend errands.
Tan Shirt Styling Tips
Use these easy tips to build stylish outfits starting with your favorite tan shirt:
- Layer it under a neutral blazer or cardigan
- Tuck it into jeans, trousers, or skirt
- Roll up the sleeves for a relaxed vibe
- Pair it with a statement belt
- Pop the collar and add sunglasses for a casual finish
A tan shirt easily dresses up or down. Use fun accessories like hats, jewelry, watches, and bags to make any outfit pop. Don’t be afraid to play with different textures like suede, leather, linen, flannel, chambray, etc. Experiment until you find combinations that make you feel stylish and confident.
Men’s Tan Shirt Outfit Ideas
For men seeking inspiration, here are some stylish tan shirt outfit combinations:
| Outfit | What to Wear |
|---|---|
| Workwear | Tan button down shirt, navy trousers, brown leather belt and shoes |
| Smart casual | Tan linen shirt untucked, dark wash jeans, tan suede boots |
| Casual Friday | Tan polo or t-shirt, black jeans, white sneakers |
| Date night | Tan shirt with top buttons undone, black pants, black leather jacket |
| Weekend wear | Tan short sleeve button down, khaki shorts, boat shoes |
A tan shirt pairs well with wardrobe basics like jeans, chinos, blazers, and boots. Accessorize simply with aviator sunglasses or a masculine watch.
Women’s Tan Shirt Outfit Ideas
Ladies can also look effortlessly chic wearing tan shirts. Ideas include:
| Outfit | What to Wear |
|---|---|
| Workwear | Tan sleeveless blouse, black cigarette pants, black heels |
| Daytime casual | Loose tan linen button down, blue jeans, white sneakers |
| Casual date | Cropped tan lace cami, rust suede skirt, tan wedges |
| Cocktail party | Silk tan tank, emerald midi skirt, gold heels |
| Weekend outfit | Oversized tan shirt, leggings, tan knee boots |
Have fun pairing a tan top with feminine pieces like skirts, dresses, wedges, and jewelry. A tan shirt dresses up or down effortlessly.
Conclusion
A tan shirt serves as a versatile basic in any wardrobe. Both men and women can wear it for endless outfit combinations year-round. Just add complementary colors, creative styling, and fun accessories to create unique looks for any occasion. So next time you’re stuck wondering what to wear, start with a tan shirt and build up your outfit from there.
