You’re Wearing Earthy Tones Wrong—Here’s How to Style Them Like a Fashion Pro

At Style Afrique, we’ve always championed the power of timeless style, drawing inspiration from both global trends and local culture. As fashion enthusiasts and curators with a keen eye for versatile, sustainable, and elegant looks, we’re here to guide you through one of the most enduring color palettes in fashion: earthy tones.

Earthy tones are having a major moment in fashion, from rich browns to soft beiges, warm terracottas, and deep olives. These hues bring a sense of warmth, calm, and connection to nature, and best of all, they’re universally flattering. Earth tones can elevate any wardrobe with their versatility, helping create both sophisticated and laid-back looks. He2wre’s how to style earthy tones, whether you’re new to them or looking to bring fresh inspiration to your outfits.

Earthy tones include a range of colors inspired by the natural world—think browns, greens, tans, creams, rusts, and muted yellows. These tones are versatile because they have a calming effect and often complement every skin tone. Unlike bright colors, which can sometimes be well with nearly any shade of jeans or slacks.

Bottoms: Olive green or rich brown trousers are staples that add depth to outfits without feeling too bold. You could also try rust or tan corduroys for a retro vibe.

Outerwear: Earthy tones work beautifully for jackets and coats. A camel trench, tan bomber jacket, or chocolate brown blazer adds instant sophistication to any look.

Dresses: Try a sage green or deep burnt-orange dress for an effortless, bohemian feel.

Accessories: Earth tones also shine in accessories. A caramel leather bag, tan belt, or muted scarf in a sandy shade will complement most outfits.

How to Style Earthy Tones for Any Occasion

For Casual Outings: Earthy tones bring a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for casual settings. Start with a pair of olive cargo pants or relaxed-fit khakis. Pair them with a beige t-shirt or light brown hoodie. If you want to add layers, a caramel cardigan or denim jacket in a neutral shade will keep the look cohesive and effortless.

For Work and Formal Settings: Earth tones can be surprisingly sophisticated for the workplace or formal events. Try a camel blazer over a cream blouse with tailored brown trousers. Earthy shades can add warmth without being too bold, keeping your outfit polished and professional. A rust-colored blouse or deep olive midi skirt paired with a neutral blazer will make your look feel fresh yet appropriate for formal occasions.

For Evening Wear: Earthy tones can transition seamlessly to evening wear. A dark brown or terracotta maxi dress gives off an elegant, moody vibe that’s still understated. Accessorize with gold jewelry, and if you’re layering, try a cropped jacket in a deeper shade of green or brown to keep the color palette cohesive.

Mixing Earthy Tones with Neutrals and Other Colors

Earth tones pair beautifully with neutral shades like black, white, and gray. For example, a brown leather jacket over a white shirt and black jeans is a classic look with a natural twist. You can also mix earthy colors with other muted colors for a more dynamic look. For example, rust pairs beautifully with mustard, while olive green complements warm beiges and tans.

Monochromatic Look: Try a head-to-toe earthy-toned outfit by layering different shades of one color family. For example, a light beige top with tan trousers and a deeper brown jacket creates a chic, layered effect without overwhelming the look.

Color Blocking: Earthy tones can also be combined in color-blocked outfits. Pair a rust-colored sweater with olive pants or mix mustard yellow with muted brown. The result is a fresh, visually appealing outfit that still feels grounded.

Incorporating Earth Tones into Accessories and Makeup

If you’re hesitant to fully embrace earthy colors in your clothing, start small by adding them through accessories or makeup:

Shoes: Try brown leather boots or sandals in a tan shade. These hues add subtle richness to outfits without stealing the spotlight.

Bags: A caramel or chocolate leather bag is an excellent accessory that can be paired with various outfits.

Jewelry: Gold jewelry, particularly in warm, matte finishes, complements earthy tones wonderfully. You could also try bronze or copper for a rustic feel.

Makeup: Earthy tones can also translate into a warm, natural makeup look. Browns, soft oranges, and taupes are great for eyeshadows, and warm-toned blushes or bronzers enhance the skin’s natural glow. Lipsticks in burnt orange, muted rose, or brownish-nude shades add subtle sophistication.

Earth Tones Across Seasons

One of the best aspects of earthy tones is their year-round appeal. Here’s how you can adapt them for each season:

Spring and Summer: In warmer months, lighter earthy tones like sand, beige, and olive are ideal. Linen shirts in light tans or sage green are perfect for staying cool while keeping your style in check. You could also try earthy prints, like floral patterns with a muted palette.

Fall and Winter: This is where deeper shades—burnt orange, chocolate brown, and forest green—truly shine. Embrace layering with chunky knit sweaters in these hues, or opt for a cozy coat in a warm caramel shade.

Earthy Tones in Different Textures and Fabrics

Suede: Perfect for jackets, bags, or boots, suede adds depth and luxury to earthy tones.

Corduroy: Try corduroy pants or skirts in olive green or deep brown for a cozy, retro feel.

Knitwear: Chunky knits in muted tones make for warm, inviting winter outfits.

Silk or Satin: For a more elevated look, silk or satin blouses in rust or tan bring a hint of sophistication and sheen.

Earth tones are more than just a trend; they represent a style that ages well. Because these colors are inspired by nature, they remain relevant season after season. Earthy tones also align with a more sustainable approach to fashion—they encourage a minimalist, capsule wardrobe mindset. With versatile pieces in earthy colors, it’s easier to mix and match, reducing the need for constant updates.

Earthy tones offer endless possibilities to create relaxed, versatile, and effortlessly stylish outfits. Whether you’re dressing for a casual day out or a formal event, these colors can suit any setting and look flattering on everyone. Start experimenting with pieces you already own, or add a few key items to embrace the earthy color palette fully. With earthy tones, you can build a wardrobe that feels grounded, timeless, and always in style.