As science can attest, there are many benefits to spending time with nature or immersing oneself in things reminiscent of nature. Aside from relieving stress, improving one’s mood, and exposing someone to a healthy amount of fresh air and greenery, nature can elicit pleasant feelings and boost creativity. But while you can’t always go on a hike or watch the sunset, there are other ways that you can harness the beauty of nature without stepping outside—like incorporating more natural colour palettes into your daily wardrobe.
Nature is abundant with marvellous colours. Think of the refreshing green shades of the rainforest, the crisp and vibrant tones of fresh fruits, the bold hues of wildflowers, or the dazzling colours of the rainbow. You can take inspiration from nature’s colours as you style your outfits, evoking the same positive emotions that you might feel when looking at your natural surroundings. Below are some tips for using nature-inspired hues to elevate your style game:
Go Monochromatic
Opting for a monochromatic colour combination is probably the most hassle-free style technique you can try towards incorporating more natural hues in your outfits. As the term suggests, you can use a single (mono) colour (chromatic) scheme from head to toe to create a flattering and fashionable ensemble. The beauty of the monochromatic style will really come out when you combine different shades of the same colour instead of wearing tints that match perfectly.
Try playing with stormy or marine colours, such as shades of greys and blues. For a chic yet relaxed vibe that you can show off on casual Fridays and informal get-togethers with friends, consider wearing a light blue striped button-down shirt under an ash-blue knitted sweater. Complete the look with light-wash denim women leggings and ice-blue pointed-toe flats or pumps. The different shades of blue will create a streamlined appearance and achieve some laid-back charm, while the various textures of fabric will add dimension and depth to your ensemble.
If you want something bright and vivid to give your outfit a “natural” burst of energy, consider putting together a monochromatic ensemble using berry tones like cherry red, peachy orange, and plum purple. You can also play around with citrus hues, such as bright yellow, orange, and lime green, as these colours evoke the happiness and excitement that come from sunshine and healthy plant life.
Take Inspiration from Natural Scenery
Another way to bring the colours of the outdoors into your style is by using nature scenes as an inspiration. For instance, if you love the sunset, you can combine fiery and attention-grabbing shades of corals, reds, oranges, and purples to mimic the gradients in the sky. You can mix them with contrasting hues, like hot pink, if you want to add playfulness to your outfit, or opt for a minimalist style by pairing these natural colours with more muted tones. A white sleeveless blouse paired with an orange pleated skirt, plus matching strappy heels, will be the perfect sunset-inspired outfit to wear to a date night or a fancy dinner.
How about an outfit that evokes a cool and fresh vibe? Build ensembles inspired by the colours of the forest or sea, with lots of blue and green. Perhaps you can wear a dark blue cashmere sweater, forest green wide-leg pants, and dark green stilettos, as this ensemble will hearken towards the tranquil and relaxed vibe of trees and the deep sea.
When in Doubt, Opt for Calm Natural Shades
While vibrant hues are definitely part of nature’s canvas, you can also go for calm, neutral shades if you’re not yet confident about dressing in bright colours. Earthy and muted tones, such as shades of brown, grey, cream, and white, are great go-to options given their versatility, elegance, and ease to pair with accessories.
Want a comfy and casual ensemble that’s perfect for summer and travelling? Consider pairing an oversized beige tunic with rust-coloured linen pants. Complete the nature-inspired vibe by opting for natural elements in your accessories, like a pair of dark brown leather sandals and a long wooden necklace.
You can also combine plain-coloured pieces with patterns to add extra visual interest to your outfit. A chunky cropped grey turtleneck sweater may seem slightly uninteresting when you wear it with pants or a skirt in another solid neutral shade, but it can look elevated if you pair it with brown plaid pants or a brown striped skirt. Finish the look with brown leather ankle boots, and you’ll be able to put together a stylish outfit from classic and familiar earth tones.
Play Around with Textures
Lastly, try combining natural colour palettes with different textures to emulate your favourite natural elements and add dimension to your outfits. For instance, you can wear a long light blue georgette maxi dress with a blue-grey inner dress to represent the flow of water in the sea. Put on skirts and other velvet pieces in shades of blue, purple, and red to mimic the colour and softness of wildflowers.
The tips above are just some of the many ways you can style your clothes using natural colour palettes as inspiration. Don’t be afraid to experiment further and to emulate the richness, wildness, and variety of nature in your signature style!
Thank you so much for this! I’m not great when it comes to matching outfits and makeup trends. I usually don’t think about that kind of stuff if I’m having a particularly hectic morning. But this’ll help fix that!
I’m usually not the greatest either, but I try.
This is some great advice. I personally like color in my closet. It helps boost my moods!
Agreed! I love all colors.
Great tips!! The only natural shade I usually use, is black! 🙂
Same here! I love black because it’s such a great color that goes with everything.
These are great tips that I will be keeping in mind thanks for sharing this with us.
Of course!
Colors and textures are such an amazing animal indeed! I really like your tips on how to make each outfit an individual success.
Yes, they really are.
This is a lovely post with great info! I can use this to help boost my style.
Great to hear that.
I have zero fashion sense in so many ways. I just pick things that I like and don’t care if others approve or not. I wear a ton of tshirts and shorts.
I’m honestly usually the same way, but I try at times.
Oh my, these are amazing colors in our clothes! I totally love the natural colors! For me, its minimalist look makes it so beautiful!
I agree. These colors are honestly some of the best.
What a really great and very helpful advice you have here! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Of course!
I do tend to gravitate toward natural tones or earth tones. I love adding pops of color to them!
Same. I love the natural tones.
My mood is always boosted by this! Thank you so much for your advice!
Of course!
Nature does offer a brilliant palette. For me, it is the sea that offers most of my inspiration. If you look at my closet. the largest bulk of my clothing is blue. Great post!
I really love those colors too. They are so pretty.
This is really good advice. I tend to go with monochromatic options as they seem to flatter me the most.
Yeah, same.
I love monochromatic options, but sometimes I need more color for my clothes!
Very true.
Great tips here. I love both neutrals and colors in my closet. I find that colors do evoke different emotions for me.
I completely agree.
Love it! I particularly like your suggestion of playing around with textures to add depth and dimension to an outfit.
Yes!
This is awesome advice! I absolutely love natural tones. It’s always my goal to add classic items to my wardrobe and neutral colors go with everything!
I really love them too. They can go with anything.
Loving these styling tips! I always go for neutral shades when confused 😛. Earthy shade outfits with textures look absolutely classy ❤️.
Same here. They work well with anything.
I wear lots of neutral colors at work. These are good ways to style pieces that are more earthy tones.
Yes, agreed.
I do love natural color palettes. It’s always easy to mix and match them with other colors. Great tips!
Yes, for sure!
These were good tips for wearing that color palette. Although, going completely neutral sometimes reminds me of the group of people on Futurama.
I love neutral colors. They work so well with anything.
I am loving those colors pictured above and do need to add some of those colors to my wardrobe. Such a great suggestion and such a classy and sophisticated colors too!
I really love them too!
I love natural colors! They make every outfit timeless!
Agreed!
I usually go for neutral shaded often but sometimes I like to dress colorful. It depends on my mood.
Same! Natural tones are just simple.
I love natural tones. I also like to wear black often but there are days when I need to dress colorful.
Me too. Natural tones go with anything.