I started dressing myself up during my teenage years. One of the first things I changed was buying a few pairs of chinos to replace the jeans I wore every day.
At one point I bought a pair of olive green chinos even though I wasn’t sure how often I would actually wear them. Before that, I only had experience with olive green from my time in the Boy Scouts, where I associated the color with camping trips and long award ceremonies. I also had no idea what to wear with them. Despite my initial doubts, that pair of olive green became one of my go-to pieces. Eventually, they split down the middle a few years later, but olive green pants have become a staple in my closet.
Olive green pants are timeless and versatile. They are a way to get out of your comfort zone and dress up. They have the simplicity and elegance of a bygone era.
There are many types of olive pants, but today, I’ll focus on chinos.
Shirts: A Guide
In this section, I’ve compiled some tips to help you determine which colors go with olive green and which don’t.
Spoiler Alert: More colors go with olive green than you think!
The Plain White Tee
Olive green and white are a timeless combo that can’t be beat. This classic pairing is versatile and chic and is a go-to for many occasions.
Casual Nights
Whether you’re heading out for a night in the city or a night with friends, the easiest way to style olive green pants is with a white T-shirt and some brown boots. This is a no-brainer look that will never go out of style. The contrast between olive green and white is fresh, clean, and perfect for any casual occasion.
The Off-White Alternative
I almost forgot to mention that you should try an off-white tee instead. Off-white, ivory, or whatever the marketing departments call it, feels more refined. This subtle change in color will elevate your outfit and give it a more sophisticated feel while still keeping it casual. Off-white looks great with olive green and adds a bit of warmth to the earthy tone of the pants.
Layering for Depth
This combo also allows for easy layering. A navy blue, brown, or black casual jacket would look great on top. A jacket not only provides warmth but also adds visual depth to your outfit. Layering is a great way to transition from day to night and adapt to changing temperatures. A well-fitted jacket will enhance your silhouette and add a touch of polish to your look.
Dressing Up
For a slight upgrade to the white and green combo, you can swap the tee for a white button-up tucked in or untucked. A button-up adds some structure to your outfit, making it suitable for slightly dressier occasions. You can also roll up the sleeves for a more relaxed vibe and hit that perfect balance between casual and put-together.
Darker Options
If you prefer darker styles, a plain black tee can achieve a similar effect and still have that minimal, clean look. A black tee against olive green pants is bold yet understated. It’s perfect for evening events or occasions where you want to make a quiet statement.
Naturals and Neutrals
Sometimes, I want something more interesting than plain white tees. In those moments, my go-to options were pairing olive green pants with other natural colors—browns, tans, grays, beiges, and everything in between.
The Charm of Natural Colors
These colors have a forgotten sense of simplicity in clothing. When done well, they can also convey maturity and sophistication. The beauty of naturals and neutrals is their versatility. They can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Perfect for anyone who wants to level up their style without going too far from classic.
Tan Fears
Scared you’ll look like a Scoutmaster or a forest ranger instead of a style connoisseur? Fear not! One way to overcome this is to try untucking your shirt (just make sure it’s not too long). An untucked shirt will give you a more relaxed and modern look and soften the overall vibe.
You can also add a third color to your outfit. For example, layer a darker blue button-up open over a tan tee or wear a tan jacket over a navy tee. This will add visual interest and break up the color palette, making the outfit feel more dynamic.
Fabrics for an Earthy Vibe
When going for a natural or earthy look, fabric is just as important as color. Linen and denim fabrics work well to give you that homespun feel of an older era. Linen is light and breathable, perfect for warmer months, while denim adds a rugged touch that pairs well with olive green pants.
If you want to learn how to create great vintage outfits, check out this awesome guide to nostalgic fashion. It will give you ideas on how to mix and match different pieces to get that timeless look.
Gray and Green
Finally, gray and green. You can’t go wrong with gray and olive green. Gray is a neutral that pairs well with olive green and creates a balanced outfit. If you follow seasonal fashion trends, you can wear lighter grays in spring and summer and darker grays in fall and winter. This way, you keep your wardrobe fresh and can adapt to the changing seasons.
Cooler Colors
I love natural colors, but sometimes, I want options that are a bit more vibrant or less urban. Cooler colors like blue and dark purple are great options to pair with olive-green pants without overwhelming them.
Blues That Work
When it comes to blues, I prefer to stick to subtle shades to create contrast. Any blue with gray works well, light or dark. These softer blues will enhance the olive green without competing for attention and will give you a balanced and stylish look.
Pairing olive green with a bright or neon blue will have a jarring effect. Neon shades will clash with the earthy tone of olive green, making the outfit feel disjointed. Instead, opt for more muted blues that will harmonize with the green.
The Purple Problem
I don’t often wear purple with olive green, as there’s a very fine line between looking classy and cosplaying. You don’t want to look like the Hulk or the Joker, famously associated with the purple and green color scheme.
To avoid cosplaying, I recommend going to either extreme of the purple spectrum. A light lavender will give you a soft, elegant contrast that’s far from comic book territory. Any purple mixed with red, like dark wine or grape colors, will also work. These shades will add depth and richness to your outfit without crossing into costume territory.
General Color Pairing Tips
In general, it’s best not to match green with green. It can look too matchy or like a mid-20th-century dictator, which is not the look most of us are going for! Instead, focus on creating contrast with cooler colors that will enhance the olive green and make it stand out.
Warmer Colors
If you want to add some brightness to an outfit with olive green pants, warmer colors like yellows and reds can be great options. But avoid any shade of orange as it will clash with the earthy tone of olive green.
Yellows That Work
When pairing yellow with olive green, I prefer muted shades to bright and vibrant ones. Muted yellows will add warmth without overwhelming the outfit. (I don’t wear yellow myself, but I like it when it’s styled well) A soft mustard or pale yellow will create a nice contrast with olive green and will look fresh and inviting.
The Red Debate
Some people advise staying away from red when styling green pants. But I think red and green can work together, especially during the darker seasons. Faded or rustic reds are great in summer and autumn, especially when layered over a white shirt with a flannel button-up. This will add warmth and a seasonal vibe to your outfit.
As the holiday season approaches in winter, I swap out the flannel for a burgundy or maroon Oxford shirt with green chinos and a brown belt. This looks festive yet sophisticated for holiday gatherings or casual outings.
Proportional Considerations
If you have shorter legs and longer torso, a tucked shirt can help create balance. The idea is to balance out the proportions by cutting the visual line of the torso. Tucking in your shirt will elongate the appearance of your legs and make the overall silhouette more balanced. This styling tip is especially useful when wearing warmer colors, as it will keep you looking polished.
The Accouterments
Pant Variations
Chinos are the most common form of olive green pants in modern style. They are versatile and polished and can be dressed up or down. But olive jeans and shorts are also great options for casual occasions, as they are comfortable and stylish without sacrificing aesthetics.
Chinos: The Classic Choice
Chinos are a staple in many wardrobes because they’re versatile. They can go from a casual day out to a more formal occasion and are a reliable choice for many events. When styled well, olive green chinos can be paired with many tops, from simple T-shirts to button-ups. Their tailored fit and clean lines will give you a polished look, perfect for work and play.
Casual Options: Olive Jeans and Shorts
For casual occasions, olive jeans and shorts work just as well. Olive jeans are a rugged alternative to chinos, perfect for casual outings or weekend adventures.
When it gets warmer, olive green shorts become a go-to. They offer the same versatility as chinos and jeans but with added comfort for hot days. In these cases, I’m more likely to wear a T-shirt or a polo, which will keep the outfit light and breezy. A white or gray T-shirt will look classic, and a polo will add a touch of sophistication without being too formal.
Shirt Pairings
While T-shirts and polos are great for casual occasions, Oxfords are better paired with chinos. The structured nature of an Oxford shirt goes well with the tailored fit of chinos and creates a balanced and polished look. This is perfect for looking polished yet comfortable, like brunch with friends or a casual office.
Shoes
Olive green pants are a great excuse to break out white sneakers. I don’t wear white shoes with jeans; I think it makes the jeans look too washed out, but with olive green pants, a white shirt, and a denim jacket, it somehow works. The white sneakers against the olive green have a fresh and modern look that is perfect for casual occasions.
Leather Options for a Polished Look
If you want something a bit nicer, you can’t go wrong with leather shoes under those olive-green pants. Loafers and boots in black and brown are great as long as you match the tones.
I personally prefer darker brown leather with olive green; it creates a rich and harmonious look. Dark brown adds depth and sophistication, perfect for casual and semi-formal occasions. But lighter and reddish browns also work and might fit your style better. These shades will add warmth to your outfit and enhance the earthy vibe of the olive green.
Black Leather Considerations
Black leather shoes can also be a great option, especially when paired with neutral or cool-colored shirts. The sleekness of black leather adds a touch of elegance to your outfit, perfect for more polished occasions. But don’t wear black and brown together; it clashes. Black doesn’t work well with earthy colors like olive green unless you’re an exception to the rule.
If you mix black and brown, be mindful of the overall color palette and the specific shades you’re working with. It’s complicated, so sticking to one tone is safer to look cohesive.
Jackets
When it comes to jackets, older styles work great with olive green pants and add character to your outfit. Here are some great options:
Leather Jackets
Leather jackets in black and brown are timeless and look great with olive green. A black leather jacket is sleek and edgy, perfect for a night out or a casual hangout. A brown leather jacket is warmer and more rustic and harmonizes with the earthy vibe of the olive green. Both will elevate your look and add warmth.
Bomber Jackets
Bomber jackets in tan and navy are also great options to style with olive green pants. The bomber silhouette is casual and cool and works for many occasions. A tan bomber is light and airy, perfect for spring or fall, and a classic navy bomber works year-round. Pairing these with olive green pants creates a balanced and stylish outfit.
Denim Jackets
Denim jackets in blue and white are great, and olive green is also good. The contrast of denim against the green is fresh and laid-back. Blue denim is classic, and white denim is bright and perfect for warmer months. Both work well with boots and add to the overall ruggedness of the outfit.
Tweed Jackets
If you want to look professional, a tweed jacket in any natural color will work great with olive green pants. Tweed adds sophistication and texture, perfect for more formal or intellectual occasions. If you go this route, don’t forget to dust off those elbow patches! Just be prepared for some good-natured teasing. My friend experienced this the first time he wore tweed, and people jokingly asked when he returned from the Great War.
Metal Accessories
When it comes to accessorizing with olive green pants, the choice of metal makes a big difference. Here’s how to do it:
Gold Accessories
Since olive green has yellow undertones, gold-colored accessories will complement the warm tones in the pants. Gold jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, and earrings will bring out the color of your outfit and add elegance and warmth. A gold watch or belt buckle can also be a stylish accent, making your overall look more cohesive and polished.
Silver Accessories
While gold is great, silver works well with olive green. Silver accessories will provide a sleek, modern contrast to the earthy tones of the pants. Silver will add a refined touch to your outfit without overwhelming it, whether it’s a silver chain, cufflinks, or a minimalist bracelet.
Mixing Metals
Don’t worry too much about matching outfit colors and metals. In fact, mixing metals can create a more interesting look. Combining gold and silver accessories will add depth to your outfit and show off your personal style. For example, wearing a gold necklace with silver earrings will give a balanced and stylish look.
Green Hues: A Seasonal Note
One more thing: while I wear my olive green pants year round, I also like to swap out for a lighter pair of sage green shorts in warmer months. These shorts are a great way to keep the natural feel but lighten up for summer fun. Sage green is a softer hue that’s perfect for outdoor activities, beach days, or casual Sundays.
Seasonal Swaps
As the seasons change, so can your wardrobe. Swapping out for lighter shades of green, like sage, allows you to adapt to warmer weather while embracing olive green’s earthy tones. This keeps your outfits feeling fresh and you comfortable in the heat. Sage green shorts with a white tee or a patterned button-up is a relaxed yet stylish summer look.
Olive Green
But olive green pants are super versatile and can be worn for many occasions throughout the year. Whether you dress them up with a blazer for a formal occasion or keep it casual with a tee, olive green is a wardrobe staple. Its versatility makes it easy to mix and match with different colors and styles, so you always have a go-to.
