Olive Green Is the New Black
Understated, effortlessly cool and surprisingly versatile, the muted shade is the secret to entering this colder season in style.
Exhausted from summer? Done with being a Brat? Ready to dress darker, but still want to feel bold? Olive green is here to satisfy your fashion cravings. Below, we break down everything you need to know to hack the hue.
What is olive green?
With the chic associations of extra dirty martinis, the deep colour serves sartorial sustenance in a sea of fleeting trends. Not as rich as its forest iteration and flirting ever-so-slightly with brown, olive green is the elevated hue to take you into fall.
Where did we see it on the runways?
For starters, the Spring 2025 collections have been brimming with the understated shade. There were structured leather trenches at Keqiao (above) and opulently embellished blazers at Antonio Marras. Olive imagery was everywhere at BOSS (below), with models parading down a grassy runway wearing leafy-coloured layers like long cardigans and slouchy separates.
Meanwhile, legacy labels like Burberry (below) and Gucci have embraced the shade through thoughtful accessorizing, from XL handbags to sunglasses. Then there’s the street style from fashion month, where olive green has been everywhere in the form of boxy overcoats, slinky dresses and chunky knits.
Why is it trending now?
While it may seem that olive is suddenly everywhere, grassy hues have been dominating the zeitgeist for some time. For starters, the viral takeover of Brat summer saw jarring chartreuse become the It hue of the moment, sparking a new appreciation for the possibilities of green. But as the season turned, adventurous summer sensibilities have been traded for a more polished dressing approach. Naturally, olive green is the perfect way to embody it.
How to style olive green
Like the snack its named after, the colour has plenty of delicious pairings. One way to style it is by opting for unconventional textures, like bulky knits or soft suede, for extra dimension. Another is by peppering it into an outfit in smaller ways, be it through a headband or a handbag.
Unlike it’s brighter counterparts, olive green evokes an understated elegance. With a nature-reminiscent hue, it’s an aesthetic indicator of sustainable, mindful dressing. Overall, it invites a more relaxed pace for fall, as though you’re sauntering into a new season — perhaps with a martini in hand — dressed exceptionally well and ready for what’s to come. Cheers to that.
The best olive green picks to shop now
Reformation Cassidy jacket
With the feel of a puffer but the shape of a barn jacket, this lightweight Reformation coat is the perfect trend-adjacent pick-me-up for fall 2024. Made of dead-stock fabric, it features intricate circular quilting that is complemented by contrasting piping and buttons. Pair with straight-leg jeans and Mary Janes for an easy-going autumnal ensemble.
Kotn Kingfisher pant
Trends come and go, but the big-pants-tiny-shirt combo is forever. To master this enduring ensemble, one must first select the perfect pair of billowy bottoms — and Kotn has just that. Inspired by vintage parachute pants, the Canadian label’s Kingfisher pant features an oversized droopy silhouette that is comfortable and cool.
From the knee darting to an elasticated waistband, the details differentiate them from your average baggy cargo pant. Pair with a tank top for the outfit equation du jour, or opt for a chunky sweater to achieve a slouchy look that will keep you warm.
JW Pei Harlee bag
With a durable vegan leather construction and an asymmetrical silhouette, JW Pei’s olive green handbag serves polish at a palatable price. Eye-catching construction aside, it’s the subtle golden details — like the logo, buckle and zipper — that give it an even more elevated touch. Though its compact, it features an interior zipper compartment for easy organization on the go.
Jennifer Behr Tori velvet headband
Lean into olive green’s earthy imagery with Jennifer Behr’s best-selling velvet headband. With an ultra-soft texture reminiscent of moss, this handmade accessory is comfortable and easy to wear. Designed with a raised silhouette that stands out on the crown of the head, it’s the perfect entry-point into the olive green trend.
Aritzia Sunday Best pleated skirt
Embrace the season’s air for academia with Aritzia’s checkered skirt. Featuring a high-rise fit, crisp pleating and a tonal colour palette, its preppy styling possibilities are endless. Pair with a white tank and kitten heels for a relaxed high-low effect, or style with boots, a button-down and a blazer for a full corporate-core ensemble.
Gap ribbed cropped T-shirt
It’s no secret that the T-shirt is the ultimate outfit essential. In all its structural simplicity, it has a way of making you appear both pulled together and laid-back. So if you’re looking for an easy to way to wear olive green, consider this your answer.
Cut from a high-quality cotton blend with sharp tailoring, Gap’s ribbed tee offers a slightly cropped length that hits right at the waist. With a slim and stretchy fit that hugs your shape, it offers an instantly polished aesthetic with no effort involved.
Anthropologie knee-high pointed-toe boots
Balancing between olive green and brown, these dark pointed-toe suede boots provide the perfect kitten heel for getting around in chillier temps. The durable leather and pull-on styling make for comfortable all-day wear, while the intricate stitching adds some character. Plus, thanks to their roomy silhouette, these knee-high boots are perfect for those with bigger calves.
Baggu Crescent bag
Any avid commuter knows the struggle of searching for a bag that is large enough to hold your supplies but that still looks cute. Cult-favourite brand Baggu has delivered just that in a rich olive green shade.
This roomy crescent shaped purse is big enough for a laptop and comes with a zip pocket for easy on-the-go organization. Made of recycled nylon, it lives up to the green’s associations of sustainability.
Uniqlo soufflé yarn sweater
The first step in feeling stylish is opting for comfort. With Uniqlo’s yarn pullover, you can burrow into a warm sweater while still looking chic. Made with recycled materials, it promises a buttery soft feel without any itchiness. Featuring a slightly longer back, the billowing silhouette keeps you feeling cocooned and allows you to layer all season long.
Anine Bing army jacket
Meet your wear-everywhere jacket. With a utilitarian design, oversized fit and faded wash that gives off a vintage finish, Anine Bing’s Audrey jacket is ideal outfit finishing touch this fall. Standout construction details like the high collar, shoulder epaulets and front pockets add to its charm, while its boxy fit is welcoming on any cold day.
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