Earth tones like khaki, beige, brown and blue are inspired by nature, such as earth, sand, trees and water.
They are truly indispensable to men's fashion and particularly appealing because of how easily they can be incorporated into any outfit.
On the other hand, earth tones can sometimes look frumpy or unsophisticated if mixed and matched improperly.
That's why we will be introducing key points for using earth tones in office wear and examples of how to wear them fashionably.
Check out our hints for creating a natural, sophisticated look.
What are Earth Tones?
Earth tones are colors inspired by natural elements like earth, sand, grass and trees.
Some popular earth tones are beige, brown, green and khaki, but there are also many others and each one creates a different impression.
Here, we will explain the main earth tones and key points for styling them.
1. Khaki
Khaki creates a calm, natural and mature impression. It is popular in men's fashion as a color easily incorporated into all kinds of looks, from casual to elegant.
Khaki also goes well with many colors—such as white, beige, brown and navy—and offers a wide range of ensemble possibilities. You can create a sophisticated and mature look by putting together an outfit with calm colors.
However, you need to be careful, as it can sometimes look drab. Because khaki adds a casual feel, combining it with smart items like a white shirt or leather shoes is key to elevating your look.
2. Beige
Beige is the earth tone that best conveys softness, sophistication and approachability. Understated yet bright, it adds a certain lightness to an outfit. Because it goes well with a wide range of colors such as white, brown, khaki and navy, beige is a great choice that can even create a sense of luxury when worn with intention.
On the other hand, it can also look dull or plain when worn carelessly. Try using dark colors to tie an outfit together, such as pairing dark brown shoes with beige pants, and creating contrast using different textures.
3. Brown
Associated with natural materials, brown conveys an image of safety, calm, trust and warmth. Deep brown especially creates an impression of luxury, tradition and dignity.
But on the other hand, brown can also look heavy and old-fashioned if worn incorrectly. You can make brown feel lighter by adding bright colors for contrast, such as pairing a brown jacket with a white shirt. And because brown goes so well with other earth tones, it's also perfect for looks featuring gradients of similar colors.
4. Blue
Blue feels clean, intellectual and fresh.
In contrast to warmer colors like beige or brown, this earth tone makes a great accent color, bringing your whole outfit together. If you choose calm tones like navy or muted blue, it is also a versatile color easily incorporated into anything from casual to office wear.
What to Avoid with Earth Tones
Don't wear too many different colors together
Wearing three or more colors like beige, brown or khaki together can make the overall look feel blurred and chaotic. This can make you look older and create a dated and drab impression.
Be mindful of the colors around your face
Adding dark khaki or brown around your face can make your skin look dull. To brighten your face and create a clean impression, try wearing earth tones together with bright or white shirts underneath.
The Pitfall of One-Tone Styling
Over-coordinating tones can flatten the overall look, making the outfit appear monotonous or even workwear-like. Without enough contrast, the result is often a less refined and polished impression.
For earth tones in general, don't go overboard on colors—three or fewer is best. Try mixing darker and lighter shades to avoid looking flat. If you're ever in doubt, create a clean and sophisticated look by adding white—always a versatile choice—to balance out the earth tones.
