6 reasons to wear OLIVE NOT BLACK
A stylish, sophisticated upgrade
elegAnT olive green can make any item of clothing look that little bit more expensive.
In black or grey, these sumptuous velvet trousers would look like standard-issue sweatpants. In pink, they’d be a tacky novelty item. In olive, however, they appear instantly sophisticated — fit for a weekend away. Pair with a pale green top to really work the trend, or add olive accessories, such as this watch. Green silk top, £85, jigsaw-online. com; Velvet trousers, £79.95, massimodutti. com; Pearl flat shoes, £129, kurtgeiger.com; Watch, £25, asos.com
Makes a statement accessory
You don’t need to wear much of this shade to make an outfit stand out — a simple patterned scarf or leather bag is enough to transform your look.
Pairing this scarf with a white shirt and an olive, suedette skirt creates a co-ordinated look with very little effort. Shirt, £80, reiss.
com; Circle-print scarf, £45, hobbs.
co.uk; Suedette skirt, £45, next.
co.uk; Bag, £295, lkbennett.com
Chic tones that don’t clash
ThIS subtle, lace skirt is sensible enough for work, but pretty enough for partying. Team it with an olive top and bag to really set off the blue embroidery and look co-ordinated, but not too matchy.
The lovely textures add further interest to the look. Silk top, £109, tedbaker.com; Skirt, £119, mintvelvet.co.uk; Court shoes, £160, reiss.com; Bag, £95, topshop.com
It won’t wash you out
The trench is a classic, but if you choose one in black or brown you run the risk of looking washed out — or like a TV detective.
So try olive instead. It has a softer, more feminine touch and flatters all skin tones. Add a chunky, colourful necklace and you’re ready for any weather. Trench coat, £79, marksand spencer.com; Necklace, £28, oliverbonas.com
Patterns become elegant
PATTernS in bright colours can be overwhelming and look cheap, but in olive this £75 dress looks fit for The ritz. Just add some really fabulous shoes — in olive, of course. Dress, £75, Kin at johnlewis.com; Belt, £59, hobbs. co.uk; Shoes, £29.50, marks andspencer.com
Perfect antidote to pink
The flattering shade works with an astonishing range of bright colours, such as these red hot shoes.
It’s also the perfect antidote to saccharine pink, and looks great with this season’s paler pinky hues.
In fact, it goes with anything. Olive dress, £45, marksand spencer.com; Necklace, £35, hobbs.co.uk; Shoes, £160, reiss.com