Earth-Tone Suits

When deciding on your new suit, the inclination might be to default to a Navy or a charcoal grey suit. It's a choice that makes sense – after all, opting for a timeless look is a safe bet.

A dark grey or navy suit is almost always a reliable option, but that doesn't mean you're restricted to just that. While avoiding overly vibrant colors is advisable, it doesn't imply a lack of options in terms of color.

Certainly, a neon pink suit might not be suitable for a traditional occasions. However, unless it's a black-tie affair, you have the flexibility to choose a suit in a different color – you just need to make the right selection.

Introducing the earth tone wedding suit. Why earth tones? They offer depth and richness without being overly bold.

Choosing earth tones for spring wedding attire is particularly fitting as they mirror the natural colors of the season.

While it may be a bit more challenging to successfully incorporate earth tone suits into the ensemble, it's not an overly difficult task. All you need to do is carefully consider a few key factors.

WHAT ARE EARTH TONES?

Earth tones are colors that mimic the hues found in nature. Broadly, this category encompasses browns, greens, greys, off-whites, and some reds and oranges. Common earth tones include taupe, olive, rust, and beige.

Typically, earth tones consist of fairly neutral shades that are warm and muted. However, there are exceptions to this, such as vibrant natural earth tones like sulfur yellow and gold.

WHICH EARTH TONES CAN YOU WEAR TO A WEDDING?

While earth tones are generally versatile, navigating wedding dress codes can be challenging. In most cases, many earth tones will be suitable for various weddings, but it's crucial to do your research first.

Ultimately, the formality of the wedding sets the tone for which colors are appropriate.

In the context of suits, which is the focus here, we are primarily addressing formal weddings. (Black tie weddings typically call for tuxedos, and casual weddings often don't necessitate suits.)

Formal weddings are typically categorized into three levels of formality, from most to least formal: formal, cocktail, and semi-formal (also known as dressy casual).

Let's get into each formality level to understand where earth tones fit into the picture.

CAN YOU WEAR EARTH TONES TO A FORMAL WEDDING?

Regular formal attire is a step below black tie, often interchangeably known as black tie optional. The recommended attire for a formal event is a dark suit paired with a tie.

If you're inclined to wear earth tones to a formal wedding, opt for darker shades. Formal events generally call for dark grey or very dark blue suits, so it's advisable to stick to colors close to these. Consider a charcoal suit, a dark brown suit, or even a very dark green suit for an elegant and fitting look.

CAN YOU WEAR EARTH TONES TO A COCKTAIL EVENTS?

Cocktail attire leans slightly more casual than formal wear. While a suit and tie are still recommended, you have more room for creativity compared to formal events.

For a cocktail dress code, most earth tones can be successfully incorporated. Browns, greens, and greys are generally suitable, and you might even consider deep red or off-white options.

If the event is set at a beach or destination, there could be even more flexibility in terms of color choices. However, it's always a wise idea to confirm the dress code with the organizers to ensure you align with the event's style.

CLASSIC EARTH TONES

If you're aiming to incorporate earth tones into your outfit for a formal setting, begin by exploring shades of brown. Brown, being an earthy tone, adapts exceptionally well to suiting, and it seamlessly complements other earth tones in your ensemble.

Brown stands out as an excellent color choice for warm-weather suits, as it harmonizes well with the textures of lighter fabrics.

Experiment with combining brown with lighter neutrals such as beige and off-white. Don't hesitate to introduce elements of black and white into the mix—contrary to some beliefs, brown and black can indeed complement each other.

ELEGANT DARK GREEN

For weddings, dark green stands out as another excellent earth tone color. A deep olive or moss shade exudes subtlety yet richness, and, importantly, it avoids being distracting. (Who knows, it might just become your new favorite suit color.)

In general, opting for an extremely dark green is recommended, as it will function similarly to a black or charcoal suit. However, if you prefer a slightly more vivid green, ensure that it still aligns with the formality expected at the event.

Versatility of Earth Tones in Outfits

You don't have to exclusively wear earth tones; rather, you can effortlessly integrate them into your ensemble. When dressing for spring, consider incorporating a springtime color or two. For instance, the light blue dress shirt featured here complements the brown jacket, taupe pants, and black tie perfectly. In fact, having a couple of light blue dress shirts in your wardrobe is a wise choice. While white dress shirts remain timeless, the versatility of blue is truly remarkable.

HIGH-CONTRAST EARTHINESS

Creating a high-contrast look with earth tones is exceptionally straightforward. Colors such as brown and olive pair well with hues like rust and cream, allowing for effortless mixing and matching.

LIGHT EARTH TONES

For a semi-formal wedding, this combination of a sports coat and odd trousers is ideal. The mossy jacket, sky blue shirt, dark creamy trousers, and brown loafers seamlessly come together to create an undeniably earthy look.

EARTHY SIMPLICITY

If you prefer a more subtle earthy touch, consider incorporating just one or two earth tones initially. For example, wear a dark green jacket with a blue shirt and white trousers. If you wish to intensify the earthiness slightly, make subtle adjustments—swap the white pants for off-white and the light blue shirt for a darker shade.

While earth tones may not be the initial colors that come to mind for a wedding suit, they work exceptionally well.

It's crucial to note that there's no specific season restriction on wearing earth tones. While they may evoke a springtime feel, earth tones can be adapted seamlessly to any season. Many earth tones are versatile year-round, and you can also explore seasonally specific earth tones for a stylish and adaptable wardrobe.

Cheers.