Color Theory: How Chartreuse Goes With Everything
Welcoming the Most Versatile Color
Some years ago, I did an analysis of which statement bright-colored shoe is the most versatile (given that not all of us can have the whole rainbow of shoes) and concluded that lime/chartreuse, i.e. the green–yellow hue, is the most versatile, as it literally goes with almost everything.
Imagine my joy when I learned that chartreuse is trending this year, according to Who What Wear.
(By the way, I’m still a bit confused about the exact distinction between lime and chartreuse, but broadly speaking, the green–yellow spectrum works for this.)
This year, my friends gifted me a gift card to Salanida, and after extensive try-ons, I chose this lime / chartreuse sweater that I absolutely love. As I was styling looks at home, I couldn’t help but notice how almost every color works with it. I also pulled out my yellow-green skirt from Tibi, which is slightly more yellow-leaning, and the same principle applies there too.
Chartreuse + Greens
Tibi skirt, Tibi Rudolph metallic flats, Uniqlo dress and T-shirt, Cos top.
Tonal looks work beautifully here - you can try almost anything. Just make sure to lean into warmer greens rather than blue-greens, and you’re good.
Chartreuse + Whites / Creams
Capsule.love dress, Le Monde Beryll Stella slippers in chocolate patent, Salanida sweater, Tibi de-brancusi’d Brancusi jeans, L.A. Apparel white jellies, Front Row necklace
A fresh, beautiful option for spring and summer. I love how whites and creams soften the yellow-green.
Chartreuse + Burgundy
Tibi boots, Salanida sweater, Mango skirt.
Easily one of my favorite combinations. A stunning juxtaposition of “young” chartreuse and “mature” burgundy.
Chartreuse + Reds and Pinks
Flattered Bo bucket bag, Tibi red sandals (other options), Tibi pink sweater (similar)
Is there a color chartreuse can’t pull off? Reds and pinks work beautifully too.
Chartreuse + Navy
Tibi Bronson boots, Tibi Bio Twill skirt, Uniqlo satin top, Front Row necklace.
For navy lovers: all versions of yellow-green look amazing when paired with navy, bringing it to life in a very satisfying way.
Chartreuse + Gray
All Tibi: boots, skirt, and blazer
Obviously. Gray works with almost everything - no exception here.
Chartreuse + Orange
Tibi skirt, Arket T-shirt, L.K. Bennet accessories.
I didn’t expect this one to work - but it kind of does, doesn’t it?
(Also note the little hands peeking in - my 5-year-old loves to “play fashion” too.)
Chartreuse + Black
All old Tibi: skirt, shoes and dress
Black is a pretentious queen, and not every color works with it - but chartreuse, of course, does.
There were a couple of combinations I couldn’t make work - such as chartreuse with powder blue or apricot - but other than that, I find it incredibly versatile. Needless to say, I’m quite excited about the arrival of this trend. Tibi has also launched several pieces in a similar colorway, which they call Pea Pod (interestingly they also have chartreuse color which is much more green in my opinion).
Are you wearing this color, or skipping it? Let me know in the comments!
And I love the combos you came up with!
I also love chartreuse! There is something about it that has a serious side, even though it is a loud color. It doesn’t seem like a kid color. You say to stay away from mixing it with blue-greens, but chartreuse and teal green/blue has been a lifelong favorite of mine!