Last Updated on 29th August 2023
Earth tones are among the favourites of both minimalists and fashion lovers, with the colour palette focusing on muted shades that mimic natural material and colouring you can find in natural landscapes. This designation primarily includes greens, browns and other warm hues, and has close links to sustainable and eco-fashion and biophilic design.
The term first gained popularity in the 1970s, with the environmental movement, as people sought to reconnect with nature on a deeper level. The fundamental advantage of using earth tones is that they’re highly versatile and can be mixed and matched together without affecting the overall ensemble.
There’s something satisfying about a colour-coordinated outfit, but earth tones aren’t just for the wardrobe. You can integrate them into interior design, which works perfectly for minimalist style and rustic-inspired arrangements.
But is the practical yet stylish trend still in this summer? The simple answer is a definitive yes. There’s a reason why many associate it with timeless pieces.
Plant vibes
Getting a houseplant is no longer seen as a dull pastime, as many Millennials and Gen Zs have started bringing greenery into their homes. There are several advantages that come with taking up taking care of plants, from cleaning the air you breathe indoors by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, to providing you with a calming, soothing, relaxing and even meditative environment.
And while it can be tricky to figure out how exactly to take care of the plants, how often they need watering and how much fertiliser you should give them so they develop well, once you get the hang of it, you’ll likely want to bring even more plants into your home. The use of greenery and natural light are key elements of biophilia, which is using natural elements in the home.
But have you ever considered that your houseplants can serve as fashion inspiration? Naturally, you’d have to love green quite a lot, and you’ll have to work with the types of plants you own. For instance, if you own a pothos, with its hanging stems and leaves, it can be interpreted as an oversized maxi dress that can be easily paired with either trainers or heels, depending on where you’re going.
If you have a snake plant, you should know they’re resilient, making them the perfect option if you don’t possess a green thumb. Yet, you should still look after your plant diligently by getting it a beautifully designed, sustainably produced planter from https://www.elho.com/en.
Interior design
For a home design that stays true to the earth tones trend, you must focus not only on colouring but also on the furnishings and textures you choose. Beige, terracotta, brown and dark green are the most popular shades to create a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere and an organic look.
However, blue, certain reds and even pink can qualify as earth tones as well. You just have to be mindful of the hue. They shouldn’t be too bright or garish but resemble the shades you’ll likely see in flowers or blooming trees.
Adding plants is one of the key aspects of having an indoor space that’s reminiscent of the natural world. To keep in line with the design, you can choose planters in natural colours that are also made from sustainable, recycled materials. The Greenville Easy Balcony comes in white, ginger brown, leaf green, white and soft grey.
It can fit on railings and has an added water reservoir that ensures your plants are never without adequate watering. The Loft Urban Terrace Wheels in anthracite grey is ideal if you want a truly minimalist design.
Natural fabrics like cotton or linen are ideal, especially during the summer, since they’re breathable and look good as part of furnishings. For all other items in your home, consider stone, bamboo and wood for both the indoors and the outdoors. Not only do they look good, but they’re also highly resistant to daily wear and tear and only look better with age.
Linen
Linen is synonymous with the summer season. Its breathable, antibacterial properties mean you’ll be sweat-free during the summer. In fact, the fabric has been a clothing staple for millennia across different generations. The Tarkhan dress, over 5000 years old and the oldest women’s piece of clothing in the world, was made from linen.
Given that the most common colours are beige, white and oatmeal, linen is an everyday wardrobe staple among minimalists nowadays, those looking to create capsule wardrobes, and everyone who wants to make a chic but effortless look with no effort.
Linen dresses are very popular. Whether short, maxi or midi, belted, with cutouts, long sleeves or shoulder straps, oversized or more fitted, there’s a linen dress for everyone. The best thing about them is that you can wear them as part of a casual or evening look, depending on the accessories you choose. For example, you can opt for slides or flats and a straw bag during the day, and a hand-woven clutch and neutral coloured, high-heeled sandals for evening wear.
And although wearing a shirt during the summer heat waves can sound like a guaranteed way to become overheated, that’s not the case when wearing a relaxed-fit linen shirt. Simple, white shirts can be paired with anything, from pleated skirts to jeans, and wear them for many summers from now on. And, of course, there are linen bottoms as well. There are wide-leg or pleated trousers, shorts, and skirts of different lengths that you can wear regardless of where you’re going.
Accessories
Earth tones should generally be matched by the use of natural materials, like cotton, linen, hemp, silk and wool. It doesn’t just go for clothing but also the accessories. Raffia and straw bags are very popular this summer. You can opt for large totes that fit in many different items, bucket-shaped bags with brown leather insertions, tiny crossbody bags, croissant-shaped and slouchy bags and, of course, the classic beach bags.
Earth tone remain one of the most popular trends of summer 2023 due to their timelessness. However, to make the most out of the look, choose natural materials and minimalistic designs.
What colours are in the earth tones palate?
The earthy colours palette typically includes those inspired by nature, such as:
1. Brown: Various shades of brown, including chocolate brown, tan, beige, and coffee.
2. Green: Earthy green tones like olive, moss, sage, and forest green.
3. Terracotta: Warm shades of reddish-brown, reminiscent of clay or terracotta.
4. Rust: Deep orange-brown tones resembling oxidized iron or rusted metal.
5. Mustard: A rich yellow-brown, similar to the shade of mustard seeds.
6. Taupe: A neutral grey-brown hue often associated with natural earth tones.
7. Olive: A muted green shade with hints of brown and grey, resembling the colour of olives.
8. Khaki: A pale, yellowish-brown often associated with military or safari clothing.
9. Burnt sienna: A reddish-brown resembling the earthy pigment of sienna clay.
10. Clay: A warm, reddish-brown inspired by natural clay.
