The Colors of Fall is a series where I share styling ideas for the different colors of fall.

Mustard is seeing a resurgence of popularity after being relegated for years to the category of “those ugly colors from the 70s.” You know, mustard/harvest gold, brown, rust, orange, avocado green. Just think of any kitchen in the early 70s and there’s that exact palette.

I kinda feel like ALL those colors are pretty popular again right now! What was that, 50 years ago? I always hear about the 20-year fashion cycle, but I think that’s a little quicker than it actually happens.

ANYWAY.

I think mustard is a pretty easy color to style. It’s not as vibrant as a golden yellow, making it more neutral and a better friend to other colors. I do know some people are challenged with wearing certain shades of mustard cuz it matches their skin tone too closely and it looks weird, but…don’t give up on ALL mustard just cuz ONE thing didn’t work.

If you struggle with wearing mustard, try a more saturated tone…or get some other color between the mustard and your skin – like a turtleneck or button-down or long sleeve shirt, so the “fleshy” color is not right up against your neck, arms, hands.

And what colors play nicely with mustard? Oh gosh! So many!

Grey! Wine! Pink! Navy! Faded denim! Black! White! Teal! Purple! Red! All the colors in the “70s” print above: brown, orange, olive green! Someone! Please! Stop Me!

Remember it’s all about coordinating the undertones of the colors you want to combine. And “coordinate” doesn’t necessarily mean, “match.” Maybe “complementing” is a better word. Remember the color wheel. Consider the colors that are “next to” mustard, as well as those directly opposite. For a refresher on using the color wheel to inspire color combinations, visit Color Combining for Interesting Outfits.

Let’s take a look at some examples of mustard+ color combinations:

Okay, going big here. Mustard and lilac. I’m loving this vibrant combination. The yellow/ochre color family is opposite the blue/purple tones on the color wheel, so they’re good complements to one another.

An equally vibrant pairing is mustard and fuchsia!

To stay with the pinky purples but for a softer look, do mustard with pink.

Wine/maroon/burgundy is also an excellent complement to mustard.’

 

 

For a more casual look, pair mustard with navy…or “denim blue,” like blue chambray.

A very classic and chic combo is mustard and grey.

I’m dreaming of a chunky, slouchy mustard turtleneck OR a cashmere/merino wool twinset over wide-legged grey flannel trousers. Oh, be still, my schoolgirl uniform heart!

Another bold combo is mustard and red.

Mustard and olive green…

Mustard with teal…

I’ve been off teal for a while but I’m loving it so much now with mustard that I think I might have to bring some teal back into my wardrobe!

Mustard with brown…

Will it ever end? At this point are you kind of thinking, “well, what DOESN’T go with mustard??  YUP. Then there are the obvious suspects of black and white…oh, and what about turquoise? Hard purple? Chartreuse?

SOMEBODY STOP ME!!!

Mustard is a VERY versatile color. And it’s FUN! If you haven’t TRIED wearing mustard, I hope you do! I’m sure you have something in your closet that will look great with it!

If you just want to dip your toe in the mustard water (ew), try some accessories…

 

Hope you enjoyed viewing the marvels of mustard (sorry) with me….