There is something quietly powerful about forest green. Not the lime-bright flash of spring, nor the olive that belongs to autumn — this is the deep, considered green of late summer, the colour of dense canopy light and cool evening gardens. As August settles in and the season begins its slow turn, forest green emerges as the most grounded, most grown-up colour in the summer edit. It asks nothing of you except confidence, and in return it gives you everything: flattery across complexions, versatility across occasions, and an almost effortless sense of intention. If you have been waiting for permission to commit to a single colour this season, this is it.
The colour story at a glance
- The shade: Deep, saturated forest green — think moss, emerald shadow, and pine rather than bright or khaki tones.
- Why now: A counterpoint to summer's usual brights, forest green feels grounded, calm, and richly on-trend for 2024.
- Best fabrics: Satin, linen, and soft knit all carry the hue beautifully — each reading slightly differently in the light.
- Easiest pairing: Cream, warm sand, or ivory keep the look fresh; chocolate brown and caramel deepen it for evening.
- Shoes to reach for: Tan leather sandals, nude block heels, or simple white trainers all sit harmoniously with the palette.
- Who it suits: Every complexion — forest green is one of the rare shades that flatters warm and cool undertones alike.
Why forest green is the colour of the moment
Colour dressing in 2024 has moved decisively away from the safe neutrals that dominated recent seasons. Women are dressing with intention — choosing hues that communicate something, that carry a point of view. Forest green sits at the precise intersection of nature-influenced dressing and quiet luxury: it reads as considered rather than loud, polished rather than trying. It has appeared across the runways and editorial pages of the season not as an accent but as a lead character, worn head to toe or as a confident single statement piece. That shift matters. It means the Aetida High Waist Satin Midi Skirt — cut in a sleek satin with a high waist that catches the light — is not a trend piece you will tire of in a fortnight. It is an investment in a colour story with genuine longevity.
There is also something deeply practical about forest green as a summer choice. Unlike white or pale pastels, it holds its visual weight in bright sunlight without washing out. Unlike stark black, it breathes and lifts, keeping outfits feeling seasonal. It is, in every sense, a summer green — just one that has grown up.
Three ways to wear forest green this August
One: The tonal set. The most effortless way into the colour story is to wear green from head to toe. A matching knitted set — such as the Aderinsola Casual Knitted Two-Piece Summer Set in a relaxed, casual silhouette — removes all the decision-making and delivers instant polish. Style with tan leather slides and a woven bag for daytime, or swap in gold jewellery and a heel for an evening out. Tonal dressing at its most confident needs nothing added; the colour does the work.
Two: The statement skirt, neutral top. If full tonal dressing feels like a leap, let a single statement skirt carry the colour. The Aetida High Waist Satin Midi Skirt in satin midi length is particularly effective here — its fabric catches light in a way that makes even the simplest white fitted top feel like a considered outfit. Tuck in neatly, add barely-there sandals, and keep accessories minimal. The skirt is the sentence; everything else is punctuation.
Three: The relaxed linen route. For those days when comfort is non-negotiable, forest green in a breathable fabric such as wide-leg linen trousers is an elegant solution. Pair with a simple white or cream linen shirt — loosely tucked — and flat leather sandals. It is the holiday-wardrobe formula that travels from beach town to dinner terrace without a single outfit change required.
On colour combinations: Keep your pairings grounded. Cream and ivory are the most universally flattering partners for forest green, lifting without competing. Warm caramel and chocolate tones create a richer, more autumnal effect — ideal as August tilts toward September. Avoid cooler greys or pale blues, which can flatten the depth of the hue. For shoes, tan, nude, and warm metallics are your most reliable allies; white trainers work for casual daytime. Keep bags natural — woven, leather, or suede — rather than anything overly structured or synthetic.
Shop the forest green edit
Every piece below has been chosen because it wears the colour beautifully and earns its place beyond a single season. Whether you are drawn to the languid elegance of a satin midi, the ease of a coordinated knit set, or the breezy practicality of wide-leg linen, the OLANE edit covers every version of forest green dressing you could want this August. The Aevina Knitted Loungewear Skirt Set and Aevita Knitted Tank Pleated Skirt Set are particularly worth noting for those who love the look of a set but want a softer, more relaxed knit handle — both pieces sit effortlessly in the palette and style up or down with minimal effort.
Carry it forward
One of forest green's most appealing qualities is its refusal to belong to a single season. As August fades into September and the light begins to shift, the same pieces that looked at home against summer heat will read just as beautifully layered with a fine camel knit or worn under a long tailored coat. The satin midi transitions to evening with opaque tights; the linen trousers move into early autumn with a long-sleeved top and loafers. Investing in forest green now is not an impulse purchase — it is a considered addition to a wardrobe that will repay you well into the cooler months. Dress in it with conviction, and it will always feel current.
