Olivette

I stepped out of my comfort zone last week by wearing a pair of army green, relaxed-fit chinos rolled up at the ankle instead of my go-to dark-wash skinny jeans. I at first felt a bit flustered by this fashion risk (“is this me?!”), but wound up sneaking glances of myself in every mirror I passed that day and thinking, “Yes, this is good.” I’ll admit that my get-up was not the result of a personal “eureka” — I was totally inspired by the casual-glam note Gwyneth Paltrow struck in her Current/Elliott “Captain pants.”

Something about the look just felt fresh and unexpected and modern. So I adapted, pairing a solid black crewneck sweater (Vince, $235, Barney’s) with some olive green pants (rolled up at the ankle — mine were the army green “Waverly chinos” from J. Crew, which are no longer available online, but Paltrow’s are Current/Elliott’s are available for $160 at Net-A-Porter) and a pair of leopard flats (mine are by Ann Taylor, and are now on sale for only $99!)

I tied it all together with a tangly chain necklace with a bow tie in the back (Suzanna Dai, $200, Charm and Chain), a taupey scarf ($86, Tobi), and a thin patent nude leather belt:

I so enjoyed the look that I found myself rifling through my closet for other olive green pieces for incorporation into my work wardrobe for this upcoming week. I love the newness of the color as a neutral and the slight “edge” it lends to any outfit. This season, I’ve been big into the idea of wearing unexpected/”tougher-than-average” button-downs with the classic lines of a pencil skirt, and I plan to do so this week with my newfound army green obsession. I’ll pair my olive green shirt (similar to this $110 Madewell lovely) with a black wool pencil skirt ($130, TheOutnet):

Finish with a pair of classic, glossy-black Louboutins ($595, Net-A-Porter) and this amazing Burberry tote ($295, Farfetch):

Spruce things up with a pair of rope-edged studs (love the silver-on-gold style of these Rachel Leighs — $70, Charm and Chain) and a statement necklace ($195, Charm and Chain):

I’m also loving the idea of this thick wool, army green felted cape jacket by DVF ($395, Net-A-Porter) with a fur collar (Adrienne Landau, $295, Intermix):

I’d layer it atop an olive-striped tee (on sale for $25, J. Crew), black skinny jeans, and black booties (dig the buckle — $330, ShoptheShoebox):

As for jewelry? A pair of sparkling studs ($125, Charm and Chain) and this Fenton-Fallon “swag” necklace ($395, Barney’s) — I would rely on them to add some much-needed glitz to the get-up:

A contrasting pop-of-red bag seems like the perfect finish, and I l.o.v.e. the retro shape of this top-handle bag (Lulu Guinness, $695, Coggles):

Another idea for work? Swap out your typical black or gray skirt for an olive green version (this one is on sale for $63 at Bloomingdale’s and I l-o-v-e the little buckles on the pockets) and pair with an uber-feminine silky blouse (this one is by Stella McCartney and is no longer available, but I’ve had it in my style file for so long because it is just per.fect; for something similar, check out this $390 Lanvin at Net-A-Porter):

I kind of like the way it’s styled here, with opaque black tights and glossy black pumps, although I’d probably opt away from the platform in this case in order to play up the femininity of the top and ensure the proper balance. I might even swap in a pair of pointy-toed flats with a contrast-in-texture, like these snakeskin Elizabeth & James flats ($265, Zoe), and finish with this quilted satchel ($425, Brahmin):

The only thing missing? A clinking military-inspired charm bracelet (love this Carolee style — $69, Zappos) and some glammed-up earrings (I’m majorly drawn to these Fenton-Fallons, $309, ASOS):

For something a bit more casual, how pitch-perfect is this militarista-chic cape (Juicy Couture, $380, Net-A-Porter) paired with these amazing Loeffler Randall army-green boots (if you can’t afford the leather Mathilde, these are an easy way of getting the style for less! — $195, Loeffler Randall):

Beneath, pair a cozy sweater ($49, A.E.) with some skinnies and amazing Prada tote (d.i.e. over this one , and so does my bank account — $2,300, Barney’s):

Pair with these “coin” earrings ($95, Alexis Bittar) and this un.be.lievable Hermes wrap bracelet (sigh…$445, Hermes):

I’m also loving the idea of a tweedy camel blazer ($199, Talbots) atop a silken plaid button down ($110, Madewell) and denim skinnies:

Finish with statement boots — I’m inclined towards these Fendis ($695, Farfetch), paired with this Madewell tote ($158, Madewell) —

but the gutsier amongst you might be willing to test drive the trendy shoes of the season: military-inspired lace-up ankle boots, like these Tory Burches ($450, Net-A-Porter):

Goes hand-in-hand with this Madewell tote ($98, Madewell):

Alternately, how much do you love the idea of pairing an army green cargo shirt (Elizabeth and James, $245, Net-A-Porter) with a skinny, lived-in-leather belt ($85, Toast) and a khaki skirt (See by Chloe, on sale for $85, TheOutnet):

Add a rich leather tote ($135, TopShop) and some super-high-heels ($875, Net-A-Porter):

Picture perfect when paired with this cheery red wool cape ($389, Isabella Oliver):

And if none of the above outfits speak to you, test-drive the color by casually mixing in an olive accessory with your other neutrals. I’m thinking of this cozy knit scarf ($72, ShopTwigs) or this waxed-leather Rebecca Minkoff cross-body bag ($295, MuseTen):

Or — more my cup of tea — this canvas-and-leather tote ($120, J.W. Hulme):