Spicy earth tones are trending big time at the moment. Although some are cool, they are generally warm colours. And when I was in the Netherlands last month, retail stores were packed with the new season’s warm earth tones. The Dutch customer loves their blues, so earth tones were remixed with all shades of blue, and with shades of white for good measure. It made for a delightful mix of hot and cold and inspired this post.

Some of these hot and cold combinations might make you rethink your “I can’t wear warm earth tones” point of view.

1. Mustard Bottom

Wear pumpkin mustard bottoms, like a skirt and pair of pants or jeans, and combine it with a top in a shade of white and a blue denim jacket. If denim jackets aren’t your thing, try a navy, light blue, French blue or cobalt topper. The model’s black hair bookends her boots, and adds another cool shade to the mix. The animal print bag picks up the black and the mustard.

M&S Collection Pleated Midi Skirt

2. Cognac Accents

Combine any top and bottom in shades of blue and white, and finish off the look with earthy cognac footwear and headgear to match. If headgear is not your thing, add a cognac bag to pull together the outfit. Combining blue jeans with a blue and white top is another way to go.

Scotch & Soda Mixed Artwork Sweatshirt

3. Cinnamon Bottom

The addition of cool-toned silver and grey is unique in this mix. Combine a navy and white top with cinnamon bottoms, and add a light grey topper. A navy and white scarf adds interest. Here the navy and white sneakers do a great job of repeating the colours in the tee. The orange in the trim of the sneakers complements the cinnamon bottoms.

Anthropologie Jefferson High Rise Slim Utility Pants

4. The Clash

The clash of hot and cold colours in this cardigan is bold and different. To my eye, there is harmony because of carefully repeated colours. The dark denim is neutral. The black belt and boots create an effective complement. The camisole repeats the earthy olive and khaki of the cardigan. The cobalt of the cardigan brings out the blue in the model’s eyes. The burgundy is ever so slightly repeated in the model’s lips. Clever! Add jewellery, eyewear, and watch as desired.

Expresso Sammy Riem Zwart