Why do I now love a color I used to hate?
As a teen, if you asked me my least favorite color, I would say it was the color I used to hate, that weird yellow green brownish color. The color of pea soup, of baby poop, of algae, a bit olive green, a bit avocado, a bit chartreuse, a bit acid green. And now? I can't get enough of this color. I love it as the most perfect accent color or as the spotlight of an ensemble.
2026 update: Apparently I was onto something. Chartreuse has only gotten bigger this year, showing up everywhere from designer collections to street style. I've also found even more versions of this weird yellow-green: citron, acid green, avocado, olive-gold, that work beautifully with the colors already in my wardrobe. So I'm updating this post with some of my current favorite finds.
Shop the Collage: purse | earrings (ALISON10 for 10% off) | ring | eyeshadow quad | jacket (32-42) | loafers | glasses | cream shadow | gloves | beaded bag | sweater (XS-3X) | necklace | flats | nailcolor | wallet
Why I Now Love the Color I Used to Hate
Berry and fuchsia and hot pink? So fun. But those colors with chartreuse or avocado? Divine. And this color with navy, with chocolate brown, with gray, with dark forest green or teal, deep jewel tones of amethyst and garnet and sapphire and ruby… oh it feels so modern and sophisticated and gives it all a new fresh life.
Shop the collage: blazer (0-14) | shoulder bag | cashmere tee (XXS-XXL) | suede clutch | skirt (XXS-XL) | sunglasses | face mask | earrings | silk scarf | glasses pouch | ring | crossbody | sequin fringe bag | jacket (XS-XL) | suede sling bag | pashmina
Chartreuse, Citron, Acid Green: Finding Your Shade
The color I used to hate goes by so many names, and not all of them are entirely accurate. But finding pieces for this article I found the color names chartreuse, avocado and avocado oil, pistachio, peridot, golden pear, green tea, slime, olive gold, moss, woodbine, celery, citrus, citron, and bamboo. Some are brighter, some are more muted, some have more yellow or brown. There is variety to this color, so you can find the version that feels the most right for your existing wardrobe and your personal taste.
Shop the Collage: sneakers | eyecolor (ALISON20 for 20% off) | scarf | bracelet set | jacket (XS-3X) | glasses | belt | pumps | pants (XS-XL) | ring (I own) | bandana | sweater (XXS-XXL) | bag | gloves
What Colors Look Good With Chartreuse?
This is the kind of color that can change with what it's paired with. With brown and gold, it's luxe. With neon pink and white it's modern and fun. With purples and teals it takes on an almost metallic effect. It makes red go from cliche to edgy. It's great with denim, morphing with each wash or color and it emphasizes texture when paired with or offered in angora, tweed, leather, suede, velvet, chenille.
More Style Advice at Wardrobe Oxygen:
Looking for actual outfit ideas? I put together a full guide on how to style chartreuse in 2026, including the colors I think look best with it and several complete outfits.
And if you're chartreuse-curious but not ready for a whole sweater or dress, start with an accessory. A shoe, scarf, bag, or earring gives you that jolt of strange green without asking it to take over your outfit.
Shop the collage: sweater (00-40) | sunglasses | skirt (XXS-XL) | bag | nailcolor | earrings | ring | necklace | top (XS-1X) | wallet | scarf
Embracing Change and Evolving Style
Don't like this color? Don't worry, it's not a necessity to be stylish. I just love the idea of how we as humans keep growing and learning and changing. What we may have hated in the past, including the color I used to hate, we may not find we love; we continue to have the ability to change our mind and embrace new ideas as we get older and wiser!
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I adore this colour. I happened to find a pair of gorgeous thick cord pants (consignment) and a cashmere sweater (thrifted) in exactly the same colour. Usually I wear them separately but one day I wore them together to work – and I’ve never received so many compliments about an outfit!
Alison, this is so funny and so true. When we were kids my siblings and I would fight over who got stuck with the “burpy green” (as we called it) crayon and now I love it! Ha ha!
As a furloughed fed, I am not spending money now, but I love, and have always loved, this color. I’m a medium blond with fair but not super pale skin, dark eyebrows, dark green eyes, and sort of warm undertones. This color looks really good on me, as does the entire range of “baby poop” colors.
I LOVE this color as I get older too, and I think my mom had the same evolution based on memories of her wardrobe. I second that it would be awesome to see some color pairings you describe (from your own wardrobe?) or if not possible, from the online world. Thanks for the great post.
Sounds like a good challenge for me as I do have some sweaters in this color!
I wish those mules were available in my size.
I would love to see photos of some of the color combinations you are suggesting. It would make it easier to visualize!
Love! These colors were made for those of us who are natural carrot-tops (even if age has faded it to a dishwater strawberry). I’d already purchased the golden-pear silk scarf by Eileen Fisher when I saw you mention the woodbine cashmere sweater at Tuckernuck. I was able to nab it when it was briefly available. Gorgeous! Thanks for highlighting.
The little bowls are so cute!
Omg! So glad I’m not the only one…I have been scouring my favorite places to shop for this color as well! I do love using color to perk up my winter outfits and this green is definitely it this year!