Okay, let me be real with you for a hot second. I used to think tan was the most boring color in my closet, you know, that safe beige that just sat there doing absolutely nothing.

But then I had a lightbulb moment last summer when I was getting ready for brunch, and I accidentally paired this gorgeous emerald green top with my tan, wide-leg pants.

And trust me, once you start experimenting with different colors, you’ll never question what color goes with tan.

So let’s plunge into all the gorgeous combos that’ll have you serving looks left and right!

Best Type of Tan for Each Color Season

Before we understand what color goes with tan, its good to figure out what the ideal tan shades are according to your season.

It will help you find the perfect fit for yourself every single time.

Spring Beauties

If you’re a spring girl like me, go for those warm, peachy tans that have a bit of golden undertone.

Think camel or warm beige, they’ll make your skin glow! I learned this the hard way when I kept buying cool-toned tans that made me look washed out.

Summer Goddesses

You lucky summer babes can rock those soft, muted tans with cooler undertones. Greige-tan or mushroom shades are your best friends.

My summer bestie always looks incredible in these softer tans, and honestly, I’m a little jealous!

Autumn Queens

You can handle the wealthiest, most decadent tans! Think cognac, rust-tinged tans, or deep camel.

These warm, earthy tones were created with you in mind, and they’ll complement your natural coloring beautifully.

Winter Warriors

You bold winter types can handle the most dramatic tans and can surprisingly pull off both ends of the tan spectrum!

Go for either very light, almost-white tans or super deep, chocolate-browns. The contrast works magic with your dramatic coloring.

Where Does Tan Lie on The Color Wheel?

Tan sits between brown and beige on the color wheel, but it’s not a pure hue like red or blue; it’s a neutral or earth tone created by combining brown with a significant amount of white (or orange with gray).

Where It Falls

• Position: Off-center from the main color spectrum, it’s considered a warm, muted tone.
• Closest Hues: It’s closest to light orange, warm beige, or soft camel tones.
• Color Family: It belongs to the neutral or warm neutrals category, often used to balance brighter hues or create calm, earthy palettes.

Complementary Colors for Tan

• Cool blues (like sky blue, teal, or navy) work well as opposites.
• Soft pastels (like blush pink or sage green) complement it for subtle contrast.
• Metallics (especially gold or bronze) pair beautifully with tan for warmth and richness.

Understanding What Color Goes with Tan

Wondering what color goes with tan? After extensive experimentation, I present to you some colors that pair exceptionally well with tan.

1. Navy Blue

Navy and tan is like that couple everyone wants to be: classic, effortless, and always put-together.

I swear by my navy blazer paired with tan trousers for those days when I need to look professional yet approachable.

• Why it works: Navy provides the perfect contrast depth without being too harsh, and both colors share that timeless, preppy energy that never goes out of style.
• Styling tip: Try a navy sweater with tan wide-leg pants and cognac accessories, or flip it with a tan blouse under a navy blazer; both combos are chef’s kiss perfection.

2. Emerald Green

This is the combo that changed my whole perspective on tan! Emerald green brings out those golden undertones in tan like nothing else.

• Why It Works: The richness of emerald creates a minimalist jewel-tone moment, while tan keeps it grounded and approachable, it’s luxury with a smile.
• Styling tip: An emerald silk camisole with tan culottes is my go-to date night look, and adding gold jewelry just amplifies the whole vibe beautifully.

3. Dusty Rose

If you want to feel feminine and put-together without trying too hard, this is your combo. I love how soft and dreamy this pairing feels.

• Why it works: Both colors share that muted, refined quality that whispers rather than shouts, creating an effortless palette.
• Styling tip: A dusty rose knit sweater paired with a tan midi skirt is spring perfection, especially when complemented with delicate rose gold accessories to tie it all together.

4. Burgundy

Burgundy and tan together remind me of cozy coffee shops and crisp autumn walks. This combination has a rich, earthy quality that makes you feel grounded and confident.

• Why it works: Both colors come from the same warm, earthy family, so they naturally complement each other, while burgundy adds that pop of refinement.
• Styling tip: Try a burgundy turtleneck with tan trousers and brown boots as it’s the perfect “i have my life together” outfit that requires minimal effort.

5. Cream/ivory

This is monochromatic dressing at its finest, and honestly, one of my favorite ways to look expensive on any budget.

Cream and tan create a beautiful tonal story that’s so much more interesting.

• Why it works: The slight contrast between cream and tan creates visual interest while maintaining that serene, pulled-together effect that always looks intentional.
• Styling tip: Layer different textures, perhaps a cream cashmere sweater with tan linen pants, and add one statement accessory in gold or cognac leather.

6. Forest Green

While emerald is bright and bold, forest green with tan gives me cozy cabin vibes in the best possible way.

This combo feels grounded and natural. It’s outdoorsy chic without trying too hard.

• Why it works: Both colors coexist beautifully in nature, creating an organic blend that feels effortless and authentic.
• Styling tip: A forest green utility jacket over a tan tee with dark wash jeans hits that perfect casual-cool sweet spot every single time.

7. Coral

Coral brings out the warmth in tan while adding that perfect pop of energy. I came across this combo during a beach vacation. It’s like sunshine and sand in outfit form.

• Why it works: Coral’s warmth complements the golden undertones of tan, creating a palette that’s energizing yet never overwhelming or too bright.
• Styling tip: A coral tank with tan linen shorts and espadrilles is my foolproof summer formula; add some gold jewelry and you’re vacation-ready.

8. Soft Gray

Sometimes you want to feel chic and modern, and gray with tan delivers exactly that vibe. It’s edgy without being stuffy, contemporary without being trendy.

I love this combo for days when I want to look put-together but approachable. It’s my go-to for client meetings or coffee dates.

• Why it works: Gray provides a cool contrast to tan’s warmth, creating a balanced, modern palette that feels fresh and current.
• Styling tip: Try a soft gray sweater with tan wide-leg trousers and white sneakers for that effortless “i work in creative but i’m professional” energy.

9. Mustard Yellow

Mustard and tan might sound overwhelming, but it’s the perfect answer to what color goes with tan.

It’s this gorgeous, rich combination that feels like autumn wrapped in confidence.

• Why it works: They’re both warm, earthy tones that complement each other’s golden qualities, creating a palette that’s bold yet refined.
• Styling tip: a Mustard cardigan over a tan dress with cognac boots is my secret weapon for looking put-together on days when I feel anything but.

10. Denim Blue

This is casual cool perfection, and honestly, one of the most wearable combinations ever.

American classic vibe that works for everything from weekend errands to casual Fridays. It’s familiar but never dull.

• Why it works: Both colors are wardrobe staples that naturally complement each other, creating a relaxed but intentional look that always feels right.
• Styling tip: A Denim chambray shirt with tan chinos and white sneakers is my uniform for days when I want to look good without thinking too hard about it.

11. Plum Purple

This combination makes me feel like I’m channeling a specific classy art gallery owner energy. Plum with tan is unexpected but gorgeous.

It is perfect for when you want to stand out subtly.

• Why it works: Plum’s depth provides a beautiful contrast to tan’s lightness, while both colors share that muted quality that feels intentional.
• Styling tip: A plum silk blouse with tan palazzo pants and gold accessories creates this gorgeous tonal moment that feels special but not overdone.

12. Terracotta

This is earth goddess vibes at their best! Terracotta and tan together feel so grounded and natural, like you’re channeling some desert sunset energy.

Both colors possess a warm, earthy quality that makes you feel connected to nature and exude total confidence.

• Why it works: They’re both warm, earthy tones that exist beautifully together in nature, creating a palette that feels organic and blended.
• Styling tip: A terracotta knit top with tan linen pants and woven accessories gives you that perfect “i summer in Tuscany” vibe.

13. Black

Sometimes you just need that classic contrast, and black with tan delivers class with zero effort.

This combo never fails me when I need to look polished quickly. It’s sharp, clean, and works for literally everything from business meetings to dinner dates.

• Why it works: Black provides the perfect contrast to tan’s warmth, while keeping the overall look grounded and classic. It’s foolproof chic.
• Styling tip: A black turtleneck with tan wide-leg pants and pointed-toe flats is my go-to “i need to look expensive but comfortable” outfit.

14. White

Clean, fresh, and eternally chic, white and tan is like the refined cousin of the all-white outfit.

It has this effortless poise that works in any season and for any occasion. Plus, it’s practically mistake-proof, which I love for busy mornings.

• Why it works: The slight contrast creates visual interest while maintaining a clean, minimal effect that always looks intentional and put together.
• Styling tip: A crisp white button-down paired with tan culottes and nude accessories creates a beautiful, streamlined look that photographs exceptionally well.

15. Camel

A camel with tan gives you all that depth and interest without any of the guesswork; it’s the monochrome that always works.

• Why it works: The subtle variation in depth creates a beautiful tonal story while maintaining that cohesive, polished look that feels expensive.
• Styling tip: Layer a camel coat over a tan sweater with darker tan pants – add different textures to keep it interesting and avoid a flat look.

Considerations to Remember when Styling Tan

Just knowing what color goes with tan isn’t enough; there are certain things to consider when working with this versatile color.

• Texture is everything: since you’re often working with similar tones, mixing textures keeps your outfit visually interesting and prevents it from looking flat.
• Accessories can make or break the look: Gold, cognac leather, and warm metals are your best friends with tan. Silver can work too, but choose wisely!
• Consider your undertones: Do you have warm undertones? Go for golden, honey tans. Cool undertones? Stick with grayer, more muted versions.
• Don’t forget about proportions: Tan can sometimes wash you out if you wear too much of it. Balance is key; use it as a base and add your pops of color strategically.
• Lighting matters: Tan can look different in various lighting conditions, so always do a mirror check in natural light before heading out.
• Confidence is your best accessory: Seriously! Tan is such a versatile, classy color that when you wear it with confidence, you automatically look more put-together.

Wrapping It Up

Listen, tan might not be the flashiest color in your closet, but it’s definitely the most reliable friend you’ve got.

It plays well with literally everything, makes other colors look better, and never makes you look overdressed or underdressed.

So next time you’re staring at your closet feeling uninspired, wondering what color goes with tan, reach for that tan piece and try something new.

Now go forth and slay in tan, gorgeous! Your wardrobe (and your confidence) will thank you for it.