Tan is a versatile neutral color that can work with a wide range of colors. When selecting colors to pair with tan, consider the undertones of the particular shade of tan. Warm, golden tans look great with other warm neutrals like brown, cream, khaki, and peach. Cool, greyish tans complement other cool neutrals like grey, blue, and pastel shades. Read on for more tips on combining colors with different shades of tan.
Quick Answer
The best colors to match with tan are other neutrals like cream, grey, khaki, brown, black, and white. Earth tones like olive green, peach, and terracotta also pair well with tan. For a cool tan, add pastels like powder blue, mauve, or pale yellow. For a warm tan, go for deeper shades like burnt orange, army green, or coral.
Complementary Colors for Tan
Colors opposite tan on the color wheel are known as complementary colors. These create high-contrast, striking color combinations. The main complementary colors for tan are shades of purple, violet and lilac. Pale purple is pretty with lighter tans, while darker plums and eggplants complement deeper, brownish tans. Blue-purples like periwinkle also make bold tan color schemes.
Monochromatic Tan Color Palettes
Sticking to a single color family is a foolproof way to match tan. Monochrome tan outfits feature different shades, tones and textures of tan. Pair a tan shirt with tan pants or skirt in a lighter and darker shade. Add tan accessories like belts, shoes and bags. This creates a harmonious, tonal look. Khaki, beige, sand, caramel and brown are tan’s closest color cousins.
Neutrals That Go With Tan
Other neutral colors are easy, versatile tan matches. Black and white almost always look great with tan for high contrast. Soft creams, greys and browns are tan’s subtler counterparts. Khaki is the most popular neutral paired with tan, featuring greenish-brown undertones. Olive green and army green also complement tan nicely. For a retro 70’s vibe, mix tan with burnt orange.
Pastels and Earth Tones
Softer hues like pastels and earth tones blend seamlessly with tan. Pale blue, mauve, mint green, peach and yellow bring out tan’s softness. Earthy terracotta, mustard, sage green, brick red and coral align with tan’s natural look. These colors work for casual, relaxed tan outfits and accessories. Avoid matching bright neons and other saturated colors with tan.
Best and Worst Colors to Wear With Tan
Here’s a quick checklist of the best and worst color matches for tan:
Best Colors for Tan
- White
- Black
- Grey
- Cream
- Brown
- Khaki
- Olive green
- Purple
- Pink
- Peach
- Yellow
- Blue
Worst Colors for Tan
- Neon colors
- Bright red
- Orange
- Lime green
- Royal blue
In general, colors close to tan on the color wheel are good matches. Complementary colors also work well. Avoid colors like red, orange and lime green that clash with tan’s neutrality. Consider the tan’s warmth and depth too when selecting coordinating colors.
Matching Different Shades of Tan
The particular shade and undertone of tan makes a difference in which colors coordinate best. Here’s how to match up colors with common tan varieties:
Light Tan
Pair pale, sand-colored tans with other light neutrals like cream, grey and taupe. Soft pink, lavender, mint and baby blue also create calm, airy combinations. White looks crisp and summery.
Medium Tan
The most versatile shade, medium tans work with nearly any neutral, pastel or earth tone. Charcoal grey, olive green, sky blue and salmon pink are especially attractive. Keep accessories and highlights crisp in white.
Dark Tan
Deep, brownish tans aligned with richer, darker colors. Black, espresso brown, plum, navy and forest green make sleek combinations. Burnt orange and brick red add warmth. Keep it minimalist with little pattern or texture.
Warm Tan
Golden brown tans with yellowish undertones match well with other warm neutrals. Pair with khaki, tan, cream, peach, coral and terracotta. Add pops of yellow, burnt orange or red for brightness.
Cool Tan
Greyish-brown tans work best with other cool neutrals like white, grey, khaki and light blue. Soft purples, pinks and minty greens add flair. Avoid warm yellows, oranges or reds.
Tan Color Palettes for Fashion
Use these fashion-inspired color schemes for tan outfits and accessories:
Earth Tones – Rich browns, greens and terra cotta
Monochrome – Different shades of tan
Neutral – Tan, white, black, grey, cream
Business Casual – Tan, navy, light blue, grey
Feminine – Tan, pink, lavender, peach
Edgy – Tan, black, burgundy, army green
Vintage – Tan, mustard, burnt orange, rust red
Boho – Tan, olive green, brick red, coral
Home Decor Color Schemes with Tan
Use tan as a base and add coordinating accent colors through decor and textiles:
Coastal – Tan, sea blue, white, driftwood brown
Rustic – Tan, red barn wood, cream, green
Modern Farmhouse – Tan, black, white, grey
Desert – Tan, terracotta, turquoise, coral
Industrial – Tan, black, grey, burnt orange
Eclectic – Tan, jewel tones like emerald and sapphire
Minimalist – Tan, white, light wood, grey
Conclusion
Tan is endlessly versatile, looking fantastic with any neutral shade. Cooler tan varieties work with crisp white, dove grey, navy and pale pink. Warmer tans match well with cream, khaki, olive and peach. Avoid bright, saturated colors that clash. Focus on muted tones and earthy hues to complement tan’s natural elegance in your wardrobe and home decor.
| Tan Shade | Best Matching Colors |
|---|---|
| Light Tan | Cream, grey, taupe, mint, lavender |
| Medium Tan | Olive, charcoal, sky blue, peach |
| Dark Tan | Black, espresso, plum, navy, forest green |
| Warm Tan | Khaki, peach, terracotta, burnt orange |
| Cool Tan | White, light blue, mauve, pale pink |
