Sage green has become an increasingly popular color in fashion, home decor, and graphic design over the past few years. But what exactly is driving this sage green trend? In this article, we’ll explore the history of sage green, look at examples of its use across various industries, and examine why this earthy hue is having such a major moment right now.
What is Sage Green?
Sage green is a grayish-green color that takes its name from the herb sage. It’s a natural, muted shade that derives from the soft green chlorophyll pigment in sage leaves. The exact hue can vary, but generally sage green sits somewhere between a pale olive green and a warm light gray. It’s earthier and less vibrant than mint green, brighter than olive green, and more natural than seafoam green.
Some key characteristics of sage green include:
| Hex Code | #bccb90 |
| RGB | 188, 203, 144 |
| CMYK | 72, 0, 29, 0 |
| HSV | 75°, 28%, 80% |
So in summary, sage green is a soft, muted, gray-tinged green that feels both soothing and natural. It’s an extremely versatile neutral shade.
History of Sage Green
Sage green has long been a popular color choice, but has gone in and out of fashion over the decades. Here’s a quick look at the history of this earthy hue:
| 1800s | Sage green was a popular decorative color in Victorian homes and gardens. |
| 1920s | The muted, natural palette of Art Deco design made sage green furniture and accessories popular. |
| 1950s | Sage fell out of fashion in the bright, peppy 1950s. |
| 1970s | Sage green had a major revival in 70s design. |
| 2000s | Sage began popping up again in home decor in the early 2000s. |
| 2010s | Fashion began embracing sage green starting around 2015. |
So while sage has never fully disappeared, it has cycled in and out of popularity over the past century before reemerging in recent years.
Sage Green in Fashion
After being mostly absent from the fashion world for decades, sage green reentered the scene in a big way starting in 2015. Sage coats, dresses, boots, bags, and more started appearing on the runway.
By 2018, Pantone had named “Ultra Violet” its color of the year. But the color experts noted that serene, earthy shades like sage green were also beginning to trend as a reaction to societal unrest.
Over the next few years, sage continued gaining traction across women’s, men’s, and children’s fashion. Both fast fashion and high end designers have embraced the color. Searches for “sage green” fashion have soared season over season.
Part of what makes sage green so wearable is its flattering versatility. It complements a wide range of skin tones. It can read as a neutral, a pastel, or an earth tone depending on how it’s styled. Both warm and cool complexions can pull it off.
Some examples of sage green on the runway include:
| Brand | Sage Green Styles |
| Prada | Silk sage dresses, skirts, and blouses |
| Tory Burch | Sage green purses, flats, and accessories |
| Ralph Lauren | Sage suits and separates for men |
| Gucci | 70s-inspired sage pants and jackets |
Both high end and fast fashion brands like H&M, Zara,GAP and Old Navy have also offered sage green styles in recent collections. It’s proven a hot seller across price points.
Sage Green Home Decor
Sage green has also become increasingly popular in home decor over the past decade. It fits right in with boho, farmhouse, cottagecore, and minimalist aesthetics.
Interior designers have embraced sage green:
| Use | Examples |
| Walls | Sage green makes a relaxing accent wall color. |
| Furniture | Upholstered sage sofas, chairs, and headboards |
| Bedding | Sage green duvet covers, sheets, and pillows |
| Accessories | Sage vases, lamps, rugs and pillows |
Major retailers like Pottery Barn, West Elm, and IKEA have added sage green items to their inventory. Searches for “sage green decor” and “sage green bedroom” have also climbed year over year as consumers embrace the trend.
In the competitive home goods market, sage green is poised as a hot new neutral that feels fresh yet timeless. The muted tone makes rooms feel tranquil and styling easy.
Sage Green in Graphic Design
Sage green has also become popular in logos, branding, web design, and packaging over the past 5-10 years.
Its versatility makes it widely appealing:
| Positive Associations | Tranquility, wisdom, organic, healing, nature, wellness |
| Neutral Associations | Sophistication, balance, versatility, calm |
Major companies that have incorporated sage green in their branding include:
| Spotify | Sage is a key color in branding |
| Starbucks | Sage aprons and packaging elements |
| Whole Foods | Sage is part of their logo and store interiors |
Startups in organic, wellness, beauty, and nature-inspired industries are also harnessing sage’s natural vibe in their visual identities.
As consumers seek balance and meaning, they seem drawn to sage green’s blend of retro and modern, natural and sophisticated.
Why Sage Green is Trending
Looking at sage green’s rise across fashion, home decor, and branding, some key factors are driving its popularity:
| Versatility | Sage works as a neutral, pastel, or earth tone. Pairs with many styles. |
| Calming | Sage green has peaceful, relaxing associations. |
| Retro | Sage from the 70s feels cool again, with a vintage vibe. |
| Natural | Consumers are drawn to organic hues like sage green. |
| Gender Neutral | Sage appeals to all genders across categories. |
In an anxious era, sage green’s blend of retro and modern delivers a hit of soothing nostalgia. The natural shade satisfies our desire for calm and meaning. Its incredible versatility cements its staying power across markets.
Conclusion
From women’s fashion to home decor to branding, sage green is having a moment across industries right now. The muted, earthy hue offers versatility that suits our eclectic era of style. Its soothing vibe and organic associations speak to larger consumer desires for tranquility and meaning. With all of these factors driving its popularity, expect to see sage green continue trending in the years ahead.