Why pistachio is the colour of the season - and how to wear it now

Krissy Turner

Fri, January 11, 2019 at 7:00 AM UTC

Pistachio looks great when paired with neutrals - Getty Images Europe

It's likely a forest green or khaki knit is something you've reached for time and time again this season, and while they're both undeniably chic shades, their lesser-spotted paler cousin, pistachio, is much more au courant.

Fashion search engine Lyst has seen a 22% rise in searches for specific pale green shades including pistachio and sage since October, proving it's the current hue of choice for stylish women in the know.

A pastel? In winter? I understand your concern, but pistachio offers a refreshing update to your burgundy, navy and grey palette, works with everything you already own and will see you through to spring and beyond. If you're not keen on bright shades, it also offers a welcome addition to your subtle sartorial repertoire, too.

Here are the style tips to note if you're planning to tick the pistachio trend box this season...

Try it if you're keen on khaki

paris fashion week boiler suit  - Credit: Getty&nbsp; — Lily Stewart wears a pale green boilersuit with Converse and a black coat at Paris Fashion Week. Credit: Getty

Khaki slots into our winter wardrobes rather seamlessly, and if you're already an avid-wearer and a fan of the utility and military trends, note that pistachio can be worn in exactly the same way. Lily Stewart's khaki-lite jumpsuit looks great with a simple white trainer and black coat, as it would in a darker hue.

The organised smart shoppers among us will plump for a pistachio option over its bolder cousin as it's much more spring/summer appropriate. The understated hue works equally well with warm-weather staples like a straw tote, tan sandals and gold jewellery.

Go tonal

Jumper, ￡35, & Other Stories; and skirt, ￡49, & Other Stories

Tonal dressing is always a good idea when you need to look stylish and pulled together but with minimal effort. Pistachio, sage, mint, olive and all other iterations of the pale green hue look great together, but if the thought of a full outfit in one shade is too statement for you, tone one pistachio piece down with darker colours like grey marl, navy and chocolate which complement it well.

Don't be afraid to toughen it up

hermes runway  - Credit: Getty&nbsp; — Hermes SS19 Credit: Getty

It's technically a pastel, so you'd be forgiven for thinking pistachio is best worn in linen form and saved for the summer months; but while you'll get tonnes of wear out of it then, it shouldn't be written off for winter wear.

If you've invested in a silky skirt in the shade (the Mango one below is lovely) for summer, rest safe in the knowledge that it will also look great now with a chunky hiking boot, grey knit and a patent black crossbody bag.

Accessories are an ideal year-round option

street style purple and green - Credit: Getty&nbsp; — A guest at the Samsoe & Samoe show in Copenhagen wears a pistachio By Far bag with a purple look. Credit: Getty

Thanks to its pale hue, a pistachio bag looks equally as good with a striped shirt dress and tan slides in the summer months as it does a navy chunky knit and patent boots in the winter.

If you're not keen on investing in the trend but want to dip a toe then a bag or a piece of jewellery with pale green gemstones (I like these by Carousel Jewels) may be the way to go.

Pair with white for a modern look

street style how to wear neutrals - Credit: Getty — Celine Aagaard pairs her pistachio trousers with a camel blazer and bright white bag at Copenhagen fashion week. Credit: Getty

The divisive white footwear trend is still going strong this season, but if you're in the camp that believes it's a fashion no-no, you'll be pleased to note that a bright white tote is currently the bag du jour.

White, particularly in winter, gives any ensemble a lift, but looks particularly chic against sage. As well as accessories, white clothing offers a fresh pop: think ivory jeans with a chunky mint green knit, or a white shirt with pale khaki chinos. Wear with other neutrals, like Celine Aagaard has above, for a look that's at once simple and eye-catching.