Turquoise is a popular gemstone known for its striking blue-green color. It has been prized for thousands of years and is often associated with the southwest United States and its Native American jewelry traditions. But can turquoise be worn in the winter? Let’s take a look at some of the key considerations.
The Color and Look of Turquoise
Turquoise has a bright, cheerful appearance that evokes warm sunny days and the tropics. This has led many to believe it’s only suitable for spring and summer wear. However, the striking blue tones can actually work very well in winter too. Paired with paler hues like white, cream or grey, turquoise jewelry and accessories pop against neutral cold weather palettes. The color also brings a welcome burst of color on grey wintry days.
Complementing Winter Colors
While turquoise may not immediately seem like a wintry color, it can complement many hues associated with the colder months. For example, its green-blue tones look beautiful with:
- Burgundy
- Navy
- Royal blue
- Forest green
- Plum
- Mustard
- Blush pink
- Camel
- Grey
Pairing turquoise with these richer, darker colors creates a stylish and sophisticated winter look. It prevents outfits from appearing too dark and muted.
Metallics
Metallic shoes, jewelry and accessories are on-trend for winter and work seamlessly with turquoise. The likes of gold, rose gold, silver and bronze complement turquoise stones. They bring out the cooler blue tones rather than the green. This stylish combination makes turquoise pop against black winter wardrobe staples.
Neutrals
As mentioned previously, turquoise also pairs beautifully with winter neutrals like white, grey, cream and tan. It creates a cool color palette, with the turquoise providing the perfect pop of color. Both turquoise jewelry and clothing accessories work well against neutral backdrops.
Winter Whites
Crisp winter whites provide the perfect backdrop for vibrant turquoise accents. Pair a white turtleneck, trousers and overcoat with a statement turquoise necklace or turquoise earrings. Alternatively, add interest to an all-white outfit with turquoise shoes or a bag. This contrast immediately modernizes and stylizes the look.
Creating Color Harmony
The key to successfully wearing turquoise in winter is creating a color palette that harmonizes well. While turquoise on its own may seem out of place, incorporate complementary hues to tie everything together. Monochrome pairing is one simple approach. For example, style head to toe navy or grey with turquoise accessories.
You can also utilize the color wheel. Identify a dominant winter palette like plum, camel and tan. Then bring in turquoise as an accent that works with those tones. The overall effect will be cohesive and fashionable.
Choosing the Right Turquoise Pieces
When selecting turquoise jewelry, clothing and accessories for winter, keep these tips in mind:
- Prioritize darker, deeper turquoise tones rather than pale. These have a more wintry appearance.
- Vibrant turquoise works best as an accent against neutral, muted shades.
- Turquoise accessories like scarves, hats, gloves and jewelry are easier to style than statement coats or dresses.
- Look for turquoise pieces with metallic or icy details. For example, a pendant with silver metalworking.
Avoiding Clashes
To successfully style turquoise for winter, avoid pairing it with colors that clash. Stay away from bright primary shades like:
- Fire engine red
- Sunshine yellow
- Grass green
- Hot pink
These warmer hues compete with turquoise, making your outfit appear mismatched. Stick to more muted, darker winter colors that complement turquoise.
Turquoise in Winter Settings
In addition to flattering winter color palettes, think about where and when you plan to wear turquoise. While it can work for daytime, turquoise really shines at nighttime winter occasions. The vivid color stands out beautifully under twinkling party or wedding lights. It also pops against dark dinner suits and evening gowns.
For winter daywear, use turquoise more selectively as an accent against neutrals. Save statement turquoise dresses or coats for warmer weather. Instead opt for scarves, jewelry, shoes and bags to add subtle pops of color. Leather jackets, beanies and other casual winterwear also look great with touches of turquoise. Just keep the overall look and color scheme cohesive.
Avoiding Pitfalls
When styling turquoise for winter, there are a few pitfalls to avoid:
- Don’t wear turquoise head to toe unless you’re attending a tropical or summer-themed event. All-turquoise outfitting can appear costumey.
- Take care when pairing turquoise with other blues and greens. Matching the tones requires skill.
- Avoid turquoise footwear or coats on rainy winter days. The color can easily appear dull and muddy.
- Don’t forget your neutral basics. Turquoise works best sparingly against neutrals, not paired heavily with other brights.
How to Wear Turquoise in Winter: Key Tips
Here are the key tips for successfully wearing turquoise during the colder months:
- Choose richer, darker turquoise tones over pale or bright.
- Pair turquoise with complementary winter colors like burgundy, navy, grey, camel and blush.
- Use turquoise as an accent rather than head-to-toe.
- Incorporate metallic shoes, jewelry and accessories to tie turquoise in with winter trends.
- Save paler turquoise for winter weddings, parties and evenings out.
- Stick to turquoise jewelry, scarves, bags and other accessories for daytime winter wear.
Conclusion
Turquoise may not be inherently wintry, but it can definitely be incorporated into stylish cold weather outfits. The key is choosing the right turquoise tones and pairing them with complementary winter colors. Use turquoise selectively as an accent against neutral shades like white, grey and camel. Avoid bright primaries that clash with the tranquil blue-green hue. With some skillful styling, turquoise jewelry and accessories add a gorgeous pop of color even on the coldest winter day.