Thanks to Bottega Veneta, the colour Kelly green became something of a microtrend last year. Aside from making the luxury brand’s shoes and bags instantly recognisable, it didn’t take long for this vibrant shade of green to start cropping up in the collections of various designers and stores. Now, fast-forward to spring 2022, and the hue has transcended from fashion footnote to style headliner. Everywhere I look—be it in the new-in sections I scour daily to my Instagram feed—I see Kelly green.
Bottega Veneta might have put it on the style map, but Kelly green has long been noteworthy on the colour spectrum. An intense green that can be found in-between the blue and yellow on the colour wheel, the name Kelly comes from the traditional Irish family name as the colour is commonly associated with the famous holiday, St. Patrick’s Day. Make no mistake, however—this isn’t a colour whose lifespan begins and ends on March 17. I asked two stylists to share their expert opinion on Kelly green and whether or not it has a place in our wardrobes. Here’s what they said…
"Kelly green—or as I like to call it, Kermit green—has been on fashion people’s radar for a while now, particularly since Daniel Lee debuted it as one of his hero colours on the Bottega Veneta spring/summer 2021 catwalk,” says style expert and Who What Wear affiliates editor, Emily Dawes.
"Although it might seem scarily bold at first, it’s actually surprisingly easy to incorporate into your wardrobe—add it to any of your favourite neutral tailoring looks from autumn/winter, and you’ve instantly got a spring-ready outfit. Personally, I love it best when it is used to elevate wardrobe staples like a classic shirt or buttery leather bag against a backdrop of crisp whites and creamy tones. But if you’re looking to go bolder, it works equally well paired with similarly bright reds, yellows and oranges.”
"Kelly green has had an overhaul—it’s cool and it’s the hit of colour we’ve all been waiting for,” affirms fashion expert, television presenter and stylist Lucie Clifford. "I’ve seen this bold hue both on the spring/summer 2022 runways and on the streets with influencers, editors, and celebrities all embracing the shade, though it can be a bit Marmite. Whether you love it or hate it, it’s sticking like glue with brands channelling it in the form of dresses, blouses, sweaters, jackets, wide-leg trousers, and accessories galore.
"My advice for styling it? Pick a pop of Kelly green and experiment with this colour against black, white, and grey. It’s simple yet effective and won’t risk you looking like you’ve lost control of the colour wheel! For example, if it’s a green trench coat, team this with a classic white shirt and black peg-leg trousers for a tailored yet relaxed look. You can really control how much green you’re willing to wear, so you can easily remove the green trench back to revert to mono or build it up with Kelly green accessories. For the brave, I think it looks fab with earthy browns and ’70s purples and oranges.”
With the expert seal of approval out of the way, all that’s left to do is to see just how chic the Kelly green trend can be. Scroll below to unlock eight ways to wear it this spring.
1. THE SLIP DRESS
Style Notes: Slip dresses are an integral part of the spring/summer uniform, and I’m already seeing so many coming through in this specific shade of green.
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The draping on this dress taps into another major 2022 dress trend.
Purple and green? It should absolutely be seen.
I love how Alice Lockhart has styled her Kelly green dress with yellow mules. Just keep your colours powdery in tone if you’re unsure if they match.
2. THE SKIRT SUIT
Style Notes: The skirt suit is another piece that made a reappearance on the spring/summer 2022 runways after going quiet for a few years. While there are lots of coordinated options out there to shop now, you can create your own two-piece by seeking out separates in the same colour. In this case, Kelly green.
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This feels very Jackie O. I’m into it.
They don’t match, but they look so good together.
3. THE SPRING COAT
Style Notes: As Clifford suggests, one of the easiest ways to tap into the Kelly green trend is by way of a coat. Oh, and matching shoes never hurt anyone.
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I’d wear this coat to pep up my jeans and knitwear for spring.
This tee has the backing of the entire Who What Wear team.
Who said this season’s trending faux-leather trousers have to be black?
So good.
4. THE CARDIGAN
Style Notes: Us British girls know the importance of surrounding ourselves with good knitwear, and it doesn’t get much better than Abi Marvel’s Kelly green utilitarian cardi.
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Wear this just like Abi (as a top).
Lightwash denim is having a moment. Why not embrace it?
5. THE KNITTED CO-ORD
Style Notes: After the last couple of years, knitted co-ords will forever have a place in my heart. Now, though, I’m looking for elevated styles I’m comfortable wearing out of the house. This Mango co-ord fits the bill.
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What I love most about co-ords is their interchangeability. Wear the top with jeans…
.…and the skirt with everything—from white vest tops to oversized shirts in contrasting colours.
6. THE STATEMENT HANDBAG
Style Notes: If wearing Kelly-green clothing feels like too much commitment, why not tap into the trend with a bright-green handbag instead?
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This went straight into my COS basket upon first sight.
Same with this. Just wow.
I own a black slip skirt and it comes in so handy for the days I need to look polished but can’t be bothered to put in any effort.
7. THE SHIRT
Style Notes: If you’re an avid Who What Wear reader, then you’ll know that bright shirts are very much in this season, with those in Kelly-green colours being the most sought-after.
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This coat looks so expensive.
This Kelly-green shirt sold out last summer. Now, it’s back for 2022.
Pair this mini with sheer black tights until temperatures heat up.
8. THE MINIDRESS
Style Notes: Spring/summer 2022 is a season of contradictories—although ultra-bright shades like Kelly green are trending, so are neutrals. The same goes for hemlines. Designers showcased both floor-trailing maxis and micro minis on the runway. In this instance, let’s consider a Kelly-green minidress.
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Although this silhouette and the cutouts make this dress perfect for going out, the knitted fabrication means it’ll also dress down well. Think trainers and a denim jacket for the day, and heels and clutch for the night.
Speaking of heels, tap into the monochrome outfit vibe also seen on the runways by matching your Kelly-green dress to Kelly-green heels.
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