Olive green is the color I'd tell anyone to try if they only ever wear black. It behaves like a neutral, it works on almost every skin tone, and it has the dusty, lived-in warmth of dried herbs and old army jackets. Put it next to brown suede and it gets even better: soft, earthy and a little seventies.

This is a texture story as much as a color story. Olive in a chunky knit, suede in a jacket or skirt, and something smooth to break it up.

The olive grid starts with Khaite. The Meadow sweater in Dark Olive is a ribbed knit you'll wear to death, and the Roma pant in the same color makes a tonal outfit that looks expensive. Frame's Airy cardigan is a mossier, lighter green in fluffy wool and cashmere. Róhe's turtleneck is the simplest layer. For a dress, Simkhai's Ismelle is a collared knit midi in an olive so dark it's nearly black, and very flattering. Balmain's lace-trimmed knitted T-shirt is the romantic option.

For the smooth part, think cream silk, a crisp white shirt or even a black turtleneck. Olive plus suede plus one clean, flat fabric keeps the look sharp instead of fuzzy.

Suede is the fall fabric I'd pick if I could only have one. It looks soft, it photographs warm, and it goes with olive like they were made for each other.

A suede jacket is the most useful piece here. Simkhai's Grafton jacket is a cropped trucker at $648, and Nour Hammour's Dalma jacket is longer and more relaxed. Veronica Beard's Maci Dickey blazer is dark brown suede tailoring, the grown-up choice. For skirts, Arma's Melody mini is short and simple, and Simkhai's Bonnie midi has a swingy, flared shape. Altuzarra's Mills straight-leg pants are a golden tan, and Arma's Jean pants are a rich brown.

Keep suede to one piece per outfit unless the colors are clearly different. Two suedes in slightly different browns look like a mistake.

Suede and olive look best in daylight, which makes this a great weekend pairing. A suede jacket over an olive knit and jeans works for coffee, errands and dinner without a change.

Suede shoes and bags are the easiest entry point, and they make an olive sweater and jeans look deliberate.

The Row's Adam loafers are the quiet luxury pick, and Bottega Veneta's intrecciato suede loafers add that woven texture. Jimmy Choo's Diamond Maxi Retro sneakers are chunky, shearling-trimmed and very cozy. Simkhai's Stella sandal keeps suede going into early fall.

For bags, Chloé's Paddington is back with its big padlock, and Amanu's Zambia bag is a small, rounded suede shape with a stacked ring handle, a proper conversation piece. DeMellier's Brooklyn in mocha suede is the practical tote. Simkhai's Harlow shoulder bag is soft, slouchy and $395.

One tip: give suede a quick going-over with a suede brush every few wears. It keeps the nap soft and stops it from going shiny.