Maybe you have a mustard colour shirt in your wardrobe and you pass it by every time because you can’t get your head around what trousers will go with it. You’re not the only one who feels that way. Mustard tones confuse a lot of people. They are loud, artsy in a way, and quite tricky to blend with others. Yet it can be one of your most adaptable garments when properly dressed. Mustard is the transitional shade between yellow and brown and so it almost feels like a warm color which accidentally matches with more colors than you might imagine.
Understanding the Vibe of Mustard
The thing is that mustard isn’t just another yellow. It is more saturated and more earth like in one word. This is why it always looks weird when you put a mustard top with very bright or neon bottoms. A mustard yellow shirt is seldom vintage or autumn-ready and so it is recommended that you turn towards the heat side. That’s where your choice of pants can really decide the fate of your outfit.
Best Pants to Wear with a Mustard Colour Shirt
Instead of going through pairings that are only good for Pinterest boards, let’s see what really works in the real world.
1. Black Pants The Fail-Safe Choice
Black is the most universal color that goes with almost any top that is bold in both wardrobe and style. A black pant with a mustard top is just the contrasting combo that you feel at once is well balanced. It will be cool with a casual outfit made of black jeans or if you intend to wear it in a black chinos or trousers and get a bit dressier.
Occasion Type | Black Pants | Styling Tip |
---|---|---|
Casual | Black slim jeans | Leave shirt untucked, sneakers |
Work | Black chinos | Tuck in, add a belt |
Semi-Formal | Wool trousers | Pair with loafers |
2. Navy Blue Pants – More Interesting Than Black
In short, dark blue can do almost everything that black can do, but in a more subtle way with a bit more personality. Strangely enough this combination of a bottle green and navy blue looks like the proper pants you should wear to an art office or an informal dinner. The mustard’s warmth and the blue’s coolness complete each other.

3. White or Off-White Pants – Summer-Friendly
Off-white jeans and a light mustard color shirt is it justness! Vacations and rooftop brunches are the perfect places to wear this great fresh combo if you want to stay cool and fresh during the hot summer days. If you don’t want it to look too sharp, off-white works even better.
Pro tip: White jeans match better with a more fitted or structured shirt. Otherwise, the whole thing can get too baggy to look good.
4. Olive or Army Green Pants – Earthy Combo
Not many people know about this one. Dark olive pants and a dark yellow shirt give the impression that you are a very confident person. It’s very autumn-like and has a coffee-shop vibe which is very popular nowadays. Cargo pants are fine if you want to get the style of the street-wear.

5. Beige or Khaki Pants – Clean and Neutral
Beige is like the modest one in the middle. It doesn’t overshadow the mustard but at the same time still provides enough contrast. The combination is both office-appropriate and easy to be accessorized.
Shirt Shade | Best Tone |
---|---|
Beige / Khaki | ToneLight Mustard |
Light Beige / Stone | Mustard Yellow |
Warm Khaki | Dark Mustard |
Deep Tan | — |
6. Denim – Classic Option
Denim is always a good idea. Light wash jeans styled with a mustard shirt show a casual fun vibe of the weekend. Dark wash is a bit more classy. What about the ripped jeans? If that is your thing then absolutely.
Extra Style Notes
- Do not match a yellow printed shirt with pants of a similar pattern unless you really want to create that flashy look.
- If your mustard shirt is baggy, choose skinny pants to create harmony.
- Moustard yellow shirt and leather accessories – belt, watch, shoes make a good combo.
Footwear Pairings to Match
What about shoes, you may ask? The story is only half done with your pants. Shoes make the whole look complete.
Pants Color | Recommended Shoes |
---|---|
Black | Chelsea boots, sneakers |
Navy | Brogues, loafers |
White | Espadrilles, sandals |
Olive | Desert boots, canvas sneakers |

Accessories and Layering
Mistake a denim jacket or light brown blazer for a mustard shirt. Cover up with a neutral scarf if you feel cold. A nice leather belt, even if it is simple, goes a long way.
FAQs – People Also Ask
Q1: What color pants go with a mustard colour shirt for men?
A1: Black, navy, beige, olive, and dark denim are the best options.
Q2: Is it okay if I wear grey pants with a mustard yellow shirt?
A2: Yes, it is even better if you opt for lighter grey pants to create a softer contrast.
Q3: Does a mustard shirt suit all skin tones?
A3: In most cases yes, however, the deep mustard shades fit the warm skin tones better.
Q4: What kind of jacket would suit a mustard colored shirt?
A4: A denim, brown leather jacket, or even a neutral blazer would be good.
Q5: Is mustard yellow shirt formal?
A5: Yes, it is. To be more formal, match it with chinos or wool trousers and loafers.
That’s almost complete. The great thing about mustard is that it becomes more convenient when you have worn it a few times. Try, change pants, and find out which combination feels like you. You could even be the one who decides to wear it more than your white shirts.

Kashaan Kapoor is a skilled fashion writer with over 5 years of experience creating content and blogs about clothing and style. He blends trend insights with timeless fashion advice to keep readers stylish and informed.