I wore green every day for a week – this is what I learned

What's it like to wear green every day? Author Lara Akkari tries it out for herself.

For this article, I set myself the task of wearing green for a week—or as my colleague so beautifully put it: "to embrace my true inner villain." I'm a color-defying person who mostly wears black, gray, white, and other neutrals. I usually avoid eye-catching colors like green, so this week was a real challenge.

There's something about green (unlike other bright colors) that immediately appeals to me; it's a kind of outsider color. Pop culture is probably to blame for that. Just think of Elphaba from "Wicked" or "Maleficent"; green is always associated with villains in movies. Last year, thanks to Charli XCX , synthetic lime green was back on everyone's lips as "Brat Green" – it stood for a snotty, loud, and boisterous attitude. The color represents envy, greed, and poison. But it's also the color of fertility and freshness. And then there's Miuccia Prada's vibrant version of the shade, which she presented on the runway for the coming season. A version that probably only die-hard and daring fashion fans can truly appreciate.

But the color isn't just playing a role at Prada right now. It seems as if the entire fashion world agrees: Green is having a moment. Gucci, Valentino, Rabanne, and many more are also predicting green as the trend color for 2025 – albeit in very different variations. While Valentino opts for a soft mint green and combines it with denim, Rabanne's focus is more on a light lime green paired with warm earth tones.

I had planned to approach accessories cautiously, but shortly before starting my experiment, I bought a bright green vintage Versace blazer. "Just be bold," my inner voice urged, and I listened. I then paired the blazer with simple jeans, in the style of Valentino. To my surprise, I received many compliments, nods of approval, and even squeals of delight from my colleagues. My copy editor, however, commented on my look: "Too safe." Strengthened by my small victory, I began to shed some of my aversion to bold colors and understand why they're popping up everywhere at fashion houses from Bally to Valentino to Balenciaga. So for Tuesday, I wanted to step it up a notch and wore several shades of green together, even a lime green skirt that really turned heads.

A few outfits later—after I made a real faux pas with my "Grinch" look of a striped sweater and bright pants on Wednesday—my enthusiasm for the color gradually waned. So, on Thursday, I yearned for a more understated look and opted for a pale mint green blazer paired with matching shorts and flat black sandals. By the end of the week, I was so creatively drained that I barely managed to wear olive green ballet flats.

A few days after the experiment, I found myself dressing head to toe in olive green —completely of my own free will! Like Signora Prada, who famously designs against her instincts until she learns to love what she once rejected, I too found myself in this situation. And I have to say: sometimes it's worth stepping out of your comfort zone!