When most people think about shopping for wardrobe staples, LL Bean might not be the first place that comes to mind. It’s easy to think of them as “outdoor gear only." But LL Bean is also full of high-quality basics that can anchor your wardrobe, with ample colors and sizes
The trick is knowing what colors to grab and which ones to skip. That’s where your color season comes in.
Why LL Bean Works for Basics
One of the best things about LL Bean is that they stick to classics. Their flannels, sweaters, and denim don’t chase trends, which means you can actually rely on them year after year. The quality is solid, the colors come back often, and the fits are timeless.
When you’re building a wardrobe, those are exactly the pieces you need. Something dependable that also flatters you every time you put it on.
Denim
We looked at their Denim Boyfriend Shirt in Light Indigo and Stonewashed Blue.
- Light Indigo shines on Summers and Winters. It’s soft enough for muted coloring and crisp enough for cool undertones.
- Stonewashed Blue works best on Summers and Autumns. Summers get that gentle muted vibe, while Autumns can treat it as a grounding neutral when paired with warmer pieces.
If you’re a Spring, these washes will feel too cool. If you’re an Autumn, make sure to balance with rich warm colors like rust or olive.
Sweaters
LL Bean does sweaters really well, especially in merino and cotton blends.
- Muted Plum Heather is a win for Summers and Winters. That soft berry purple brings out cool undertones.
- Oatmeal Heather flatters Autumns and Springs. It has that warm golden base that blends easily with their palettes.
- Classic Navy is a no-brainer for Winters and Summers but feels too cold on Autumns and Springs.
- And true black is really only at home on Winters, since it can overwhelm everyone else.
Flannels
The Scotch Plaid Heritage Boyfriend Shirt is a classic LL Bean piece. Depending on the colorway, it can actually work for every season.
- Blue Douglas Muted is perfect for Summers.
- Black Watch and Antique Royal Stewart lean Winter and Autumn. They’re deep, bold, and rich.
- Indigo Tartan works for Winters and Summers thanks to those cool blues.
- Vintage Tartan feels right at home on Autumns and Winters.
- Wallace with its black, red, and white combo is pure Winter.
If you’re a Spring, most of these plaids will feel too heavy. Look for LL Bean’s lighter checks or softer spring greens instead.
Sweatshirts and Basics
We also checked out their Donegal Sweatshirt in funnelneck. A few standouts:
- Dark Bronze and Rustic Red are beautiful on Autumns and Springs.
- Gray and Navy lean toward Winters and Summers.
- Deep Green looks great on Autumns and Winters.
The lesson here is that even in something casual like a sweatshirt, the right color can make the difference between looking cozy and polished versus looking washed out.
Bean Boots
I can’t write about LL Bean without mentioning Bean Boots. These are truly timeless. They’re less about color seasons and more about being a solid neutral shoe that goes with almost everything. If you’re looking for a practical investment, they’re one of the best staples you can own.
Colors to Look Out For at LL Bean
If you’re browsing the LL Bean site, the search bar and filters can actually help you find colors that fit your season. Here are some keywords and textures worth typing in:
- Winter: Look for navy, black, true red, cobalt, emerald, and crisp white. Filter for “black watch” in plaids and darker tones in denim.
- Summer: Search for muted plum, dusty rose, heather gray, soft blue, and faded denim. Look for anything described as “heathered” or “muted.”
- Spring: Check for oatmeal, camel, coral, light aqua, and warm peach. Textures like lightweight cotton and soft knits in clear warm shades are your sweet spot.
- Autumn: Search for rust, olive, golden brown, dark bronze, and warm cream. Words like “toasted,” “bronze,” and “rustic” will usually pull up the right shades.
Having these search terms in your back pocket makes it way easier to filter through the site without falling into the trap of buying a color that ends up sitting in your closet.
LL Bean is often overlooked in the color analysis world, but it deserves a second glance. And here’s the thing: knowing your season is what makes this possible. Without it, you’re left guessing in the fitting room or buying colors that never quite feel right once you get them home. That’s why I created The Glow Guide, so you can shop smarter, waste less money, and actually love the way you look in your clothes.
If you don’t know your season yet, grab your Glow Guide today. It’s the first step to building a wardrobe that works for you, at LL Bean or anywhere else.
