diff --git a/commands/hugo.go b/commands/hugo.go
index d789820f6..747a4b40e 100644
--- a/commands/hugo.go
+++ b/commands/hugo.go
@@ -258,9 +258,11 @@ func copyStatic() error {
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	// Copy Static to Destination
-	jww.INFO.Println("syncing from", themeDir, "to", publishDir)
-	utils.CheckErr(syncer.Sync(publishDir, themeDir), fmt.Sprintf("Error copying static files of theme to %s", publishDir))
+	if themeDir != "" {
+		// Copy Static to Destination
+		jww.INFO.Println("syncing from", themeDir, "to", publishDir)
+		utils.CheckErr(syncer.Sync(publishDir, themeDir), fmt.Sprintf("Error copying static files of theme to %s", publishDir))
+	}
 
 	// Copy Static to Destination
 	jww.INFO.Println("syncing from", staticDir, "to", publishDir)