Selecting the best color combinations for your outfits can feel like solving a tough puzzle with no picture to guide you. You may even have found yourself staring into your closet, mentally calculating the color combinations of your clothes, then rolling your eyes and choosing a safe, neutral outfit instead. There’s a simple solution to your color dilemma: Outfit color combos. This article will walk you through the significance of color-matching clothes and give you tips for effortlessly creating stylish, eye-catching outfits using inspiring color combinations that elevate your personal style and confidence.

WhatColors’ AI personal color analysis app is a valuable tool to help you achieve your color combo goals. The app analyzes your unique coloring to provide personalized insights on which colors best complement your features. Using these tips, you’ll easily create colorful outfits that suit your style and make getting dressed much more fun.

Table of Contents

• What is Color Analysis & Why it is Important

• How to Match Clothes Using the Color Wheel

• 50+ Outfit Color Combos to Inspire Your Look

• What Colors Go with Everything?

• Try AI Personal Color Analysis For Free Today

What is Color Analysis & Why it is Important

Color analysis is a process that helps people find colors that complement them, from clothes and makeup to hair and jewelry. Each person can identify with 16 different color palettes, but people tend to lean toward the seasonal ones: 

• Winter

• Spring

• Summer

• Fall 

There are the "flow" palettes that fall in between seasons.

How Color Analysis Works

When clients go to an expert to have their colors done, they typically ask the individual not to wear makeup or jewelry and to wear white. The expert covers them with a white drape and uses white light to eliminate any other lights in the room. This helps find the client's natural tones and hues. The color analyst starts by matching their color temperature with their undertones. 

They assess how deep, light, or bright the colors on this person's palette should be. They'll hold up different color palettes to the person to see which one they like best. It's always a process of elimination. Color analysts look for various techniques and clues; almost everyone is an individual.

The Benefits of Color Analysis

colors are a powerful visual tool. They can conjure up:

• Certain emotions

• Evoke feelings

• Moods

• Reactions

And you can use them to express yourself. By choosing certain colors, you are telling a specific story about yourself. As a result, you don't want to pick your colors willy-nilly. The final colors in your color palette have to fulfill the following three criteria:

1. Suit your style

2. Suit your complexion

3. Go well together

Personal Style and Color Palettes

Your favorite colors suit your style and personality. The first step in building your color palette is to write down your favorite colors. They don't have to be in a particular order; you can collect as many as you want. 

Look into your wardrobe and the vision boards you have created, and study the colors you are drawn to the most. The style categories you selected are a further starting point for building your color palette. For example, if you selected feminine or girly, you might naturally be drawn to pink.

Complexion: Finding Flattering colors

The next question is, do your favorite colors flatter your complexion? You might be drawn to a warm olive green. If your skin's undertone is cool, you will look washed out and tired in that color. This does not mean that you cannot wear olive at all. It just means that you need to find the right shade of olive to flatter your skin. 

There will be at least one shade of a color that will suit you. An excellent way to determine what those shades are is by taking the seasonal color analysis test. It will provide you with a range of custom colors that will look fabulous. You can select the shades you love the most as a basis and build your color palette from there. To find out more about seasonal color analysis, head over to the color analysis section.

Color Coordination: Choosing Shades That Work Together

The last criterion dictates that the colors that you choose go well together. This is important because you want to create the maximum number of outfits from the clothes in your wardrobe.

Related Reading

• What Are Neutral Colors
• Color Wheel for Clothes

How to Match Clothes Using the Color Wheel

The color wheel is a visual guide that simplifies color theory and coordination. It organizes colors based on their relationships with one another. The wheel features primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Understanding the color wheel and how to use it can help you create stylish outfits with coordinated colors. 

Color Theory: A Tool for Stylish Color Coordination 

Color theory provides guidelines for combining colors in visually appealing ways. Color theory can help you create stylish outfits with coordinated colors. Here are some ideas to keep in mind as you use the color wheel to match your clothes:  

1. Color Harmony

Color harmony describes visually pleasing color pairings and provides a sense of visual order. Color schemes based on complementary and analogous colors are generally perceived as harmonious. But, since humans respond to colors differently depending on personal preferences and life experiences, there are no universally right colors for achieving harmony. 

2. Color Temperature

Color temperature deals with breaking colors down into warm colors and cool colors. Warm colors like:

• Reds

• Yellows

• Oranges

They are associated with sunset and daylight. Cool colors like:

• Blues

• Greens

• Purples

Are associated with overcast light. Experimenting with combinations of warm and cool colors can help you mix colors to achieve a particular effect. 

3. Color Context

Colors appear to behave differently when viewed in different contexts. For instance, a rusty orange may seem dull and subdued when placed beside a vivid yellow, but when paired with a dark purple, the orange suddenly seems much brighter.

Basic Color Coordination Principles 

You need to learn the basic principles of color coordination. You should familiarize yourself with the following terms: 

• Hues are colors in their most pure, vivid form. They are colors at their fullest intensity. You might know them as bold colors. 

• Tints are hues that have been mixed with white. You’ll know them as light colors or pastels.

• Shades are hues that have been mixed with black. You’ll know them as dark colors. 

• Tones are hues mixed with white and black, creating gray undertones. 

These are also called muted colors. When combining colors in your clothes, you should always aim for a contrast in the intensity of your colors. 

Analogous Color Combinations 

Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel. You can easily recognize when colors are analogous because they look the most alike. These colors are most accessible to match because they’re so closely related. 

Just ensure the colors don’t match too closely, as it will create a mismatched look.  For example, pair a light green top with a dark green jacket and add a greenish-yellow accessory for a cohesive outfit. 

Complementary Color Combinations 

Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. They have the most substantial contrast between them. Because complementary colors have such a strong contrast, they are the boldest combination you can make, which can create a color clash if you combine two at too high an intensity. 

The best way to combine complementary colors is to contrast their brightness. These colors look best together when one is darker, lighter, or more muted than the other. For example, you can combine a bright orange dress with a dark blue denim jacket for a stylish outfit. 

Triadic Color Combinations 

Triadic colors combine three colors equally distant from each other on the color wheel. Contrary to common perception, you don’t have to wear all three colors for this combination to work. You can pick two colors from a triad and wear them together.

Beginners should combine two triadic colors rather than attempting to wear all three, as it’s more complex and requires a trained eye. For triad combos, make sure to apply some contrast in intensity. They work best when one color is lighter or darker than the other. 

Monochromatic Color Combinations 

You can also combine colors with the same hue but differ in intensity, creating a monochromatic outfit. For example, you could pair light blue with dark blue or a muted green with light green.

Discover Your Perfect Colors with WhatColors

WhatColors helps you find what colors to wear based on your skin tone. Finally, our patented color match technology lets you get your season based on your skin tone. Get the perfect colors based on your season. Avoid colors that are a definite no. Based on your skin, eye, and hair color, find the perfect nail colors with our WhatColors nail color generator. 

Get your color analysis done within 60 seconds with WhatColors’ AI personal color analysis app. Download our app for free today on the App Store or Google Play store.

How to Create Your Color Palette

Neutrals: The Base Colors of Your Outfit Color Combos

Neutrals are just what they sound like neutral. In color theory, neutrals are called achromatic colors, which means a lack of color. In this sense, true neutral colors are, therefore, only black, white, and variations of the two, i.e., shades of gray. The fashion world, on the other hand, classes other colors such as:

• Brown

• Khaki

• Navy

As neutrals, what makes a color neutral in the fashion sense is that it doesn't compete with any other color, works well combined with other colors, and doesn't provoke much emotion. 

Fashion neutrals are the backdrop for your outfit's bolder, brighter colors. There is also another difference between true neutrals and fashion neutrals: 

Fashion neutrals 

Neutrals are classed as either warm or cool based on their appearance. We associate black, beige, tan, and cream with warmth, while white, gray, and navy appear somewhat cool. When selecting your neutrals, choose the appropriate colors according to your seasonal color category and the other colors in your palette. 

Color Palette Fashion Neutral colors

The concept wardrobe. Why should neutrals be the base colors of my wardrobe? Neutrals don't necessarily have to be your base color, but a few characteristics make them particularly suitable for the job. They are timeless, never go out of style, and are acceptable to wear to any occasion. 

• Versatile: Neutrals can be paired with almost any other color, making them easy to style.

• Non-competing: They don't compete with other colors but help make them stand out more. 

• Staples: The number of outfits you can create with neutrals will increase significantly because of their versatility; they're the easy choice for starting any outfit. Your staples should include the colors that are your go-to for every outfit, and that work best with the other colors in your wardrobe. If that is a hot pink or scarlet red, make these colors your base. 

Choosing Neutral Base Colors for Balanced Fashion Silhouettes

Another reason most fashion basics are neutral is that they are not attention-grabbing. This means you can use your accent colors (the brightest colors in your color palette, see below) to draw the focus on a particular part of your body or outfit. This helps to balance out your silhouette visually. 

When selecting your base colors, consider many factors. Select the appropriate colors based on your style, the color season, what you feel most comfortable in, and your fashion goals. 

Complementary Colors: Add Depth to Your Outfit Color Combos 

Complementary colors are your other base colors. While technically, these can still include some of the "neutral" colors discussed above, they are generally muted versions of bright colors or have more visual color impact than neutrals. Think of a forest green or wine red. Like neutrals, complementary colors aren't as versatile and timeless. You will find that only some complementary colors will work well with other colors. 

When you select your complementary colors, you can choose harmonious, complementary colors that work well combined or disharmonious colors and ensure you don't incorporate them in the same outfit. The former strategy will of course, yield more outfits. Just make sure that your complementary colors work well with your neutral colors.

Accent Colors: Make Your Outfit Color Combos Pop

Accent colors are what make your outfit pop. These bright colors add interest to your outfits and instantly pull the focus on them. Your accent colors don't have to be the most glowing out there - not everyone can pull them off, and this is not what it is about. Accent color simply means that this color stands out more than the rest of your color palette. Use them to highlight certain features. These colors will not necessarily go with every other color in your wardrobe, but they have a lot of visual impact. 

Using Accent Colors to Enhance Silhouette and Draw Attention

If your shoes pop, your feet will be the first thing people will notice when they look at you. That's why accent colors are a great way to balance out your silhouette and to highlight certain body parts. 

For example, wearing a jacket in an accent color will draw attention away from the lower body and towards the upper body, which is a great way of hiding voluminous hips. How many accent colors? Since accent colors are at the top of the color palette pyramid, you will only need one, two, or three. 

Refreshing Your Wardrobe with Seasonal Accent Colors

Items in accent colors will not be your staples but a handful of individual items to polish off your outfits. Chances are, your accent colors will not be harmonious and you will only find yourself incorporating one accent color into each outfit. But the great thing about accent colors is you can update them frequently. 

You would only throw your essentials out of your wardrobe some season or so, but you can do that with your items in accent colors. If you find earthy tones appealing in autumn but appalling in summer, this is the best way to have fun with your wardrobe. Keep your essentials, update your accent items, and you will feel like you have a new wardrobe every season. 

Metallics: The Often Overlooked Element of Outfit Color Combos  

Metals are like accent colors. They polish off your outfit and add interest to it. They will likely be most present in your jewelry, but they can also work on accessories like shoes or handbags. And they may even appear on clothing, such as on a silver shimmer gown or a gold sequin top. Just like with other colors, metallics can be neutral or accents. They are great because they act like neutrals but have a bit more sparkle to them. 

True metal colors are considered fashion neutrals:

• Gol

• Silver

• Coppe

• Gunmetal

• Bronze

• Pewter

These metallic colors are neutral because they are based on real metal, and they do not include colors - such as red or blue - that have been processed to have a metallic finish. Metallics, such as rose gold, white gold, or platinum, are not neutrals. Like fashion-neutral colors, neutral metals can appear either warm (gold, bronze, copper) or cool (silver, pewter). Choose your metals based on your complexion. If you have a warm complexion, the warmer metallics will look lovely; cooler metallics will look nice on cooler complexions. A neutral complexion can be worn either.

Related Reading

• Fashion Tips
• What Matches with Blue
• How to Style Clothes
• Yellow Color Combinations Clothing

50+ Outfit Color Combos to Inspire Your Look

1. Sage Green and Tan

Sage green outfits with tan accessories. Different variations of green and tan are a mainstay in the fashion world. And since tan is neutral, this combination can work in several ways. 

Incorporating tan accessories is bright, and it’s easy to find tan shoes, pants, bags, etc. Alternatively, add a sage green accent to a predominantly tan outfit for a memorable look.

2. Light Blue and Navy Blue

Man in a navy blue suit. If you want to create a cool-toned color scheme, incorporating navy blue and light blue into the same outfit is a classic way to do so. Wearing a light blue shirt or blouse under a navy blue blazer is a great choice to balance light and dark. 

You can use one color to accent the other. For example, you could wear a navy tie with a light blue shirt.

3. Red and Yellow

Surprised, stylish woman with a handbag against a bright yellow background. Red and yellow can be captivating, but creating them carefully is essential. If combined haphazardly, red and yellow might make you look like Ronald McDonald! 

To avoid that look, ensure that either the red or the yellow piece is part of a pattern. As you can see in the picture, the navy stripes on the red skirt help temper the hot colors of the red/yellow combination.

4. Purple and Charcoal Gray

A young woman wearing a simple outfit, an oversized burgundy sweatshirt and black jeans, isolated on a light grey background. This look is especially nice with shades of plum and darker shades of purple. 

If you’re seeking a subdued palette for colder months, it’s a good choice. Of course, it’s always fun to experiment. To lighten up the look, try going for a lighter shade of purple and adding some white.

5. Seal Brown and Tan

A man in an elegantly tailored suit posing. Outfits made up mostly or entirely of neutrals don’t have to be dull! Seal brown is an excellent alternative to black if you want something lighter and warmer. 

As you can see in the picture, combining seal brown with tan is a great way to bring out the darker color’s warmth. You mix a seal brown and tan outfit with a bit of white to lighten the overall look while keeping a neutral palette. The white shirt in the picture is an excellent example of how to do this well.

6. Cerulean and Neon Green

Skier in a bright green outfit on a sunny day. This colorful, dramatic color combination might not be suitable for more formal looks, but it’s great for making a statement. 

Try incorporating these colors into activewear or adding them in small doses to tamer outfits. Add hints of neon green to a mostly-cerulean outfit if you want something a little less bold. Neon green shoes can pop against a cerulean shirt and jeans!

7. Red and Cyan

Colorful portrait of a stylish, Smiling young woman wearing a red jacket on a green background.
Though red and cyan aren’t complementary colors, they are connected: if you stare at a cyan picture and then shut your eyes, the afterimage will be red. 

And if you combine them in an outfit, each makes the other pop. Since red is a lot more common in clothing than cyan is, the easiest way to combine these two is to add cyan accessories to a mostly red outfit. And if you can find a dress or a shirt with a red and cyan pattern, that’s a great way to stand out, too.

8. Sky Blue and Charcoal Gray

Blue men's shirts, watches, sunglasses, trousers, socks, and office shoes are isolated on a white background. Regardless of the shade, blue and gray work well together. This is especially true of shades of blue and cool gray. 

From a practical standpoint, charcoal gray is a great choice to pair with sky blue. This deep and dignified gray is a standard color for blazers, suit jackets, and pants. As you can see in the picture, the charcoal/sky blue combination also looks excellent, with hints of warmer neutrals like tan. When used sparingly, warm, neutral accessories can bring an outfit together.

9. Medium Pink and Red

A woman sitting on a bench with a pink shirt and red shoes. You might be surprised to see this combination on the list. After all, pink and red together often conjure up Valentine’s Day images. But when used judiciously, this combination can add rosy warmth to an outfit. 

As you can see in the picture, one way to combine them is to separate them with a darker, more excellent color like teal. Temper this high-energy combination by adding black, cool white, or a neutral. If you like this combination but want to use it more subtly, try combining red nail polish with a pink dress (or vice versa).

10. Soft Mauve-Gray and Olive

Young, stylish woman talking on smartphone. Pink and green can easily become a garish combination. But if you combine a soft pink with a muted olive, you can use this pleasing contrast when it’s soft enough; pale mauve functions almost like a neutral. And when muted enough, Olive does the same. This combination is a good choice if you want an outfit that’s a bit brighter than an all-neutral color scheme but more muted than louder color combinations.

11. Hunter Green and Medium Brown

Stylish green sweater and accessories on a green background. This is one of the classic combinations on the list. And one of the best ways to wear it is by pairing medium-brown accessories (especially leather) with a hunter-green dress, sweater, jacket, etc.

A hunter-green blazer is also a striking alternative to a navy blazer. Like navy, it pairs well with shades of brown, tan, gray, and other neutrals. Try wearing a hunter-green blazer with jeans and medium-brown shoes for a casual look that is just a little dressed up.

12. Teal and Navy Blue

Women call on their cell phones in front of cars, and sometimes, pairing similar colors results in a striking look. That’s the case with navy blue and teal. Teal is a deep blue-green that pairs nicely with the deep blue navy. Since both colors are dark, incorporating lighter colors is a good idea to create a balance. 

Try putting together an outfit that incorporates a gradient of color. The picture shows this: the model wears a dark navy blue top, while her scarf includes teal, several shades of lighter blue-green, and white.

13. Electric Purple and Black

Portrait of a woman with a purple jacket against a black background. If you want a modern look that draws the eye, try incorporating electric purple into your next outfit! Electric purple can create dramatically different moods depending on what you pair it with. 

It pops against turquoise. Most people prefer a more balanced look, though, and black is a great color to temper electric purple’s palpable energy. As you can see in the photo, black pants can make even an electric purple blazer look businesslike. But if you want a little quieter look, try adding hints of purple to a mostly-black outfit

14. Soft Neon Green and Soft Neon Yellow

A girl wearing sporty clothes posing isolated over a multicolor vivid neon light background.
If you like outfits with multiple shades of neon but want to tone it down, try something like the outfit in the photo. 

As you can see, the yellow and green fall somewhere between a neon and a pastel. Of course, this isn’t a combination you’ll likely see in formalwear. But if you’re piecing together a high-energy gym outfit, this distinctive combination can help keep you motivated! If you want something higher contrast, try incorporating these colors into a primarily black or dark gray outfit.

15. Pink and Turquoise

Sneakers and a bottle of water on a yellow background. As you can see in the picture, this distinctive color combo is perfect for creating an 80s-inspired workout outfit. But if this look isn’t quite your style, you can pair these colors more understatedly. One of the best ways to do that is by pairing genuine turquoise jewelry with a pink top or dress. 

Even a tiny turquoise pendant creates a memorable contrast against a pink top. If you can find a pink and turquoise-patterned accessory (like a belt or clutch), this combination is stunning against a mostly black outfit.

16. Black and White

Portrait of a young man with a black hat and black and white shirt. No list of color combinations would be complete without a mention of black and white. There are seemingly endless ways to pair these two colors. You can choose a patterned shirt or dress for a flashier look. 

Or, if you prefer something more understated, try a white shirt under a black and white pinstriped blazer. It can be fun to experiment with black-and-white combinations, and you can create different moods depending on the exact shades of each. Warm whites and blacks help create a vintage-inspired aesthetic, while more fabulous shades add a modern edge to any look

17. Bright Blue and Soft Gray

The man and his dog are wearing matching blue hoody sweatshirts outdoors. If you like the look of bright colors but want to pair them with something quieter, the combination of bright blue and soft gray is ideal. 

As you can see in the picture, this is an ideal combination for activewear or athleisure: pairing a bright blue hoodie with gray sweatpants is easy. If you want a lighter and brighter look overall, you can incorporate white accents or accessories.

18. Pastel Blue and Yellow-Orange

A young man typing on a laptop with a pastel blue shirt. Choosing a warm earth tone as a neutral is an ideal way to give business casual a modern edge. And as you can see in the picture, yellow-orange pants pair well with a soft blue shirt. 

If you want to take this intriguing combination out of the office, pair yellow-orange accessories (belts, shoes, purses, etc.) with a pastel-blue dress or top. And since this yellow-orange shade essentially works as a neutral, it looks nice alongside various shades of brown or tan.

19. Medium Green and White

A woman with a trendy bright summer dress and red sunglasses posing with watermelon on the orange backdrop. This striking combination often looks almost regal. But it’s also at home in more casual contexts. As you can see in the picture, these two colors make quite a statement when combined in a pattern. 

If you want to separate these two high-contrast colors, you can still create a memorable outfit: combine a green top with white pants or vice versa. You can dress up this look with jewelry, too. Choose silver jewelry for a modern look, or go with gold if you’d prefer a classic aesthetic.

20. Pale Lilac and Medium Lavender

A man with a broad smile wears a stylish, bright outfit. This unique double-purple combination comes close to being primarily monochromatic. Lilac and lavender have different undertones. Lilac has a pinkish hue, while lavender has more pungent blue undertones. 

At any rate, these colors look nice together, and you can use accessories to shift the outfit's mood. If you’re going for a more energetic look, add a bright green hat (or other accessory), as shown in the picture. If you’re after a more understated look, black or dark gray accessories also go well with lilac and lavender.

21. Orange and White

A girl wearing an orange hoodie and glasses posing on a white background. Orange and white is a dynamic combination found in several logos and designs. It’s fairly common to see an orange hoodie with white lettering (or a white hoodie with orange lettering). 

But if you want a unique look, pair white pants with an orange top! Of course, this is a combination you can have a lot of fun with. Try pairing white sunglasses and a white purse with an orange sundress. An orange and white patterned shirt is also a great way to turn heads!

22. Magenta and Yellow

An outdoor full-body portrait of a young woman wearing colorful clothes is a great choice if you’re looking for a head-turning combination of colors. Magenta and yellow, like cerulean and neon green, are nice combinations for beachwear or activewear. 

But for slightly more formal occasions, wearing a pink dress with a yellow purse (or vice versa) is a great way to stand out. Incorporating smaller accessories can work for a pop of color that’s a bit more subtle. For example, you could wear magenta shoes with a yellow shirt. To balance out the warmth of this look, you can break up the color scheme with some black or dark gray.

23. Turquoise and Purple

A girl with a purple hat and turquoise jacket is posing. While turquoise and purple are technically cool colors, the combination is very high-energy. Try wearing a pattern of the two for a vintage look, or use a purple or turquoise accessory (like the hat shown in the picture) to bring out this striking contrast in a gentler way. 

As mentioned earlier, turquoise jewelry is a great way to use this combination. A turquoise pendant, earrings, or ring will pop against a largely purple outfit.

24. Navy Blue and Tan

The model is wearing a navy blue skirt and an orange purse. Navy blue and tan are classic combinations. Navy blue works nicely with just about any neutral, but the warmth of tan creates an incredibly balanced look. As you can see in the pictured outfit, tan leather accessories (belts, shoes, and purses) are an easy way to bring this look together. 

If you’re currently shopping for new looks, this is fairly easy to create. Navy and tan are versatile combinations with casual and formal wear.

25. Golden Yellow and Medium Blue

A young woman is wearing a stylish yellow top and a blue skirt. Suppose you like the energy of yellow but prefer something closer to a jewel tone, a golden shade of yellow like the one pictured is a great way to go. It pairs well with medium and even denim blue, so this look works well for casual outfits. 

Of course, if you like patterns, shirts or dresses that use this combination, it is an excellent way to stand out. If you like the contrast in the picture but want to tone it down slightly, shades of mustard yellow can be a good substitute for golden yellow. Mustard yellow is a standard color for leather accessories like purses and belts.

26. Dark Green and Gray

A woman with a dark green handbag and gray coat. Once the weather turns more relaxed, more people turn to darker, more excellent colors. And for a more understated combination, gray and green are a good choice. 

Pair dark green with dark charcoal to create a palette that verges on the monochromatic. Try pairing lighter gray with dark green for higher contrast, as shown in the picture. For slightly more formal occasions, you might consider wearing a dark green tie with a gray suit. Try pairing it with a cool white shirt to balance this darker combination.

27. Medium Blue and Chocolate Brown

A man in a blue tie and brown coat. As we’ve seen, blue and brown seem to pair well together regardless of shade. Chocolate brown and lighter blue form a dignified pairing that works well with formal looks. 

As you can see in the photo, a medium-blue tie with a chocolate-brown blazer looks great. If you want to subtly use this contrast, chocolate brown leather accessories also make a statement alongside blue shirts, dresses, or pants.

28. Rose Pink and Periwinkle

The model is posing in a fancy coat and long boots. Sometimes, pairing multiple soft colors is a great choice. Palettes like this create dreamy, modern color schemes that are ideal if you want to stand out while still making a calming mixture of colors. If you want a color combination that evokes memories of spring, a combination of periwinkle and rose pink is an excellent choice. 

If you can find periwinkle boots like those shown in the picture, you can create an unusual and memorable outfit. Of course, you can always incorporate these soft colors into an outfit while sticking to more neutral-colored shoes and other accessories.

29. Yellow-orange and Burnt Orange

A woman holding a knitted scarf with a blue background. The seasons can be a great inspiration when it comes to clothing. For those seeking a decidedly autumnal palette, the warm combination of yellow-orange and burnt orange is a great choice.

 Burnt orange is a somewhat familiar color for coats and tops, so this combination is more accessible to create than you might think. Since yellow-orange and burnt orange pair beautifully with denim, this combination lends to casual looks. Try a burnt-orange jacket, a yellow-orange scarf, and blue denim jeans.

30. Red and White

Jeans, a plaid shirt, and red sneakers captured from above. For those looking for classic combinations, red and white is great! From a practical standpoint, it’s also easy to find. Especially in autumn, red and white flannels are easy to find. And if you like the plaid look but want something a bit dressier, gingham collared shirts like the one shown in the picture are a great alternative. As you likely already know, red and white also look great with navy blue. 

If you like this combination but don’t want to look like a Fourth of July parade, try incorporating subtle navy blue accents. Even a red and white flannel with a few navy stripes is a great way to do this.

31. Maroon and Gray

A young man with a maroon and grey sweatshirt isolated on a white background. For a combination that offers plenty of contrast but remains muted, maroon and gray are a great choice. Many pieces of clothing also offer a pattern contrast, as you’ll often see heathered gray paired with solid maroon. 

This combination is often found in baseball-style shirts like the picture. Like many neutral/non-neutral combinations, it is also a great choice for formal clothing. Try pairing a gray blazer with a white shirt and maroon tie.

32. Magenta and Charcoal

Bearded guy in a magenta suit. If you like the general idea of maroon and gray but want something brighter, try pairing magenta with charcoal! This is one of the many combinations on the list that’s great for activewear. 

A charcoal gray hoodie and leggings can pop against bright magenta shoes. And if you can find it, primarily gray activewear with a few magenta accents is also a good choice. You can even incorporate something as simple as magenta socks into a mostly charcoal outfit to sprinkle in a little of this memorable contrast.

33. Yellow and Warm Gray

A woman with a grey T-shirt and yellow headphones best represents this color combination. Pantone’s joint Color of the Year for 2021 best represents this color combination. The color authority chose Ultimate Gray, a warm gray shade, with Illuminating, an energetic yellow shade. As you can see in the photo, the gray/yellow combination is one you can easily create with accessories. You can easily add:

• yellow headphones

• Shoes

• Socks

• Scarves

• Purses

• Etc

To a largely gray outfit and capitalize on this dynamic color trend!

34. Orange and Black

A man in an orange athletic top and black pants stands next to the ocean. This combination probably makes you think of Halloween. But when used carefully, it has plenty of applications outside of the spooky holiday. 

As you can see in the photo, this combo is great for activewear. An orange jacket is easy enough to pair with black pants, and bright orange offers ample visibility. For a subtler look, you might consider pairing orange hats or socks with an otherwise black outfit.

35. Charcoal Gray and White

Woman outdoors near the beach doing yoga. Charcoal gray has popped up several times in our list, but it’s no coincidence: this rich and memorable color pairs well with bright colors, neutrals, and almost everything in between. 

If you like the contrast of black and white but want something a little less stark, consider putting together an outfit of mostly charcoal and white. As you can see in the photo, this makes a great contrast for activewear, but it’s also versatile enough for formal and casual outfits.

36. Pale Coral and Tan

Two guys at a wedding, one wearing a tan suit. Coral is a great color for spring and summer looks, and a paler shade of coral is an excellent choice if you want to tone down the intensity. Like many summery colors, coral pairs nicely with tan. 

Combining it with a tan blazer is a great way to go. A coral shirt also goes well with tan or khaki pants for less formal occasions. A pale coral sundress looks great with tan or light brown shoes and accessories!

37. Yellow and White

A woman in a yellow jacket with a white shirt. If you want a light, cheerful color combination, try incorporating yellow and white into your next outfit! Pairing a yellow jacket with a white shirt as shown in the picture is a good choice. 

But if you prefer patterns, yellow and white are easy to find. From stripes to polka dots, yellow and white shirts and blouses can be abundant. Like many looks on the list, this one can be used more subtly, too. You can combine yellow accessories with a primarily white outfit or white accessories with a mostly yellow outfit for a memorable, summer-inspired look.

38. Sherbet Orange and Cool Gray

A woman in a grey tank top wearing Sherbert orange shorts is playing with a beach ball. We’ve mentioned burnt orange and bright orange thus far, but the pastel energy of sherbert orange can be an asset to your wardrobe when used well. 

It has a high-energy, summery vibe paired with white, but mixing it with cool gray grounds creates a more balanced look. As you can see in the picture, gray and sherbet orange make an excellent activewear combination. Cool shades of gray provide the ideal counterbalance to orange’s vibrant energy.

39. Clay Red and Cerulean

The man is in a custom-tailored suit and trench coat, posing indoors. Red and blue are always striking. But if bright red and cerulean form a combination that’s a little loud for your taste, the muted nature of clay red just might work. 

Since clay red is close to neutral, you might be able to find clay-red coats like the one in the picture. There are plenty of different ways to use this color combination, though. Try pairing a clay-red shirt with a cerulean tie for a pop of color!

40. Pink and Warm Black

A woman in a pink dress poses in the grass. Pink and black are classic color combinations. While hot pink and stark black can look a little harsh (though it’s a common choice in activewear!), soft pink and warm black are often a little easier on the eyes. 

Outfits like the one in the picture are a great way to wear this combination. But if you like patterns, a pink and black patterned top is also a great choice.

41. Sky Blue and Royal Blue

A woman in a light blue shirt and royal blue sun hat. Earlier, we mentioned a combination of light blue and navy. If you like the blue-on-blue look but want something a little brighter, you might want to try royal blue and sky blue. 

This is an excellent look for beachwear and casual summer outfits. For more formal occasions, a sky blue shirt with a royal blue bow tie or necktie is a great high-energy look. It’s a good way to add color against neutral-colored pants or a blazer.

42. Taupe and White

The stylish man is wearing a brown knitted cardigan and sunglasses on City Street. Neutral-on-neutral looks might be subdued compared to other combinations on the list, but they don’t have to be boring! Taupe is a quintessential autumn color with just enough warmth.

While it looks nice with jewel tones, it’s versatile enough to look great with white. Combining a taupe cardigan with a white shirt like the model in the picture is a great way to wear this look. Thanks to the all-neutral nature of this color scheme, you can add a bright accessory for a pop of color if you wish!

43. Blue-Green and Coral

Blonde young woman in a floral spring-summer dress posing on a blue background. For a look that’s perfect for spring and summer, try combining blue-green and coral! As you can see in the photo, adding a small burst of coral to a mostly cool color scheme is a great way to balance out an outfit. 

Like other combinations on the list, this one works well when a color gradient is involved. Coral looks nice in an outfit incorporating blue, green, and various colors. And of course, incorporating white is a fairly simple way to lighten up the look.

44. Red and Taupe

Man wearing a warm sweater, winter coat, and hat posing behind mountains with snow. Earlier, we mentioned the versatility of taupe when it comes to wardrobe. And while this color pairs well with other neutrals, you can create a decidedly lively look by pairing it with red. 

Depending on your preferences, you can tweak this combination in several ways. Try warm taupe and clay red for a more autumnal look, or create some contrast by combining cool taupe with fiery red.

45. Blush Pink and White

Portrait of girl in casual outfit holding shopping bags isolated on pink background. The combination of blush pink and white is perfect for creating a delicate, flowery aesthetic. As you can see in the photo, this combination works beautifully when combined in layers. 

You might also want to try a blush pink top with white shorts, pants, or a skirt. If you wish, you can ground this combination with gray or black or keep the dreamy look as-is.

46. Yellow and Deep Sky Blue

A young woman holding a stylish yellow handbag and wearing a trendy blue coat. The combination of yellow and blue can create various energies depending on the shade of each. As you can see in the photo, combining a few shades of yellow with deep sky blue is undoubtedly an option. Try using intense sunny yellow for a bold contrast or soft yellow for an airier look. It also combines various shades of sky blue with a single shade of yellow. If you like to get creative with combining colors, this is a great place to start!

47. Burnt Orange and Hunter Green

A woman outside wearing a burnt orange coat and black pants. This is a great choice if you’re searching for more autumn-inspired combinations. This fashion-forward combination looks great with burnt orange leather, as shown in the picture, but any material works. 

Try pairing a burnt orange top with hunter-green pants. Or if you prefer, mix burnt-orange accessories with an outfit that’s mostly hunter green.

48. Slate Blue and Warm White

Blue midi pleated skirt, beige knitted sweater, and small black cross-body bag. Navy blue and charcoal gray are staples in the fashion world. And if you can’t choose between the two, you can always go for the happy medium: slate blue. 

This gray-tinged blue looks outstanding alongside warm, vintage-inspired whites. But you don’t have to stop here! Slate blue often functions like a neutral, so it will work alongside a whole host of other colors as well. Try mixing it with high-energy shades like red or orange for a higher-energy look.

49. Red and Mint Green

A woman sitting cross-legged on the floor with a striped red shirt and mint green pants. This color combination probably sounds weird if you haven’t seen it in action. But as you can see in the picture, a thoughtful combination of red and mint green can create a memorable outfit. 

This juxtaposition may be jarring depending on the exact shades used. Try incorporating different shades of white to balance out the overall look. Or for a muted aesthetic, go for dusty or clay-like reds instead of bright reds.

50. Purple and Seafoam

My first favorite color combination is purple and seafoam green. (Really, my favorite color combination is lilac and seafoam; my whole room is covered in it,  but it’s easier and more interesting to use different shades of purple.) This is such a nice, classic spring color combination, but the use of some darker shades of purple prevents the look from appearing too Easter Egg-y. 

Use a simple seafoam dress as a base, then pair some neutral-colored tights (I love these polka dot ones, but you could go with more subtle ones) with some sweet flats in a darker shade of that soft green color. For the nice contrast of purple, accessorize with a pretty rose crown in various hues and/or deep purple sunglasses. Add a gold bumblebee necklace for that extra touch of Spring.

51. Gray + Yellow

Another one of my favorite color combos is gray and yellow. My favorite shades are soft dove gray and pastel yellow, but this look features these colors in several hues to best exemplify the “duo-chromatic” look. 

Start with a pale gray jumper featuring a gorgeous crocheted top, then keep your arms covered from the spring chill with a heather gray long cardigan. The cardigan's silhouette will look so cute with the jumpsuit since both pieces are around the same length. For the bright pop of yellow, accessorize with some cute golden gemstone earrings, a mustard beaded bracelet, and pale yellow peep-toe heels. Complete the ensemble with a chic grey backpack.

52. Fuchsia + Teal

Playing with fun new color combinations is a great way to liven up your wardrobe if you are stuck in a style rut. In this series, we feature unique and unexpected color combinations and give you stylish outfit ideas to try out these color combos yourself. 

53. Black and Gray

Happy young businessman using phone walking with bag on city street. Last on our list is another classic: gray and black. It’s also pretty easy to accomplish, as most of us have black and gray in our closets. 

Pairing a gray coat with black pants is a great option. So is pairing black accessories with a largely gray outfit. And of course, if you want a more memorable look, go for a shirt with an interesting pattern of black and gray.

What Colors Go with Everything?

Black: The Classic Color That Goes with Everything

Black is the number one color that goes with everything, and it’s not hard to see why. If you need a capsule wardrobe item like a suit (or, in this case, a sleeveless vest and matching pants), it’s hard to go wrong with the classic color. 

Black doesn’t show wrinkles and stains like lighter colors do, which is part of the reason my closet is full of black items, to be honest. Pairing bolder, more vivid pieces against a darker background is also easy.

White: The Bright Color That Complements Everything

On the opposite end of the color spectrum (quite literally), white can offer the perfect blank canvas to build the rest of your look. 

If you’re a fan of classic black but want to branch out, white is your intuitive next step. For example, the crispness of a white Oxford shirt looks great with jeans, shorts, a dress, and a maxi skirt.

Camel: The Surprising Color That Goes with Everything

Let Gisele Bündchen show you how it’s done! Camel is a surprising neutral that not everyone knows about. It’s rich and deep, tan and brown mixed perfectly, and you can pair it with other neutrals (as we see here) or brighter colors as you see fit. It’s no wonder fashion pundits labeled Bündchen as being in her “rich mom” era with this luxe coat.

Tan: The Lighter Version of Camel That Goes with Everything

A lighter version of the camel is tan, a classic trench coat color. That’s no accident: Tan goes well with all colors and would work in place of white (or with white, as we see in this outfit). The spring and fall staple works perfectly in transitional weather because you can throw a tan trench coat on over anything you might be wearing.

Olive: The Earthy Yet Chic Color That Goes with Everything

The olive green jacket was a 2010s staple, so we all got tired of it, but the color is so much more than that. It’s a couple of shades brighter than black but can be worn like black (as a stylish piece of outerwear, as we see here, or as a base layer). It also works beautifully when you pair it with lighter hues like white and beige.

Navy: The Understated Color That Goes with Everything

Navy is the spiritual sister to black, which means it goes with (almost) as much in your wardrobe. It goes with blue pants. It goes with white tops! It often goes with florals and patterns. It goes with denim for a tonal, all-one-color vibe. It even goes with black. Note: The rule that you can’t mix navy and black (or any of your neutrals) is outdated and not true.

Powder Blue: The Unexpected Color That Goes with Everything

Choose a blue not far off from white if you’d rather opt for a lighter version of the classic hue. It’s mild enough to be worn in place of white, and it’s just a bit surprising if you’re looking to inject some fun into your looks. You might need to experiment with the shade of blue that works best for you, but then you can move forward with it as a new neutral.

Denim: The Timeless Color That Goes with Everything

There’s a reason denim is so beloved and has stood the test of time. It serves as a “bridge” between colors, meaning it is dark enough to match with black (e.g., this jacket, shoes, belt, and bag) but light enough to contrast. It also matches well with lighter colors, keeping the look more grounded. 

Bonus: The Canadian tuxedo.

Brown: The Rich Color That Goes with Everything

You’ve come to appreciate brown for its beautiful color. Brown is not just a muddy substitute for black: It can be vibrant, soft, and subtle. It’s probably your favorite alternative to black because it automatically brings dimension to your look. See how much cooler this tonal-brown outfit is than an all-black alternative!

Burgundy: The Bold Color That Goes with Everything

Believe it or not, burgundy is a surprisingly impressive neutral (and just about anyone can find a hue that works for them!). Like brown, olive, and navy, it’s a few shades brighter than black but can be worn as if it’s black. Look how much cooler this simple outfit is:

• Black sweater

• Jeans

• Black bag with this cool burgundy jacket

Stripes: The Pattern That Goes with Everything

While it’s not a color per se, stripes can act as a neutral in your wardrobe. Just ensure that the striped pattern's colors mesh well with the rest of your wardrobe. Blue jeans and a white blazer match expertly with a blue and white striped shirt. Use it in place of a white or blue top.

Related Reading

• Colors That Go with Brown Clothes
• Stylish Outfits for Women
• How to Choose Eyeshadow Color According to Dress
• What Color Goes with Brown
• Casual Outfits for Women
• Bright Color Palette
• Neutral Color Palette
• What Colors Go with Everything
• Colors That Go with Navy Blue
• What Colors Go with Yellow
• What Colours Look Good with Grey Clothes
• What Color Goes with Navy Blue
• Colors That Go with Dark Blue
• What Colors Match with Brown
• Clothing Color Combinations
• Clothing Styles for Women
• How to Dress Better
• Color Matching Clothes

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