Color combinations for clothes
Good outfits usually rest on a few simple color pairings: a neutral with a color, two neutrals, or two colors that sit well on the color wheel. Here are 20 color combinations for clothes, why each works, and the rules to build your own.
20 outfit color combinations
- Navy and CamelSmart and easy: a navy coat over camel, or the reverse.
- Black and WhiteThe sharpest contrast there is; never dated.
- Olive and CreamRelaxed and earthy, great for casual wear.
- Burgundy and GrayA rich color softened by a cool neutral.
- Blush and GrayGentle and modern for office wear.
- Denim blue and WhiteJeans and a white shirt, the casual classic.
- Camel and WhiteLight, warm and polished.
- Emerald and BlackEvening wear with depth.
- Mustard and NavyA warm accent on a dark base.
- Rust and Denim blueNear-complementary warmth and cool.
- Lavender and GraySoft and stylish.
- Pink and RedA bold, fashion-forward clash.
- Cobalt and OrangeComplementary colors for a statement.
- Chocolate and Light blueA warm dark with a cool light.
- Navy and PinkPreppy and fresh.
- Beige and WhiteTonal, quiet luxury.
- Forest green and TanOutdoorsy and autumnal.
- Red and NavyClassic and confident.
- Black and CamelSleek and warm at once.
- Charcoal and YellowA bright pop on a dark neutral.
| Combination | Color 1 | Color 2 | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navy and Camel | Navy #1F2A44 | Camel #C19A6B | Smart and easy: a navy coat over camel, or the reverse. |
| Black and White | Black #111111 | White #FFFFFF | The sharpest contrast there is; never dated. |
| Olive and Cream | Olive #6B7340 | Cream #F3EBDD | Relaxed and earthy, great for casual wear. |
| Burgundy and Gray | Burgundy #7B1E3A | Gray #8E9196 | A rich color softened by a cool neutral. |
| Blush and Gray | Blush #F2C1C1 | Gray #9A9EA5 | Gentle and modern for office wear. |
| Denim blue and White | Denim blue #3B5F8A | White #FFFFFF | Jeans and a white shirt, the casual classic. |
| Camel and White | Camel #C19A6B | White #FFFFFF | Light, warm and polished. |
| Emerald and Black | Emerald #046A38 | Black #111111 | Evening wear with depth. |
| Mustard and Navy | Mustard #D9A21B | Navy #1F2A44 | A warm accent on a dark base. |
| Rust and Denim blue | Rust #A84B2A | Denim blue #3B5F8A | Near-complementary warmth and cool. |
| Lavender and Gray | Lavender #C3B1E1 | Gray #8E9196 | Soft and stylish. |
| Pink and Red | Pink #F28FB1 | Red #C8102E | A bold, fashion-forward clash. |
| Cobalt and Orange | Cobalt #1F4FBF | Orange #F28C28 | Complementary colors for a statement. |
| Chocolate and Light blue | Chocolate #5C4033 | Light blue #A9C9E8 | A warm dark with a cool light. |
| Navy and Pink | Navy #1F2A44 | Pink #F4B6C2 | Preppy and fresh. |
| Beige and White | Beige #E3D5C0 | White #FFFFFF | Tonal, quiet luxury. |
| Forest green and Tan | Forest green #2E4A32 | Tan #C8A97E | Outdoorsy and autumnal. |
| Red and Navy | Red #B31B1B | Navy #1F2A44 | Classic and confident. |
| Black and Camel | Black #111111 | Camel #C19A6B | Sleek and warm at once. |
| Charcoal and Yellow | Charcoal #3A3D42 | Yellow #F2C94C | A bright pop on a dark neutral. |
Rules for matching clothing colors
- Build on neutrals. Navy, black, white, gray, camel, beige and denim go with almost everything; most outfits are one or two neutrals plus at most one color.
- One statement color at a time. If your top is mustard or emerald, keep the rest neutral.
- Match depth. Two colors of similar depth (navy and burgundy, or blush and lavender) look intentional; mixing very different depths creates contrast on purpose.
- Use the wheel for bold looks. Opposite colors, such as cobalt and orange, are complementary and make a statement; neighbors, such as pink and red, are analogous and feel cohesive.
- Repeat a color. Pick up a shirt color in a scarf, socks or bag to tie the outfit together.
Choosing colors for your skin tone
The colors that flatter you depend on your undertone and contrast. Warm undertones glow in camel, olive, rust and mustard; cool undertones in navy, emerald, berry and gray. Seasonal color analysis sorts this into 12 seasons, each with its own palette: take the color analysis quiz or read the color analysis guide.
If you already have a favorite piece, look up its color in colors that go with: for example, what goes with burgundy, olive green or navy blue.
Frequently asked questions
What colors go together in clothes?
Neutrals with almost anything, plus classic pairs such as navy and camel, black and white, olive and cream, burgundy and gray, and denim with white.
How many colors should an outfit have?
Two or three is easiest: one or two neutrals and at most one statement color. Accessories can add a small fourth color.
What color goes with everything?
Navy, black, white, gray, camel and denim blue. Navy is often called the most versatile because it is softer than black and works in every season.
How do I know which colors suit my skin tone?
Check your undertone: warm undertones suit golden, earthy colors and cool undertones suit blue-based colors. A seasonal color analysis quiz narrows it down further.