At its core, fashion is all about playing with boundaries and expressing your individuality through creative freedom. This is done through shapes and silhouettes, artistic accents, intentional pairings, and even color. Sometimes, it’s the most unexpected color combinations that make the biggest impact—hues that seem unlikely to play well together but somehow look incredible when side-by-side. For a little saturation inspiration, we had personal stylists weigh in with their favorite unexpected color combinations.
Pink and Orange
Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Pink and orange are a joyful color combination with similar vibrancies. When together, they’re splashy, youthful, and definitely head-turning. “For me, it has a retro or vintage feel to it, but it can be worn in a modern way just as easily,” says Dianne Boyer, a certified personal stylist and founder of Dianne In Style. “You can also tone it down and go with more pastel versions of each color. You can pair a bright pink and orange or a pastel pink and coral to get the same effect.”
Butter Yellow and Red
Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images
Butter yellow is one of the season’s most beloved hues, but we almost always see it paired with other pastels, pale neutrals, or simple white. Go bold and try a bright red, instead. “I love how the softness of the yellow balances the punch of the red,” says Corinne Pierre-Louis, a stylist and fashion editor. “It’s warm, sun-drenched, and feels like something you’d see in a Wes Anderson film (in the best way). A combo that feels both nostalgic and totally fresh.”
Blue and Brown
Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
There’s something about the juxtaposition of pairing cool and warm shades together that creates a mesmerizing effect. “There is a tendency, especially with brown, to pair it with other warm colors such as tan, yellow, or orange, but I think the pairing of blue gives it a cool and relaxed feel,” Boyer says. “It reminds me of the colors of the beach.”
Blue and Butter Yellow
Photo by Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images
Another way to wear yellow (AKA the it girl of the season) is by pairing it with blue. A pastel version of both hues keeps things soft, but don’t be afraid to wear a bright or royal blue for a fun pop, says Patrick Burch, stylist and founder of Cave + Post. “We love this combo because it is a bit flashy, but not over the top and doesn’t look like you are trying too hard to be ‘loud.’”
Olive Green and Lavender
Photo by Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images)
Green and purple can quickly go cartoonish (exhibit A: Barney the dinosaur), but if you tone down both shades then this unexpected color combination looks surprisingly chic. Olive green has an earthy warmth to it, while lavender brings a soft and whimsical quality.
Chocolate Brown and Bright Yellow
Photo by Valentina Frugiuele/GC Images
If you like the idea of yellow but want a more vibrant shade, opt for a bright and sunny yellow and pair it with a rich, dark chocolate brown. The richness of brown grounds the look, while yellow infuses a jolt of energy. This impactful pairing feels at once earthy and electric.
Purple and Oxblood
Photo by Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images
Purple and oxblood may not seem an obvious pairing, but that’s exactly what makes this unexpected color combination so gorgeous. Purple lends an airy softness while rich oxblood lends striking contrast. There’s a tension between this duo that just feels fresh and modern.
Green and Brown
Photo by 305pics/GC Images
Brown and green are nature’s original power couple, Pierre-Louis says. It’s unexpected, but it absolutely works. “I love how grounded and rich it feels, especially when you play with earthy textures like suede, wool, or even high-gloss leather.” Think of it like a botanical twist on quiet luxury.
Pink and Brown
Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Here’s another example of combining a cool tone with a warm and earthy one. “Pink and brown have a softer, more feminine feel; it can tone down the ‘earthy feel’ of brown while adding a softer, almost garden feel to the look,” Boyer says. She suggests pairing a pink top with a suede skirt or vice versa.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/unexpected-color-combinations-GettyImages-2199132408-3d296eadff864e6d83e530c2170a5dcb.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1&description=9+Outfit+Color+Combos+That+Work+Surprisingly+Well+Together){kind=link}