Bored of Black? All the Chicest Londoners I Know Are Wearing These Colour Combos Instead
From the bright and bold to chic and subdued, these are the colour combinations London women are rotating in 2026.
They say in the world of interiors that almost anything can be improved with a lick of paint—and really, fashion is no different. Particularly if you’re guilty of relying on an all-black uniform. Chic? Undeniably. But after a while, perhaps a little dull (sorry).
Of course, if you’re going to venture into more colourful territory, the shade you choose makes all the difference. So, it pays to select wisely, or, alternatively, to take notes from those who already have. With that in mind, allow me to present six key colour pairings, as seen on some of the chicest Londoners on the internet.
Take Zeena Shah’s pink and green combination, plucked straight from the spring/summer '26 runways of Stella McCartney, Fendi and Prada—a fresh, playful duo guaranteed to inject joy into any wardrobe. Meanwhile, Liv Madeline makes a compelling case for mustard yellow and brown: an unlikely pairing that feels especially elevated, particularly when woven together through contrasting textures. Then there’s Lucy Williams’ more muted take on blue and brown, made all the more effortless with the addition of a punchy plaid shirt.
Scroll on to discover the shades to consider styling now. And yes, I’ve still snuck black in there—for those not quite ready to embrace a new Pantone just yet.
The Colour Combinations Londoners Are Wearing in 2026:
Brown + Blue
Style Notes: Not all colour pairings need to be bright and bold, as Lucy Williams so perfectly illustrates. One effortlessly cool combination to try? Brown and blue, which offers a familiar yet slightly fresher take on the long-time favourite of black and navy.
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A flannel shirt is one easy way to incorporate every shade into one item.
A suede bomber will be a timeless staple in any wardrobe.
This mohair and wool blend jumper will be just as cosy as it is bright.
I own these jeans in black, but the brown pair feels particularly chic.
Yes, another suede piece as the message is clear: you really can't have enough.
White + Red
Style Notes: Tomato red may be the shade we’ve all been fawning over for the past few years now (remember the red tights trend?), and it’s clearly not falling out of favour any time soon. While yellow, brown and even baby blue make excellent pairings, bright white renders it all the more striking—thankfully, there’s no shortage of options to choose from.
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Cool and casual, we've seen everyone from Hailey Bieber to Zoe Kravitz gravitate towards these retro shell jackets.
Yes, you can wear white jeans year-round, but the warmer months are when they really come into their own.
Expect to see Le Monde Beryl on the feet of every chic woman this year.
A classic white cotton shirt is a true wardrobe staple. I wear mine everywhere from the beach to the office.
DeMellier's New York bag is the mid-luxury bag of the moment.
Khaki + Navy
Style Notes: Whether you call it khaki or safari green, expect to see plenty of it this season as Isabel Marant puts safari chic firmly back in the spotlight. One of the easiest ways to style it? With navy rather than black, offering a softer, more complementary pairing than stark black or bright white.
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This khaki barrel jeans still feel formal enough to wear to (relaxed) offices, despite their casual colour.
Every fashion editor seeks out M&S knitwear—you'll be hard-pushed to find better on the high street.
We may be starting to (hopefully) shift the heavy layers, but this padded coat will be a wise investment for years to come.
Boden has a number of hidden gems when it comes to wardrobe staples, including this linen midi skirt.
Swap your trusty tee for this cotton vest top to instantly elevate any outfit.
Pink + Green
Style Notes: Pink and green paraded across the Spring/Summer 26 runways of Stella McCartney, Fendi and Prada, cementing it as one of the season’s boldest, and most in-demand, colour pairings. Granted, it’s not one for those who shy away from statement shades, but it is guaranteed to enliven even the simplest look. Consider it dopamine dressing at its finest.
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Layer this knit with green trousers and a pink bag to truly commit to the colour pairing.
The tactile suede texture of this jacket adds an extra layer of interest.
Style this pretty pink frock with green accessories to make it all the more exciting.
Weddings, work, or a bold brunch with friends—commit to wearing this vibrant shade and these trusty trousers should span many an occasion.
Chloé's Paddington bag is a key style for the season, and if you didn't invest in the original back in 2005, now is your chance.
Mustard + Brown
Style Notes: On paper, yellow and brown might not sound like the most appealing pairing, but see them styled as chicly as Liv Madeline does here and you’ll quickly be persuaded. To make the duo even more eye-catching, take note of her clever use of texture to add depth—there’s no shortage of suede, corduroy and tactile knitwear to invest in right now.
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If you're still yet to invest in the suede trend, allow this to be yet another push of encouragement. Plus, it sways away from classic black and brown shades.
If 2025 was the year of the Capri pant, 2026 has claimed culottes. Expect to start seeing them everywhere.
As the owner of a yellow jumper, I can confirm you'll wear it much more than you originally thought. Blue jeans, black trousers, and, of course, brown bottoms, all pair perfectly.
This pencil skirt will work just as well for the office as it will on the weekend.
You've probably spied this Miu Miu bag in many a street style snap.
Black + White
Style Notes: Yes, the core aim of this moodboard is to inspire us all to step away from our go-to black and neutral colour palettes, but there’s a reason we’re so drawn to them: they’re easy to style and look effortlessly chic. So, the classic colour pairing prevails as a key trend for the season yet again. That said, it’s textures and sharp silhouettes that make it feel fresh—think bubble-leg jeans, leather jackets and silk tees, to name just a few.
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This Nour Hammour bomber is a real investment find, crafted from soft lambskin and simple enough to wear with almost any outfit.
I bought these jeans six months ago and have worn them at least once a week since.
This silk tee feels much more elevated than classic cotton styles.
Stan Smith's are taking a backseat this season as Adidas Japan trainers are trending.
A classic black blazer is a true wardrobe staple, especially a classic cut like this.
