I'm Bored of Black and White—These Unexpected Colour Pairings Are Far Cooler This Summer
Looking to shake up your seasonal style? The spring/summer 2026 runways showed five exciting new colour combinations infinitely more interesting than black and white. Keep scrolling to see the pairings we can't stop thinking about.
After a winter spent indoors and a spring that couldn't make up it's mind, we're finally ready to dive head first into a summer of exciting fashion trends. Whether you're buying into the babydoll, undecided on capris, or choosing between jellies or flip flops, one thing we can all agree on is that summer is made for colour.
Even the most subdued minimalists will agree, adding a pop of something here or there can completely change an outfit, and this summer you don't need to ditch your safe neutrals, but there are some exciting colour combinations you can try instead. Sure, an LBD is a classic, but you have you ever enjoyed the feeling of putting on a brand new red dress? Well, imagine that but with a surprising colour pop bag to boot. The result is fun, fashion-forward, but always refined, and don't you deserve a little playfulness during summer?
From fresh pastels to punchy brights, we've studied the kaleidoscope of colours showcased on the runway, and found the pairings that are the most surprising, but also the most chic. So, if you're interested in updating your wardrobe without starting from scratch, a colourful kick might be just what is needed. And no, before you panic, it needn't mean head-to-toe monochromatic moments, there are plenty of great accessories in the mix, so you can elevate even the simplest outfits with just the swap of a bag. Intrigued? Keep scrolling to see the summer colour combinations that fashion people are wearing now, ahead of sunny season.
1. Magenta and Brown
Style Notes: Is it too soon to talk about magenta after Valentino made Pierpaolo pink a hot commodity in 2022? If the trend hadn't caught you then, maybe it will now, as pinks feel grown up this season when grounded with warm cocoa browns. When behemoths of boho Zimmermann and Chloé are all over a colour pairing, you know it's got the romantic's stamp of approval, and it's refreshing to see what is usually considered such a sweet shade pack a punch when teamed up with one of the biggest colour trends of the last couple of years—rich, toasty browns.
Shop Magenta and Brown:
This also comes in white, but the pink is so unique.
Gucci are really delivering on It bags this season.
Tuck into high-waisted trousers and unbutton loosely.
Honestly, these look so much more expensive than they are.
2. Green and Orange
Style Notes: Okay, hear me out. Pastels and brights, mint and citrus, and fresh and sweet might not feel like an organic pairing, but there's something in this specific green and orange pairing that feels like it shouldn't work, but definitely does. Yes, one is cool and the other warm toned, and no they don't belong to similar families in the colour wheel, but if you can master the art of the colour clash quite like Prada, this is a combination that will keep you streets ahead of the crowd. If you can't quite get the idea of wearing head-to-toe, opt for Christopher Esber's approach and keep the colour up top and wear with a neutral bottom like black, below.
Shop Green and Orange:
This would look great with everything from blue jeans to white maxi skirts.
I have my heart set on this amazing, vibrant style.
You could have chosen black aviators, but these are so much more exciting.
These have 'summer' written all over them.
3. Red and Yellow
Style Notes: I know what you're thinking: ketchup and mustard. But if the two can combine and make such an iconic and instantly recognisable duo, there's no reason why it can't work for your wardrobe two. Yellow will always be synonymous with summer, and unexpected pops of red have been the fashion insider's secret styling hack for the last two years, and as it turns out, together they make a bold pairing. At Loewe the combination showed up in no less than 11 looks, all with slick, glossy leather and exaggerated silhouettes. Did the big yellow shirt just become cooler than the white Oxford? I'm inclined to think so.
Shop Red and Yellow:
Buttermilk yellow never spoils.
Red denim is more versatile than you might think.
Consider this your sign to try one of Abercormbie's bestselling bra-free wear dresses.
The best premium flip flops on the market.
4. Navy and Camel
Style Notes: Now to a calmer combination for the colour-clash-sceptic—rich, inky blue with warm, sandy camel. There's no colour that doesn't go with beige (seriously, just think about it), and although you might be tempted to wear it with brights and whites for summer, the runways are making a good case for deep blues being seasonally appropriate too. Less heavy than black, more vibrant than pastels, each balances out the other while looking incredibly expensive. And, if you don't have any navy clothes in your wardrobe already, dark denim washes count too.
Shop Navy and Camel:
You'll wear this every summer for years to come.
I love this elevated khaki energy.
Reformation's two piece sets are even better value for money.
A strong candidate for the perfect sandal.
5. Lilac and Cream
Style Notes: If you are going to wear white, cream, ivory or ecru this summer, you can pair it with a pretty pastel like lilac to bring it up to date. From McQueen's intricate pleated minis to Marc Jacob's wool skirts, lilac and cream may have more staying power than you think, and as demonstrated on the runways, you can wear it now in dresses and shorts, and through autumn too in the form of knits, skirts and boots.
Shop Lilac and White:
Thick and soft, so it won't go sheer.
You're going to want these in your suitcase for your next holiday.
Wedding guest dressing, sorted.
Peep toe mules are having a moment right now.
