Last year was a year of comfort, cohesion and colour pairings that felt safe yet stylish. We leaned into wardrobe formulas that were easy to repeat, flattering and Instagram-approved. But as we step into this new year, fashion is asking for refinement rather than reinvention. The colour combinations we loved aren’t going anywhere — they’re simply growing up.
Think less trendy, more intentional. Less contrast, more nuance. Here’s how to take your favourite 2025 colour pairings and elevate them for 2026.
Chocolate brown and pastel lime green
Chocolate brown became the quiet luxury uniform. Reliable, flattering and effortless. But now, go deeper and softer. Swap mid-brown for rich cocoa or espresso and add a touch of green. The usual combo had us looking at pairing cream and baby blue with this chocolate brown but the shift to green is subtle but impactful — it feels warmer, more expensive and less stark.
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Choose textured fabrics like suede, brushed wool or silk
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Layer tonal browns instead of a single contrast
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Add gold or tortoiseshell accessories for depth
Black with red but now red with navy blue
Minimalist, clean and office-ready, pairing black and red was slightly imposing but pairing red with navy looks more balanced. This combo gets softer and more fluid.
The aim is dimension, not sharpness.
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Play with movement: draped trousers, bias-cut skirts
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Mix finishes — wool with satin, leather with knit
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Avoid harsh tailoring; opt for relaxed silhouettes
Orange and beige – Warm neutrals with undertone play
Head-to-toe beige dominated capsule wardrobes yet we loved a pop of colour. Now, neutrals stay, but undertones matter more. Think camel with mushroom, sand with warm taupe, or stone with soft olive. It’s still calm — just more considered.
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Mix at least three neutral tones in one outfit
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Use contrast through fabric and add a muted undertone orange accent
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Add one grounding piece in a darker neutral
Dark indigo with a hint of pinstripe
Crisp white tees and light-wash denim were everywhere but a new year brings the palette matures. Ivory replaces stark white, and denim goes darker and cleaner. The result feels timeless, elevated and less casual.
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Opt for structured tops or refined knits
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Choose straight or tailored denim silhouettes
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Finish with leather shoes and minimal jewellery
For an even more elevated look, add red!
Other colour combos we will see and love in 2026
- Light blue and burgundy
- Navy blue and brown
- Burgundy and olive green
- Grey and navy blue
- Navy blue and butter yellow
The 2026 colour rule: Subtle evolution, not overhaul
Elevating your wardrobe in 2026 isn’t about abandoning what worked — it’s about refining it. Colours feel warmer, deeper and more nuanced. Outfits rely less on obvious contrast and more on texture, tone and proportion.
If 2025 was about learning what you love, 2026 is about wearing it with intention. And that’s where real style begins.
ALSO SEE:
10 pieces you need to rebuild your wardrobe from scratch in 2026
Featured Image: @anastasiia.antonovaa/Instagram
