Five Classic Colour Combinations That Always Work

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I don’t know about you, but back in the day when I was feeling a little lacklustre getting dressed in the morning, I would always revert to my failsafe all-black ensembles. Colours were just a tad ‘too-hard-basket’ when in a mad rush to get to work in the morning!

And I’m sure you’ve probably been told at some point that the key to picking winning clothing colour combinations is to pick shades that sit on opposite sides of each other on the colour wheel. But that advice isn’t applicable to me because I enjoy wearing a more muted colour palette.

While I opt for more muted tones that may appear to be a bit same-same, there are pairings of colour that particularly stand out. Having these clothing colour combinations to hand makes it so much easier to pull outfits together in the morning.

So the next time you’re in a pickle getting dressed in the morning and you’re about to reach for an all black ensemble for a third consecutive day, here are my go-to colour combinations to inspire you.

#1 – Navy and Camel

Left: Everlane knit*, Uniqlo pants, Everlane flats*; Centre: H&M coat (similar here), Scanlan Theodore skirt, Gucci belt, Vince Camuto heels (sold out – similar here) Right: Navy knit* and skirt* (sold out – similar here) from Marks & Spencer, Prada bag, Tony Bianco mules (sold out, similar here)

It wouldn’t be my list if I didn’t kick things off with something navy, my favourite colour to wear. When paired together, navy provides a solid base, and camel works to lift an entire look without taking too much risk.

Personally, out of the all the shades of brown, I find camel the easiest to style – it fits within the monochromatic shade palette perfectly. In many instances, the camel pieces are ones that are textured (such as a wool coat or a knit) and work to add an another dimension to an outfit.

#2 – White and Khaki

clothing colour combinations of khaki and white
L: Wearing Reiss coat (sold out, similar here), Everlane knit, jeans* and flats*, Gucci belt, Celine bag, Ray Ban sunglasses; C & R: Reiss knit top, Mango pants, Celine bag, Chanel slingbacks (similar here and here), Reiss coat (sold out, similar here)

Proving that it’s not just for commandos and bushwalkers, muddy greens are still enjoying their street style moments with khaki being no exception.

I have always been fond of khaki but I love how refreshing it can look when paired against a crisp white. Personally, I think they look really expensive when worn together.

#3 – Grey and Black

L: Sarah Lloyd blazer*, Acne Studios tee, H&M skirt (sold out – similar here), Vince Camuto heels (sold out, similar here), Celine bag; M: Karen Millen dress (sold out), Tony Bianco mules (similar here), Celine bag; R: The Curated Coat*, Nobody Denim Jeans, Acne Studios Scarf, Everlane boots, Celine bag, Ray Ban sunnies

A monochromatic palette that is far from grim – grey and black just make sense together. And this might be a controversial call, but I think I prefer it to black and white!

Usually I’ll increase the grey quotient as I like how my black accessories pop against a predominantly grey palette.

#4 – Camel and White

clothing colour combinations of camel and white
L: H&M coat (similar here), Cecilie Copenhagen top, Karen Millen skirt (sold out), Tony Bianco mules (similar here), Celine bag; C: Everlane flats*, knit & jeans*, Uniqlo trench (sold out, similar here), Gucci belt, Celine bag, RayBan sunglasses; R: Marks & Spencer linen shirt* and pencil skirt* (sold out – similar here), Wittner slingbacks (similar here), Tory Burch bag

Minimalists have been pairing these tones together for years and it’s high time you gave it a go if you haven’t already! Camel and white always look effortless paired together and brighten up the most relaxed of outfits.

I’ve enjoyed pairing these tones in many of my S/S ensembles and have transitioned them through to the A/W season to brighten up the chillier days.

#5 – Different Shades of Brown

clothing colour combinations
L: H&M coat (sold out, similar here and here), Reiss dress, Vince Camuto heels (similar here), Celine bag; C: Marks & Spencer Knit* (similar here), M&S pencil skirt* (sold out – similar here), Tony Bianco Mules (similar here), Celine bag; R: H&M coat (sold out, similar here and here), H&M knit, Gucci belt, Scanlan Theodore skirt, Celine bag, Tony Bianco Mules (similar here)

Something happened last year which saw the inclusion of brown into the fashion minimalist’s neutral colour palette. From head-to-toe chocolate brown to mixing different shades of brown together, there are so many varied ways to wear this colour.

In my opinion, wearing them clashing works just as well as going for a monochromatic look. I love the combination of brown melange, camel and chocolate brown and have embraced wearing these warmer neutral tones.

I hope my colour combinations have inspired some outfits for you to style from the existing pieces in your wardrobe. Let me know whether you keep particular clothing colour combinations in mind when you get dressed in the morning and what combos you’ve been loving.

Thanks again for stopping by!

P.S. An updated review of my Gucci belt (after 24+ months of wear) and my top tips for caring for your clothes to ensure they last.

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