If Camel Isn't Cutting It, These Colour Combinations Will Help You Stand Out From the Crowd
Bored of black? This winter, the runways are making a case for colour-blocking these unexpectedly chic shades. Click to read more and shop the combos.

It would seem that I have come down with a case of S.A.D—that is, seasonally affected dressing. After a colourful summer and optimistic autumn, my affinity for bold and beautiful outfits started to drop as soon as the temperature did. Gone were the printed dresses, jewel-toned satin shoes, fun handbags and bright sunnies, and in their place, I found cream cable knits and grey tailoring. And no, there is nothing inherently wrong with a classic palette for autumn/winter, but as I don't dress like this any other time of the year, what is it about dressing for winter that makes my wardrobe feel so uninspired?
Of course, practicality has to come into play when dressing for cold weather, and it just so happens that my big winter coats are either black wool or neutral faux furs, but there's nothing to say that what I wear underneath can't be the kind of mood-lifting colours and prints that winter so desperately needs.

With this in mind, I set about scouring the autumn/winter 2026 runways for some colourful inspiration and screenshotted the looks that stood out. Out of hundreds of shows and dozens of saves, a few unexpected combinations cropped up enough times for me to sit up and take notice (and some were just such strokes of pure genius that I had to share them with someone). So, if you too have been feeling a little blue this winter (pun very much intended), keep scrolling to see six colour combinations that are guaranteed to lift your mood. From bold brights to wearable pastels teamed with neutrals, there's something in the mix for every style.
1. Mint and Grey

Style Notes: Let's start with something light and fresh to ease you in, and if you thought pastels were solely for spring, think again. Cool mint green brings an ethereal softness to corporate grey, and together the two shades strike the perfect balance between playful and polished, offering a modern alternative to the more predictable white-shirt-and-grey-trousers combination. Thanks to Dior A/W 26, we're rethinking mint-green knitwear styled with tailored grey trousers, soft sage accessories against charcoal outerwear or head-to-toe tonal dressing with subtle pops of cool green. The result? A sophisticated, quietly directional colour pairing that feels just as relevant for everyday dressing as it does for a more elevated wardrobe. Thank you, Jonathan Anderson.
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Dôen
£268

H&M
£13

Tom Ford
Tom Ford Rosco Aviator Sunglasses
£315

& Other Stories
& Other Stories Oversized Wool Coat
£279
2. Raspberry and Bubblegum

Style Notes: Remember when layering camel was considered the height of refined taste? Pink-on-pink dressing just had a sophisticated update for 2026, with darker raspberry pink and light, bubblegum pink emerging as a particularly chic colour combination. Rather than leaning into sugary, head-to-toe pastels, this pairing is all about playing with punchy contrast: imagine the softer, sweeter tones kicked up a notch alongside punchy fuchsia, and delicate baby-pink knits styled with deeper rose tailoring, or a pale pink skirt grounded by a bold magenta top. Thanks to Givenchy, Valentino and Prada, the play between the two shades can create a look that feels both bold and polished, giving one of fashion’s most enduring colours a fresh new perspective. Barbie? We don't know her; this pink isn't about playtime.
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& Other Stories
& Other Stories Mohair-Blend Jumper
£77

HUGO
HUGO Regular-Fit Trousers With Wide Leg
£189

Miu Miu
£360

Celine
Celine Trio in Smooth Lambskin
£1150
3. Chocolate and Ink

Style Notes: It might not be as bright as the other pairings on the list, but navy blue with dark brown is definitely one of the more sophisticated colour combinations of 2026. Once considered an unlikely pairing, these two rich, understated shades work effortlessly together, creating a moody colour palette far more interesting than classic black. Like grey, deep navy blue can feel serious and straight-laced, but add luxurious chocolate brown into the mix and the extra warmth and depth gives "rich" energy (take a look at Gucci's fur-trimmed jacket and silk dress as the perfect example).
Wondering how to make the look for everyday? Try chocolate-brown leather or faux-fur jackets styled with indigo denim, dark brown accessories paired with tailored navy separates or a tonal look that combines both shades through different textures. Understated yet undeniably chic, this is the kind of colour combination that makes even the simplest outfit feel interesting.
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COS
£45

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY The Taper Jean Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
£320

Tu
Tu Brown Bonded Faux Fur Zip Through Jacket
£45

ARKET
£65
4. Butter and Peach

Style Notes: Two colours that you might never have considered wearing together, let alone for winter, peach with butter yellow is such a pretty colour combination that it deserves a spot on the list for the joy it brings alone. Soft, sunny and uplifting, layering these two hues feels like a new approach to pastel styling that feels far more sophisticated than you might expect.
The warmth of peach perfectly complements the creamy, muted quality of buttermilk yellow, creating a pairing that feels harmonious without being overly sweet. Take inspiration from Matthieu Blazy's peachy tweed tailoring styled with a sheer, pale yellow shirt: an effortlessly elegant take on colour-blocking that feels less severe than black and white. It's a subtle yet joyful combination that doesn't have to stay in the brighter months, as it brings a little warmth and personality to even the darkest winter days.
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Reformation
Reformation Charlotte Brushed Cashmere Crew Sweater
£268

KHAITE
KHAITE Winston Printed Darted Satin Midi Skit
£1800

COS
£189

Self Portrait
Self Portrait Pleated Taffeta Mini Dress
£350
5. Chilli and Espresso

Style Notes: Thought you'd seen the last of hot and spicy reds? Wearing them now with near-black dark browns tempers the bold hit of energy and feels surprisingly refined. If you were red curious but didn't know how to style it before, this option feels more interesting than the classic red and black, but still offers all of the impact (albeit with a a softer, more fashion-forward finish). Vibrant red knitwear paired with chocolate-brown suede, statement scarlet coats with dark brown leather accessories or pops of hot red against an otherwise tonal brown outfit are the easiest way to make this fun duo really stand out, and if you add a ladylike heel to the mix a lá Tory Burch, you've got an elegant winter outfit that is sure to invite compliments.
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Quince
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Button Polo Jumper in Varsity Red
£115

Massimo Dutti
Massimo Dutti Wool Blend Stretch Midi Skirt
£170

ZARA
ZARA Mid-Waist Oversize Baggy Jeans With Seams
£36

Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent Le Loafer Supple in Suede
£935
6. Pine and Gold

Style Notes: It just wouldn't be the run-up to Christmas without something a little festive, and gold and green are an undoubtedly opulent couple that nod to the season without feeling too gimmicky. There's something inherently elegant about deep forest and emerald tones alongside warm, golden accents, and if you've seen the news that head-to-toe gold looks were having a moment right now (thanks to Saint Laurent), adding a deep tone feels less overtly flashy and more quietly expensive, particularly when the shades are worked into considered silhouettes and sumptuous textures.
Whilst Givenchy focused on exaggerated drapery to mix the two, you could also try dark green tailoring finished with gold jewellery, or a statement coat thrown over a champagne dress. It's the perfect palette for partygoers who are averse to red sequins and novelty jumpers.
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Jigsaw
Jigsaw Leather Knee Length Coat
£499

By Malene Birger
By Malene Birger Vera Satin Maxi Dress
£370

Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta Veneta in Basil
£4370

Mint Velvet
Mint Velvet Gold Metallic Pleated Wide Leg Trousers
£140