8 Unexpected Color Combinations We Never Knew We Loved, Until Now

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Published Apr 9, 2018

If you find yourself in a style rut, it can be tempting to break from your tried-and-true outfit uniform of a blouse and cropped trousers to try something entirely new. But honestly, if you didn’t like the way midi skirts looked on you before, why should you like them any better now? Instead of overhauling your entire look, why not try one of these unexpected color combinations instead? Who knows? Maybe you’ll fall head over heels for a totally surprising new duo.

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Dusty Rose + Lavender

There’s a reason bowls of pastel Easter candies always look so enticing (and it’s not just their chocolate filling). Be sure to choose pieces that have a masculine vibe or structured silhouette or you’ll risk looking too sickly sweet.

Get the look: NSF trench coat ($495); M.i.H. jumpsuit ($310); Botkier bag ($178); Naturalizer boots ($91)

pregnant woman wearing periwinkle blue and burgundy

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Periwinkle + Burgundy

Who knew such a classic spring hue could look so divine next to this rich winter shade? Try letting periwinkle be the star of the outfit with burgundy accents for the warmer months, then swap the formula once temperatures start to drop.

Get the look: H&M coat ($60); Diane von Furstenberg dress ($278); Vince Camuto boots ($178)

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Blue + Orange

Not just for Mets fans anymore, this spunky combo is proof that opposites really do attract. Opposites on the color wheel, at least.

Get the look: Nike jacket ($350); Joie top ($149); Madewell jeans ($115); Sondra Roberts bag ($78); Missguided boots ($77)

woman wearing mint green and a red skirt

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Mint + Red

The cool, pale hue helps tone down a fiery red, which can feel a little aggressive next to plain white.

Get the look: Chadwicks turtleneck ($45); Diane von Furstenberg skirt ($228); H&M boots ($70)

woman wearing a hot pink t shirt and green pants

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Hot Pink + Bright Green

On the contrary, an über-bright pink only gets better when paired with an equally vibrant shade, like this bold green. Keep the silhouettes simple to achieve a masterful color-blocking effect and to avoid overwhelming your figure (and everyone else’s eyes).

Get the look: Only T-shirt ($19); Saturday/Sunday pants ($68); New Balance sneakers ($70)

woman wearing a yellow sut with a purple blouse

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Yellow + Purple

Any shade or purple, from lilac to violet, will give mellow yellow a much-needed pop and more edgy vibe.

Get the look: Missguided blazer ($64); Splendid top ($76); Alice & Olivia pants ($295); Steve Madden heels ($80)

woman wearing bright red and ultra violet

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Red + Ultra Violet

Speaking of violet, the Pantone Color of the Year has quickly become red’s number one partner in crime. Be warned: This combo is not for those looking to blend in. Instead it demands the attention of everyone nearby.

Get the look: Sundry top ($68); Rag & Bone pants ($395); Furla bag ($328); Jessica Simpson heels ($60)

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Green + Yellow

Two of spring’s greatest hits. It’s a bold mix, for sure, but a splash of pale blue or white helps ensure you don’t leave the house looking like a giant tulip.

Get the look: Topshop sweater ($55); House of Harlow 1960 dress ($178); Nine West boots ($71)