7 Winter Colour Combinations That Will Instantly Make You Look Put-Together
With the days getting shorter and greyer, we increasingly have to rely on our wardrobes to provide a dopamine hit. Which is why, however tempting it might be to stick to a black-and-white rotation (I'm definitely guilty of this, so no judgement from me), now is the time to explore some fresh, seasonally appropriate colour combinations.
As our favourite influencers know, masterly pairing different colours instantly makes you look like a style pro. Some are classic combinations that come back year after year—brown and white, for example, and black and navy (yes, they really do go together). Mixing complementary beiges is also a brilliant way to pull off the "quiet luxury" aesthetic, and is a great entry point for black-and-white dependents to introduce different tones into their winter dressing.
This season, however, there are some key trending colours that keep popping up on my feed. Top of the list is red, which has quickly gone from the runway to the wardrobes of the fashion set. While any tone will work, a vibrant crimson tone seems to be top of the stylish list. And for those who thrived in the Barbiecore era, you'll be happy to hear that soft pinks are also a popular colour this season.
Whether you're a colour enthusiast or a relative novice, any one of these combinations is sure to inspire a wardrobe refresh. Here are some of the best I've seen.
1. RED + GREY
Style Notes: Red is undoubtedly the trending colour of the season, and Annabel proves that the best way to introduce it into a minimalist's wardrobe is by pairing it with softening grey tones.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Midi skirts are a cold weather must-have, and this style is particularly versatile.
2. BLACK + NAVY
Style Notes: I've often been told to never wear black and navy together, but that is seriously bad advice. The best way to pair the two tones is by using black accessories to subtly offset the navy pieces.
SHOP THE LOOK:
This is the kind of jumper that just gets better with age (as long as the moths stay away.)
Straight leg jeans can form the foundation of so many different looks.
It's the coat that just keeps coming back, season after season.
I'm so thankful that mid-heels are trending.
3. PINK + GREY
Style Note: Not ready to give up the Barbiecore trend? Create a polished yet effortless look by pairing pink tailored trousers with a grey cable-knit and trainers.
SHOP THE LOOK:
4. BLACK + GREEN
Style Notes: Leather trousers always pop up in the fashion set's winter looks, but pairing it with a vibrant green turtleneck creates such a fresh look.
SHOP THE LOOK:
A great option if you don't want to splurge on expensive real leather styles.
These Loewe trainers would be the perfect finishing touch for this look.
5. BROWN + WHITE
Style Notes: Nothing screams "quiet luxury" like wearing white in winter, and styling it with a rich brown instead of black creates a really soft, indulgent look.
SHOP THE LOOK:
H&M has some of the best-priced denim on the high street, and this is no exception.
5. CREAM + OLIVE
Style Notes: Slip skirts always look stylish, and this olive version looks extra sophisticated when paired with a boucle jumper.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Sadly, the Adidas x Wales Bonner collab Sambas that Francesca is wearing are sold out, but these would look equally chic with this outfit.
7. BEIGE + BEIGE
Style Notes: One of the simplest and most effective colour combinations is contrasting light and dark beige tones. Effortlessly chic.
SHOP THE LOOK:
I love the relaxed fit of these tailored trousers.
Next up: I Live in Black Jumpers—Here Are 4 Chic Outfits That Keep the Interest Alive
Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor for Who What Wear UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House & Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.
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