"Certain style rules were implemented well before our time, pre-approved color combinations being one of them. Growing up, it was taboo to mix black and brown or to wear white after Labor Day—but as we know, in fashion, things change. Now, the way we view wearing color is being rewritten by creators and stylists successfully pairing unexpected color combinations and making getting dressed a whole lot more exciting in the meantime.
If you’ve found yourself panic-googling “cheap Mother’s Day gifts” at the eleventh hour, CVS has a lineup of under-$25 gifts that are thoughtful, cute, and look way more expensive than they actually are.
On the quest to make an outfit feel fresh and interesting, color is the first step. Beyond pairing singular pops of color with a fully neutral outfit, opting to match clashing hues can expand the potential of your existing wardrobe. Pairing shades like pink and green, red and yellow, and blue and green can hit the nail of dopamine dressing on the head and help you welcome the warmer months with open arms.
Scroll on for eight of this season’s most covetable color combinations.
Pink and Orange
The idea of a monochromatic outfit is universally loved, and while this outfit isn’t exactly that, it is the next best thing: the illusion of one. Since the pink and orange are both so highly saturated, at first glance, this outfit appears to be completely monochrome. Once your brain comprehends the analogous colors (colors that are next to each other on the color wheel), it registers that orange and pink is a combo begging to be repeated throughout the summer months.
Red and Yellow
This is a total ketchup and mustard situation, but in the best way possible. Though the outfit consists of basic silhouettes, the varying primary colors help to create depth and add interest for a compliment-worthy look.
Pink and Yellow
There’s no color combination that’s more mood-boosting than pink and yellow. The duo is reminiscent of early summer memories—soaking up the sun, enjoying sliced-up watermelon outdoors. To prevent the colors from feeling too juvenile, smarten things up by anchoring them with a darker bottom or tailored jacket, like what’s done above with the addition of leopard-print jeans.
Blue and Green
Imagine this outfit with beige pants and a black bag. Cute, right? Now look at the photo again. Still thinking about that neutral combo, or have you totally forgotten about it? All bets are on the latter. Blue and green are harmonious on their own, but pairing them with a neutral tank and heels helps to create additional balance. Oh, and notice the small pop of orange on her wrist—it’s a great way to add a third color to the mix without going overboard.
Blue and Red
Until recently, it was rare to see red and blue paired together outside of the Fourth of July and Labor Day. Prada embraced the patriotic pairing in their spring/summer 2025 campaign, and the fashion scene is following suit for the summer months. To prevent the combination from feeling too patriotic, try working in an additional color like the yellow-tinted sunglasses above.
Purple and Yellow
If you’re feeling a bit apprehensive about experimenting with color, try starting with colorful accessories. Begin with a monochromatic base, then layer on accessories in contrasting colors—like the lilac and yellow styled above—to get a feel for which color combinations spark the most joy for you.
Blue and Yellow
To mimic the vibes of a sunny summer day, try pairing a pop of cerulean with dreamy butter yellow. When layered on top of a neutral base, it gives a mood-boosting effect that pairs perfectly with late spring and early summer.
Pink and Green
Think you can only style contrasting colors with other solids? Guess again. The black-and-white pattern of the zebra skirt above adds just the right amount of busyness to the solid pink and green its sandwiched between.
Colorful Pieces to Shop Now
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.