6 Unexpected Color Combinations That’ll Brighten Up Your Winter Wardrobe
These shades are surprisingly easy to style.
My style leans minimalist and I’m typically weary of loud, saturated shades. So, imagine my surprise when I found myself wanting to explore the most unexpected color combinations of winter 2026.
It might be because, this season, the best color mash-ups aren’t overwhelming or difficult to style. In fact, they’re remarkably approachable, and fashion’s top-tier designers have proved just that. Take a look at Saint Laurent's cold-weather collection, and you’ll discover a savory pairing between a mustard yellow leather jacket and an olive green pencil skirt. Meanwhile, Hermès demonstrated that, with the right balance, chocolate and lavender can blend seamlessly. And if you ask Tory Burch about whether primary colors complement one other, she’ll say yes—especially in the form of a strawberry red sweater with a cobalt blue overcoat.
Defined by a cheerful disposition, the runway-inspired cold-weather color combinations you’ll find ahead are guaranteed to enliven your closet. Scroll on to make your dreary winter days feel a bit more bright.
Mustard Yellow + Olive Green
According to Saint Laurent, the key to a polished outfit involves loads of colorful leather.
These delectable shades work well on their own, but you can also throw in hints of mahogany brown and burnt orange to make things feel more dynamic. Copy this look for a night on the town, and consider your next winter going-out outfit sorted.
Ash Gray + Papaya Orange
Leave it to Gucci to master this tricky color combo.
Wearing orange doesn’t have to be complicated. Take Gucci’s streamlined approach and implement simple touches of gray into the sartorial equation. You’ll be surprised by how easy the look comes together.
Chocolate Brown + Lavender Purple
On Hermès's Fall/ Winter 2025 runway, “downtown girl” vibes took center stage.
There’s no debate that chocolate brown has endured as one the most viral color trends of recent memory. While you can certainly go full monochrome, I’d recommend breaking things up a bit—and a pop of lavender purple will do the trick.
Burgundy Red + Saffron Yellow
Burberry’s signature plaid design received a bright yellow treatment.
Follow Burberry’s lead and deliver a dose of drama with a burgundy leather trench coat styled over saffron yellow separates. If you want to balance out your look, you can do so with a pair of wide-leg jeans.
Strawberry Red + Cobalt Blue
This interpretation of sporty-chic belongs on every winter mood board.
Tory Burch’s latest fall collection really convinced me about combining red and blue in a single look. The vibrant uniform pictured above, specifically, opened my eyes to the possibilities. To prevent this mixture from feeling too intense, anchor your outfit in neutral shades.
Mocha Mousse Brown + Pistachio Green
This Prada look deserves all the praise.
I’m obsessed with mocha mousse and pistachio—and I’m not just talking about the flavors. I often wear these yummy shades separately, but thanks to Prada, I’ll be styling them together from now on.
