FASHION
THE UNEXPECTED COLOUR COMBOS I’M WEARING THIS SPRING
By Flo Bellinger, 20 April 2026
Fashion’s shade obsession has bolstered industries like colour analysis in recent years, with many of us now wanting to find our perfect match. But if recent runways are anything to go by, rules are there to be broken. Unexpected colour combinations are breathing new life into spring wardrobes.
Picture: Getty
We’ve always being told which shades to embrace and which to avoid: navy and black should never be worn together. Well, that’s the rule my mother raised me on. No yellow if you have cool undertones; don’t mix pink with green; only pair opposing tones on the colour wheel. The list goes on. But no more. Whether it’s blues and browns or soft pastels, these pairings are fresh and delightfully versatile. And all the cool girls are wearing them – here are the colours I'll be wearing this season.
#1: NAVY AND CHOCOLATE BROWN
This might not be the cardinal navy/black sin that my mother warned me about, but it’s close enough. Chocolate brown set the tone when it emerged on runways last year – but you’d be forgiven for thinking spring would usher in a softer alt. Instead, things have gone in a darker direction. Deep navy blue is the go-to pairing for chocolate pieces this season. And while it might sound like a strange choice for ushering in warmer weather, the rich shades create a delicious cocktail that looks expensive, indulgent, and little bit daring.
GET THE LOOK:
01: Topshop dropped waist maxi dress in chocolate, £45
02: Vila Midi skirt in chocolate brown, £62
03: Stradivarius Soft-touch short sleeve t-shirt in navy blue, £17.99
04: Stradivarius Striped open blazer in navy blue, £39.99
#2: BUTTER YELLOW AND BLUSH PINK
Soft pastels are the more traditional choice for this time of year, with butter yellow still topping fashion’s colour charts. But how does one make the long-standing trend feel fresh? Add powder pink. This girly tone is the perfect balance for delicate yellow, with both preventing the other from feeling too twee.
GET THE LOOK:
01: ASOS DESIGN knitted cotton blend u-scoop cami top in baby pink, £16
02: 4th & Reckless satin cowl neck lace back maxi dress in lemon, £60
03: ASOS DESIGN Foxton jelly flip flops in chocolate and blush, £8
04: Gina Tricot pure cotton volume blouse with button back detail in pink, £40
05: ASOS DESIGN seam detail bralet co ord in dusty pink, £28
#3: BRIGHT RED AND BROWN SUEDE
It was only a matter of time before a bold red combo cropped up. Unexpected red theory had everyone embracing a pop of tomato last summer, be it a flash of a sock or the sway of a bag. As spring continues, the trusty colour is being revived by an unlikely partner: brown suede. The classic warm shade is a surprisingly suitable match for bright red. Think of it as a kind of old-meets-new situation, with suede’s soft texture bringing bold rouge back down to earth.
GET THE LOOK:
01: Vila satin maxi skirt in red, £34
02: ASOS DESIGN Havana toe thong kitten heel sandals in taupe suedette, £22
03: Pull&Bear Fitted short sleeve t-shirt in red, £8.99
04: Stradivarius Faux suede bomber jacket in stone, £59.99
05: PASQ faux suede twin strap v detail tote bag in tan, £32
#4: BLACK AND BURGUNDY
Another deep and moody combination I can’t stop wearing, burgundy has gone from autumn must-have to spring favourite thanks to… black. Granted, it doesn’t scream ‘spring has sprung’, but grounding your burgundy pieces with classic noir staples is an easy way to elevate them for the new season. The best part is you’ll get endless wear out of both colours – given how timeless they’ve proven to be.
GET THE LOOK:
01: Mango Candelo cap sleeve nipped waist top co-ord in black, £19.99
02: Stradivarius Satin effect halter top in black, £19.99
03: Princess Polly Lorenne mid rise tailored wide leg trousers in burgundy, £58
04: ASOS DESIGN tie waisted detail short sleeve top in plum, £18
#5: WHITE AND CREAM
Pictures: ASOS
Once upon I time, I avoided this combination like the plague. There was just something about white and cream – perhaps how close they are on the colour wheel – that felt uncanny when styled in one outfit. But something’s changed. Now, this cool/warm pairing feels fresh and unfamiliar in the best way. This is most effective when you lean into it. Think sporty white pieces with soft, feminine creams.
GET THE LOOK:
01: Topshop embellished sequin midi skirt in ivory, £80
02: Mango satin and lace knee length skirt in beige, £35.99
03: Pull&Bear Basic tank top in white, £8.99
04: ASOS DESIGN iconic funnel neck sports jacket in ivory, £85
