If your closet leans heavily on items in black, blue, and white, you're just like the average shopper. These timeless hues dominate fashion for a reason—they’re easy to mix, always stylish, and rarely clash. But, what happens when you want to go for a bolder look?
According to stylists, some color pairings are better left unworn. While it might be tempting to throw on whatever looks vibrant or trendy, choosing clashing shades can make even the most expensive outfit look disjointed. Fashion expert Sally Samuels, head of design at Savile Row Company, recommends consulting the color wheel before you mix and match. Colors that are adjacent or opposite on the wheel—known as analogous and complementary shades—often work well, but not always.
"Wearing too many different colors creates a visually busy or chaotic appearance, and doesn't allow statement pieces to stand out," she says. "Aim for three colors in your outfit to keep it cohesive."
Got all that? If not, don't worry. Before you head to your next brunch, date night, or work event, just remember these ten color combos Samuels and other stylists say you should never wear together.
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1 | Purple and red
Lea Rae / ShutterstockPurple and red are considered analogous colors, because they're right next to each other on the color wheel. That's why a vibrant red and bold purple will clash—creating an overwhelming look, says Tracy Cheng, personal stylist and founder of the fashion blog Girl Shares Tips.
She suggests combining red with blue instead. "They sit across from each other on the color wheel, creating a pleasing contrast when paired up."
Plus, "both blue and red come in various shades that complement each other," she says. "For example, a light, sky blue shirt matched with dark burgundy pants creates an understated yet elegant look."
If you're looking to make a purple clothing item pop, pair it with gray, white, black, or beige.
2 | Yellow and green
mikeforemniakowski / ShutterstockWhile both yellow and green are gorgeous colors that can instantly liven up any outfit, Cheng says it's best to choose one or the other when building a stylish look.
"Combining these two colors can be too overpowering as both hues are quite bright and intense," she says. "When worn together, they can create a jarring effect that's not pleasing to the eye."
Instead, Cheng recommends wearing green with brown since they're both considered earth tones. "When these colors are combined, they create a harmonious palette that evokes a sense of warmth, comfort, and relaxation."
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3 | Black and navy
MS_Studio / ShutterstockMelony Huber, a fashion expert, stylist/buyer, and co-founder of La Peony, never pairs black with navy blue. These two dark colors are just too similar and fail to create a contrast next to one another.
If you're going for a neutral and classy look, Huber recommends pairing black with gray. Or, you can wear either black or navy with nude or blush pink for a more striking combo.
4 | Brown and yellow
4 | Brown and yellowShutterstockWhile metallic gold can look absolutely stunning with brown, yellow doesn't necessarily work the same way, according to Huber. In fact, yellow and brown can end up looking muddy—or the vibrant yellow can overwhelm the muted brown. That's probably not the look you're going for.
"I would pair brown with cream for a neutral palette, or a shade of pink," Huber suggests. You can also try rocking brown with baby blue or light green for a pretty effect.
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5 | Brown and gray
5 | Brown and grayNaletova Elena / ShutterstockThey make look fine next to each other when hanging in your closet, but don't be fooled.
"Brown and gray blend into each other, resulting in a dull appearance," Cheng explains. Because they're both muted colors, the overall effect is often drab and uninspiring."
The one exception? If you combine a very dark brown with light gray. Otherwise, Cheng recommends pairing a lighter shade of brown with a dark navy instead.
"Brown adds warmth to the coolness of navy," she says. "The combination of warm brown tones with cool navy hues creates a balanced contrast that is pleasing to the eye."
6 | Red and green
GreeniStockThis classic holiday combo may look festive in December, but year-round it can feel costume-y.
Unless you’re intentionally channeling Christmas, these opposites on the color wheel are best worn with neutrals instead of each other, stylists say.
Try pairing red with navy or olive, and green with creams or browns for a more wearable vibe.
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7 | Brown and black (with some exceptions)
7 | Brown and black (with some exceptions)John VarvatosThese dark neutrals can look muddy when worn together without contrast.
Stylists say it's black and brown is a tricky combo that often lacks definition. However, these two can work together if you break them up with a third color, such as a lighter or brighter white or tan.
Choosing different textures can help too. Pair a tweed with cotton, leather with silk, or suede with denim to differentiate the tones.
8 | Purple and yellow
PurpleShutterstockUnless these are your favorite sports team's colors, steer clear.
These complementary colors can be too bold when worn in full force. They create high tension and can overwhelm the senses, stylists say.
Instead, opt for muted versions, like lavender with mustard, or pair one with a grounding neutral like gray, tan, or denim.
9 | Neon... and neon
Sagittarius: NeonIana Surman / iStockHeaded to an '80s party? By all means, proceed. Any other time, you might want to tone your outfit down a notch.
Too many brights in one look can feel chaotic or gimmicky. These colors are definitely competing to be the main character, and in the end, no one wins.
That said, if you're going to a rave or festival, by all means, have fun with your electric style.
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10 | Neon with earth tones
6 | NeonsRoman Samborskyi / ShutterstockJust like electric hues overpower one another, neon green, pink, or yellow can completely drown out subtle earth tones like olive, rust, or beige.
This color pairing can throw everything off balance and really flatten your look, stylists say.
If you love neon, let it shine against black, white, denim, or other basic neutrals, and reserve earth tones for grounded, natural color palettes.
