6 weird colour combinations for your clothes that shouldn’t work – but totally do

There’s something comforting about slipping into clothes that make us feel safe. That’s why our love for our neutrals will never die – and in part, it’s also because monochromatic outfits are undoubtedly iconic and chic. But if there’s a new fashion trend to try this season, it’s got to be pairing colours that look like they don’t work together, but actually, secretly do.

Wait, what? Yes, really, and we’ve got proof and more. In all honesty, there’s no better time than now to have fun dressing up by creating your new favourite colour pairings and not take fashion too seriously. The first step to take: get over that mental block of experimenting with different colours.

To start you off, we’ve sussed out six colour combinations that you’d never think you could wear together in an outfit, but they totally work oh-so-fashionably.

1. Bubblegum Pink x Lime Green

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Image credit: @himichelleli/Instagram

These two of the hottest colours of the runway this Spring/Summer are also the most eye-catching you could dream up. While common and safer sensibilities whisper that you should pair these lurid colours with neutrals for a cute colour pop effect – why not throw them together for the most cheerful combination you could think up? Definitely reminiscent of sugary watermelon pops that are the soundtrack of summer.

Shop Bubblegum Pink

Frill Cotton Midi Dressunusual-color-combinations-bubblegumpink-limegreen-mango-cotton-dress

Get this at S$45.90 from Zalora.

Cropped Button Top

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Get it at S$6 from SHEIN

Maxi Skirt

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Get it at S$46.90 from Love, Bonito

Shop Lime Green

Criss Cross Halter Neck Wide Leg Jumpsuit

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Get it at S$39 from SHEIN

A-Line Denim Shorts

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Get it at S$36.04 from ASOS

Flatform Espadrille Sandals

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Get it at S$28.90 from ASOS.

2. Aqua x Purple

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Image credit: @nnennaechem/Instagram

Throw out what they say about not matching colours of a similar colour family together because this will be your next go-to pairing for summer! Pairing these cool blue-toned hues actually results in unexpected candy vibes.  Bright, happy and oh-so-fun, you’ll be reaching for those aqua and purple items over and over.

Shop Aqua

ASOS Mini Dress with Ruffle Detail

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Get it at S$44.09 from ASOS.

Waisted Tie Waist Culottes

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Get it at S$68 from Ains.Ein

Mini Croc Embossed Bag

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Get it at S$845 from Zalora

Shop Purple

Self-Tie Wrap Jumpsuit

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Get it at S$54.90 from Zalora.

Off-Shoulder Puff Sleeve Blouse

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Get it at S$39.90 from Love, Bonito.

Slide Sandals

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Get it at S$46.90 from Charles & Keith.

3. Yellow x Red

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Image credit: @cranberrytantrums/Instagram

Get your glow on because you’ll be radiating tonnes of enviable heat in spot-on yellow and red combinations. Here’s a quick tip: If you’re worried about bringing the red and gold arches of McDonald’s to the table, steer towards pale yellow to offset the saturation of a vivid red. If that thought doesn’t faze you, just do you and go on playing with all the shades of yellow and red, to hit your very own fashion girl jackpot.

Shop Yellow

Smocked Midaxi Dress

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Get it at S$49.90 from Love, Bonito.

Cropped Polo Shirt

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Get it at S$19.90 from H&M.

Staud Bean Bag

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Get it at approx. S$262 (US$195) from Shopbop.

Shop Red

Satin Pants

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Get it at S$59.90 from Zara.

Knot Shoulder Eyelet Embroidery Midi Dress

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Get it at S$42 from SHEIN.

Toga Bodysuit

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Get it at S$33.90 from Love, Bonito.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure about trying these colour combos out, you could start off simple with one colour on a dress or one-piece suit, while sliding the other colour into the outfit via an accessory like shoes or a bag!

4. Olive x Mauve

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Image credit: More Pieces of Me

Never thought of wearing these two understated shades together? Neither did we. But consider us converted because this combo is actually the stuff of undiscovered Insta-dreams. Olive and mauve are beautiful colours that work very well if you’re going for a boho aesthetic, with a quiet, pretty rustic charm.

Shop Olive

Butterfly Frill Top

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Get it at S$13 from SHEIN.

Flare Sleeved Zip-Front Tailored Jumpsuit

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Get it at S$53.90 from Love, Bonito.

Cushy Crossover Slidersunusual-color-combinations-olive-mauve-cottonon-slide

Get it at S$29.99 from Cotton On.

Shop Mauve

Short Puff Sleeved Cardigan

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Get it at S$62.99 from ASOS.

Mishe Leather Crossbody Bag

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Get it at S$721.90 from Nordstrom.

Monochrome Knit Sneakers
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Get it at S$145.77 from Nordstrom.

5. Orange x Grey

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Image credit: Fashion Tasty

Juxtaposing a bright, happy shade like orange against an unexpected neutral like grey is an exciting way to pair these two colours for 2021. It’s a bit of a chic twist to the usual orange-and-black rocking combo, which is a classic. Surprise yourself and reach for different shades of grey with varied orangey hues to see which combo suits you best of all.

Tie Detail Mini Dress

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Get it at S$26.40 from ASOS.

Blazer

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Get it at S$37 from Shein.

Pisa Pump

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Get it at S$181.38 from Nordstrom.

Shop Grey

V-neck Long Sleeve Dress

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Get it at S$69.90 from Zara.

Cropped Waistcoatunusual-color-combinations-orange-zara-waistcoat-top

Get it at S$55.90 from Zara.

Ted Baker Icon Leather Tote Bag

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Get it at S$82 from Selfridges.

6. Cobalt Blue x Green

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Image credit: Memorandum

Stand out from the crowd like a gem with these saturated jewel hues of cobalt blue and emerald green. On their own, these colours are already eye-catching but put together, they’re doubly attention-grabbing – and we love it. There’s something youthful and fresh about this unusual combination, perfect for welcoming better days ahead!

Shop Cobalt Blue

Tiered Midi Dress

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Get it at S$50 (U.P. S$83) from Everlane.

Manolo Blahnik Jeweled Satin Flats

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Get it at approx. S$1,363 (US$1,015.07) from Nordstrom.

Maxi Skirt

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Get it at S$49.90 from Zalora.

Shop Green

Crepe Capped Sleeve Top

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Get it at S$50 from Zalora.

Puffed Sleeve Top

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Get it at S$55.99 from ASOS.

Single Chain Handle Bag

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Get it at S$41.90 (U.P. S$59.90) from Charles & Keith.