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

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 Dress
Get this at S$45.90 from Zalora.
Cropped Button Top
Get it at S$6 from SHEIN.
Maxi Skirt
Get it at S$46.90 from Love, Bonito.
Shop Lime Green
Criss Cross Halter Neck Wide Leg Jumpsuit
Get it at S$39 from SHEIN.
A-Line Denim Shorts
Get it at S$36.04 from ASOS.
Flatform Espadrille Sandals
Get it at S$28.90 from ASOS.
2. Aqua x Purple

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
Get it at S$44.09 from ASOS.
Waisted Tie Waist Culottes
Get it at S$68 from Ains.Ein.
Mini Croc Embossed Bag
Get it at S$845 from Zalora.
Shop Purple
Self-Tie Wrap Jumpsuit
Get it at S$54.90 from Zalora.
Off-Shoulder Puff Sleeve Blouse
Get it at S$39.90 from Love, Bonito.
Slide Sandals
Get it at S$46.90 from Charles & Keith.
3. Yellow x Red

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
Get it at S$49.90 from Love, Bonito.
Cropped Polo Shirt
Get it at S$19.90 from H&M.
Staud Bean Bag
Get it at approx. S$262 (US$195) from Shopbop.
Shop Red
Satin Pants
Get it at S$59.90 from Zara.
Knot Shoulder Eyelet Embroidery Midi Dress
Get it at S$42 from SHEIN.
Toga Bodysuit
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

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
Get it at S$13 from SHEIN.
Flare Sleeved Zip-Front Tailored Jumpsuit
Get it at S$53.90 from Love, Bonito.
Cushy Crossover Sliders
Get it at S$29.99 from Cotton On.
Shop Mauve
Short Puff Sleeved Cardigan
Get it at S$62.99 from ASOS.
Mishe Leather Crossbody Bag
Get it at S$721.90 from Nordstrom.
Monochrome Knit Sneakers

Get it at S$145.77 from Nordstrom.
5. Orange x Grey

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
Get it at S$26.40 from ASOS.
Blazer
Get it at S$37 from Shein.
Pisa Pump
Get it at S$181.38 from Nordstrom.
Shop Grey
V-neck Long Sleeve Dress
Get it at S$69.90 from Zara.
Cropped Waistcoat
Get it at S$55.90 from Zara.
Ted Baker Icon Leather Tote Bag
Get it at S$82 from Selfridges.
6. Cobalt Blue x Green

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
Get it at S$50 (U.P. S$83) from Everlane.
Manolo Blahnik Jeweled Satin Flats
Get it at approx. S$1,363 (US$1,015.07) from Nordstrom.
Maxi Skirt
Get it at S$49.90 from Zalora.
Shop Green
Crepe Capped Sleeve Top
Get it at S$50 from Zalora.
Puffed Sleeve Top
Get it at S$55.99 from ASOS.
Single Chain Handle Bag
Get it at S$41.90 (U.P. S$59.90) from Charles & Keith.