Many would consider my sartorial palette to be boring—and while I prefer the word ‘classic’, I can understand this description. It mostly consists of black, browns and the occasion hint of red or green. Yet somehow, every season, colour trends are what excite me most.
During one of my many recent deep dives into the 2025 runways, I've concluded that the year ahead will be particularly fruitful in the colour department. Coming off the back of 2024, a year in which quiet luxury hues like burgundy and butter yellow defined the trends, it makes sense that designers would continue keeping colour at the forefront.
But what stands out most this season is the artful way designers are pairing trending shades to create sophisticated yet modern palettes. From cherry red with dusty rose to sandy beige alongside chocolate brown, the combinations—a mixture of clashing and complementary couplings—feel fresh and inspiring. Below, find my eight favourite examples and shop the pieces you need to try them out for yourself.
8 Elegant Colour Combinations We'll See Everywhere in 2025:
1. Dusty Rose + Cherry Red
Style Notes: This ‘clashing’ combination makes perfect sense, given that dusty rose and cherry red are individually two of the biggest colour trends right now. Wear it in the form of a silky cami and skirt, or more subtly through accessories.
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Red knits will continue to dominate in 2025.
If you don't yet own a Polène bag, you're doing your wardrobe a disservice.
2. Khaki + Pale Blue
Style Notes: As we head towards a new year, light, fresh shades will start to take centre stage. Pale blue and khaki is an expensive-looking pairing that we're set to see more of in 2025.
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This relaxed shape will work with jeans, skirts, wide-leg trousers—you name it.
This will look pretty with a tonal jumper too.
3. Terracotta + White
Style Notes: Prefer to stick to neutrals? Terracotta is the red-tinted cousin of rusty orange that feels infinitely wearable, but it looks especially elevated with pure white. This is a combination we'll be backing all the way into summer 2025.
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The ultimate layer to keep you warm and chic.
Just add sheer tights to make this weather-appropriate.
4. Butter Yellow + Black
Style Notes: Butter yellow made major waves in summer 2024, and it looks like it's sticking around. No need to save it for the warmer months, though—use it to lift your all-black winter looks.
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COS is my go-to for elevated basics like this elegant scarf blouse.
An influencer and editor favourite.
5. Navy + Hot Pink
Style Notes: Bright pink can sometimes feel a bit youthful or playful—navy is the colour companion is needs to give it a refined and sophisticated uplift.
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I'm into this boxier take on a navy blazer.
Honestly, I wear these M&S tops several times a week.
6. Chartreuse + Deep Brown
Style Notes: Chartreuse if a love-it-or-hate-it shade, but designers like Bally have landed firmly on the ‘love’ side of the fence. Paired with rich, chocolate brown, the result feels incredibly luxurious.
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What a stunning colour.
If I saw someone carrying this, I'd assume it was designer.
7. Periwinkle + Bright Red
Style Notes: Blue and red have always worked in perfect harmony. Two classic colours are better than one, as proven by Stella McCartney in her S/S25 show.
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Blue with just a touch of purple.
A chic matching set from H&M.
8. Sand + Chocolate Brown
Style Notes: If you're colour-averse but trying to shift away from darker neutrals for the new year, this is the combination for you. Seriously, sandy beige and chocolate brown always look good together.
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This looks so cool with a turtleneck and tailored trousers.
The perfect complement to the above blazer.
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