8 Unusual Colour Combinations That Shouldn’t Work, But Do

Tried and tested

Unusual Colour Combinations That Shouldn’t Work, But Do

by Lucy Morris |
Published on

When you’re feeling uninspired by your wardrobe, it’s easy to reach for all black, or jeans and a t-shirt. But, with summer coming and an Instagram audience to impress, that’s out of the question. Reach for a rainbow of brights like the girls of the ‘gram and find the hidden pot of treasure (otherwise known as Likes). Yes, red and purple sound like a car crash combination and purple and scarlet sound revolting, but trust us these clashes work. Just see for yourself…

Vermillion and Violet

patriciamanfield

Credit: Instagram @patriciamanfield

Everything about this on paper screams no. But, after seeing it on Patricia Manfield, we’re screaming ‘yes, yes, YES’. The magic is in the textural contrast as nothing plays down the sexiest of slinky dresses quite like a long sleeve tee.

Khaki and Candy Apple

Credit: Instagram @naomishimada

Break up a vivid co-ord with a dose of attitude, a bag full of groceries and an oversized army jacket. Case in point: Naomi Shimada.

Dandelion and Sky Blue

Credit: Instagram @emilsindlev

Jeans are the detox of trousers, the master cleanser of fashion. Put a bright citrus silk shirt with structured denim and suddenly the unlikely combination of blue and yellow works.

Blush, Scarlet and Butterscotch

Credit: Instagram @amandlastenberg

Actress Amandla Stenberg bosses this ruffle top with tailored trousers and suede mules. Murky caramel brown and a dusky pink shouldn’t work, but with a shot through of bright fire engine red, they do.

Persimmon and Fuschia

Credit: Instagram @sitabellan

Sita Abellan is no shrinking violet. Instead, she is setting the world on fire in an orange crop top and pink brocade trousers. The trick to mastering this look is always having a matching gelato to hand.

Pear, Lemon and Strawberry

Credit: Instagram @pandorasykes

Pandora Sykes looks good enough to eat in this fruity combination. The liquid sunshine-bright silk is dampened down by her khaki trench coat and thrift store-lite belt.

Lavender and Rose

Credit: Instagram @susiebubble

There is more to lilac and pink that sugar and spice. Yes, it’s ultra girly and has the saccharine effect of a fruit pastille, but they make a sensational combination when tailored into boyish shapes like a skater trouser and tank top. Reference: Susie Lau.

Saffron and Chartreuse

Credit: Instagram @mirandamakaroff

Fussy names aside, yellow and green make an optimistic colour combination. It captures the essence of budding sunflowers and sun-drenched fields on a hot August day.

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Follow Lucy on Instagram @lucyalicemorris

This article originally appeared on The Debrief.

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