6 Color Pairings That Always Make Me Think "Wow"

Sometimes it's the bold, unexpected pairings that draw the most attention. Here are six of the best color combinations that always catch my eye.

6 Color Pairings That Always Make Me Think "Wow"

As someone who lives in neutrals, bold color pairings have always seemed particularly intimidating to me. My intuition just does understand that two opposing colors in my closet pair well together in a cool, unexpected way. But some people do have this creative gift, and I always make mental notes of these bold color pairings.

Sometimes pairing two colors together that don't appear to do so creates a unique outfit that's truly eye-catching. As much as I love a monochromatic look, there's just something about the unexpected pairing that makes it even more striking. From bold reds with soft pinks to mustard yellow paired with deep burgundy, below are six of the best color combinations that you'll definitely want to have on your radar. You may even end up with new outfit ideas using pieces you already own but never thought to wear together.

Salmon + Sky Blue

On Aimee Song: Song of Style dress, Max Mara coat

Blue and pink together usually makes me think of cotton candy, but not this pairing—the salmon tone of this particular pink mixed with a bright sky blue feels elevated. I also love a printed boot to top it all off and give it a cool-girl vibe.

Stand Studio Camille Cocoon Coat ($450)

Lioness East Village Mini Dress ($99)

Paris Texas Python Print Boots ($795)

Baby Blue + Kelly Green

On Maria Bernad: A.W.A.K.E Mode Button-Up Cropped Top ($216); A.W.A.K.E Mode High-Waisted Pencil Skirt ($341); BY FAR Far Rachel Shoulder Bag ($289)

A light blue paired with a Kelly green is the perfect balance of muted and bold hues. The cool undertones in both of these also help these colors feel complementary.

A.W.A.K.E. Mode Button-Up Cropped Top ($216)

A.W.A.K.E. Mode High-Waisted Pencil Skirt ($341)

BY FAR Rachel Crocodile-Effect Shoulder Bag ($289)

Mustard Yellow + Orange

On Annabel Rosendahl: Isabel Marant jacket; Hermes scarf; Bottega Veneta bag

This might actually be my favorite color combination out of all six. The mustard yellow makes the orange pop. The warm tones also feel perfect for virtually any time of the year.

Anine Bing Leon Jacket ($399)

Bottega Veneta The Chain Pouch Shoulder Bag ($3600)

Red + Pink

On Nnenna Echem: Vintage shirt; Stand Studio Assante Tote Bag ($322); ASOS pants; Veja V10 Sneakers ($150)

While pink and red are typically associated with Valentine's Day, I find it to be a directional outfit combination. The bold red hue looks even more striking next to a bright pink shade.

Vince Camuto Clip Dot Long Sleeve Blouse ($99)

Rotate Janis High-Waist Trousers ($310)

Stand Studio Assante Diamond-Quilting Tote Bag ($322)

Veja Campo Chrome Free Sneakers ($145)

Orange + Green

On Emili Sindlev: 7 Day Active sweatshirt; Chanel bag; Nike sneakers

I've always found orange hard to pair—it's one of those colors that doesn't really go with anything so, therefore, it goes with everything. Next to deep green, it looks fresh and modern.

Acne Studios Fairview Face Sweatshirt ($240)

Free People Cool Factor Pants ($78)

Nike Air Force 1 '07 Suede-Trimmed Canvas Sneakers ($110)

Mustard + Burgundy

On Ellie: H&M sweater; Chanel bag; Rotate by Birger Christensen

Mustard and burgundy together are like peanut butter and jelly—they shouldn't work together but they do. The warm tone of the mustard brings out something striking in the burgundy and worn together they are a match made in sartorial heaven.