Don’t get us wrong, we love autumnal colours as much as the next person but we’re also big believers of thinking outside the box and going against the grain. Brown — in all shades, from cinnamon to chestnut — will continue to be the colour of the season, according to Vogue Business. But this time the autumn staple will be paired with unlikely, surprising colours. 

If you came here because you love experimenting (or if it’s your first time making a bold fashion choice, welcome!), you’ll love these fashion colour combinations. Think: autumn-inspired but with zest, personality, pizazz! 

Brown + pink

Brighten up brown’s warm tones with a tinge of pink. This fashion colour combination is as sweet as they come and harken images of your favourite desserts, from Turkish Delight to Neapolitan ice cream. The shade of pink you pair with brown will dictate your fashion message. Go for something bold like fuchsia and command attention. Opt for light pink for a touch of romance.

Orange + navy

Autumn’s fallen leaves juxtaposed with the colour of the ocean. This colour combo is inspired by nature, which is why it makes sense! They’re complementary colours so they’re truly easy on the eyes. Depending on the shade of orange you choose, it could look bright or subdued. We prefer the former! But if you want something that’s a bit more traditionally apt for autumn, go ahead with a darker orange to pair with navy.

Red + yellow

Now this one’s not for the faint of heart. And you have to accessorise to make it work even better. They’re both strong colours and would look like they’re clashing if you use their truest shades. While we don’t mind that, you may consider looking for a toned-down version of either colour. For instance, butter yellow would look amazing with a pop of bright red. Meanwhile, maroon would look great with a bright yellow.  

Purple + green

There’s nothing quite like the colours of gem stones for autumn. They’re rich, deep and regal. The same principle applies here: the lighter the shade, the brighter the look. For a more traditional take on autumnal colours, go for something like moss green and a deep purple. For better contrast against foliage colours, pick the combination of lavender and mint. 

Yellow + brown

These are both autumnal colours so their combination may not be surprising. There are still so many ways to give this a fresh spin though. The light-plus-deep pairing, for instance, is an awesome route to take. Think: butter yellow and a deep brown. This is an elegant match! Bright yellow and a true brown would be great for colour blocking. A deep yellow and a light brown combo? Novel and fun!

How to wear these fashion colour combinations

The easiest way to wear these colours is by getting one piece of your outfit in one colour (blouse, trousers, whathaveyou) and another in the other colour. This is basically colour blocking. 

But what if you’re not a fan of many pieces? You love your dresses or jumpsuits but would like to try these combos. You have two options: Outerwear and headwear. 

Top tip: A style change as simple as chucking on a headband that pairs nicely with your outfit can actually make a huge difference.

Ready to try these fashion colour combinations quickly? Check out our headband staples in gorgeous colours.