Top 8 Unexpected Color Combos for Fall/Winter '25-'26

This fall and winter, it’s all about the unexpected mashups — colors that shouldn’t work together, but somehow do. From cozy neutrals with vivid brights to soft pastels clashing beautifully with bold jewel tones, the Pantone forecast is full of inspiration. I’ve pulled together ten combinations you’ll want to try — especially if your style leans edgy, artsy, or full of personality (like mine!).

Whether you’re layering up for chilly days or adding some drama to your outfit lineup, here are the unexpected color combos that will make you stand out this season.

1. Lemon Grass + Hot Chocolate

🌿🍫 Fresh + CozyLemon Grass = soft citrus green; Hot Chocolate = rich cocoa brown)

Why it works: The brightness of Lemon Grass adds a fresh punch to the earthy warmth of Hot Chocolate. Think citrus zest meeting fall comfort.

How to wear it: Try a Lemon Grass pleated midi skirt with a hot chocolate brown cable-knit sweater. Top it off with gold earrings and a structured neutral coat.

2. Damson + Bright White

🍷🤍 Glam + Crisp(Damson = deep plum or eggplant purple; Bright White = classic pure white)

Why it works: Damson’s deep purple richness gets a clean, modern upgrade when paired with Bright White.

How to wear it: A Damson faux fur coat over a white ribbed turtleneck and white boots = sleek winter royalty. Add silver accessories for extra polish.

3. Brandied Melon + Crown Blue

🍑💙 Soft + Sharp(Brandied Melon = muted peachy orange; Crown Blue = rich navy blue)

Why it works: The warmth of Brandied Melon balances out the bold structure of Crown Blue, creating a grounded yet playful contrast.

How to wear it: Opt for wide-leg Crown Blue trousers and a slouchy Brandied Melon sweater. Tie it together with a floral scarf that picks up both tones.

4. Primrose Pink + Chili Oil

🌸🌶️ Sweet + Spicy(Primrose Pink = ballet pink; Chili Oil = spicy brick red)

Why it works: This combo is all about contrast — soft vs. bold, innocent vs. fierce.

How to wear it: Think: pink lace blouse under a Chili Oil leather jacket. Feminine but fierce.

5. Winterberry + French Roast

🍓☕ Festive + Sophisticated(Winterberry = festive cherry red; French Roast = dark roasted brown)

Why it works: Winterberry’s festive pop feels elevated when grounded with the rich, roasted tones of French Roast.

How to wear it: Try a Winterberry coat with a French Roast corduroy skirt and cream tights. Add gold or bronze accessories for a luxe vibe.

6. Lyons Blue + Bronze Brown

🌊🥉 Vintage Meets Modern(Lyons Blue = luxe teal; Bronze Brown = antique golden brown)

Why it works: Teal and bronze feel like they were made for each other, giving off vintage glam vibes in a modern way.

How to wear it: A Lyons Blue dress with a Bronze Brown belt and tall boots = drama without trying too hard.

7. Lemon Grass + Mauve Wine

🌿🍇 Zesty + Moody(Lemon Grass = fresh yellow-green; Mauve Wine = dark muted berry)

Why it works: The zing of Lemon Grass slices right through the moody richness of Mauve Wine. It’s unexpected but balanced.

How to wear it: Mauve Wine overcoat, Lemon Grass knit mini dress, and tall cream boots. Add a colorful scarf to tie it all together.

8. Primrose Pink + Lyons Blue

🌸🌊 Soft + Rich(Primrose Pink = pale baby pink; Lyons Blue = retro teal)

Why it works: Pairing delicate pastels with deep, vintage jewel tones creates a visually stunning clash that somehow feels effortless.

How to wear it: Lyons Blue wide-leg pants with a Primrose Pink fuzzy cropped sweater. Add pearl earrings for a little nod to softness.

Final Thought:

This season, the most stylish thing you can do is trust your eye and mix what you love. These Pantone shades are a palette — not a prescription. Use them to layer, contrast, and create bold stories with your wardrobe. Whether you’re working with what you already have or adding a few new pieces, Fall/Winter 2025–2026 is about showing up as your most unapologetically expressive self.

Want help building outfits with some of these combos? Drop your faves in the comments and I’ll help you style them. 💬👇

XOXO -skyechanel