The Surprising Color Pairings That Fashion Enthusiasts Everywhere Will Soon Embrace
Just like that, another New York Fashion Week has concluded. The spring 2026 runway season finished up in NYC yesterday, and looking back at the various shows, it's evident that American fashion is very much alive. Designers like Ralph Lauren, Brandon Maxwell, Khaite, and Tory Burch showcased pieces that were both practical and stirred emotions. Notable themes included coastal glamour, sporty elegance, and soft tailoring. As for color palettes, the spring 2026 shows in New York prominently featured color-blocking with surprising shade combinations. Typically, during spring and summer, fashion enthusiasts play it safe with color mixing, but the future seems to promise bolder pairings. Designers experimented with shades that might initially seem unusual yet harmonized beautifully. For instance, Tibi combined a bubblegum-pink turtleneck sweater with green micro minishorts. At Prabal Gurung, citron, akin to neon yellow, was set against baby blues and vivid pinks with cherry red. Diotima presented a striking yet elegant mix with Rachel Scott’s pairing of crimson and periwinkle. But that’s not all.
Continue scrolling to explore the surprising instances of color-blocking featured during NYFW and shop the items you can wear now through spring to replicate the runway vibes.
**Bubblegum Pink + Army Green**
(Image credit: Tibi/ImaxTree)
Army green and bubblegum pink may appear to be total opposites on paper—earthy and practical versus sweet and youthful. However, Tibi made this combination truly pop. The outfit's balance was achieved through sheer black tights and sleek black heels that kept it from feeling too extravagant.
**Shop the trend:**
- Guest In Residence
Cozy Crew
- Citizens of Humanity
Aurora Cotton and Linen Wide-Leg Pants
- Lisa Yang
Clare High-Rise Cashmere Miniskirt
- THE ROW
Isa Shoulder Bag in Deerskin Leather
**Citron + Baby Blue**
(Image credit: Prabal Gurung/ImaxTree)
Who would have imagined that citron and baby blue could create such a stunning pairing? We certainly didn't—until we noticed this bold combination in Prabal Gurung's S/S 26 collection. If you decide to try this look, make sure the blue in your outfit is a muted tone to let the vibrant yellow shine.
**Shop the trend:**
- JAMES PERSE
Ribbed Supima Cotton-Blend Tank
- Blumarine
One Shoulder Top
- THELATEST
Pleated Trousers
**Crimson + Periwinkle**
(Image credit: Diotima/ImaxTree)
If you prefer your spring outfits to make a statement, combining crimson and periwinkle is a winning choice. It's a pairing that surprisingly works. Plus, it has the endorsement of Scott, which holds weight. Seriously, consider trying it out—whether with red pants and a light purple blouse or a periwinkle sweater with a crimson skirt. To ensure the look is cohesive, adding white or black shoes can effectively break up the colors.
**Shop the trend:**
- WARDROBE.NYC
Stretch-Jersey Bodysuit
- The Row
'90s Small Leather Tote Bag
- Gianvito Rossi
Ascent 55 Leather Slingback Pumps
- Xu Zhi
Fringed Open-Back Maxi Dress
**Shortbread Yellow + True Red**
(Image credit: Proenza Schouler/ImaxTree)
Proenza Schouler showcased its S/S 26 collection, collaborating with Scott, so it was no surprise to see additional color-blocking. Scott maintained the red theme but shifted toward a true red, pairing it with shortbread, a darker variant of butter yellow. This was evident in a leather strapless dress accented with red furry heels. Typically, when pairing shoes with a yellow dress, people might choose neutral colors like beige or black, thinking they would complement rather than compete with the shade. However, the selection of red added a fresh, dynamic touch.
**Shop the trend:**
- JACQUEMUS
La Robe Peplo Longue
- NEOUS
Diske Leather Slingback Pumps
- Róhe
Cotton Corduroy Wide-Leg Pants
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The Surprising Color Pairings That Fashion Enthusiasts Everywhere Will Soon Embrace
Imagine lilac paired with crimson or citron combined with sky blue.