Black and white are perfectly acceptable, but in London and Paris, anyone with a sense of style understands that these colors complement each other beautifully.

Black and white are perfectly acceptable, but in London and Paris, anyone with a sense of style understands that these colors complement each other beautifully.

      Outfits in black and white consistently exude elegance and sophistication. This color pairing has gained popularity in fashion for a good reason—it simply works. However, this shouldn’t prevent you from experimenting with other combinations. In fact, I believe there are numerous other color pairings that can look even more appealing than black and white. This winter, particularly, two stylish color combinations are emerging among fashionable women in Paris and London, and you’ll definitely want to include them in your winter wardrobe right away.

      What makes these two combinations feel so contemporary in 2025 is how they defy traditional fashion rules by embracing contrasting colors. Clashing once ranked among the biggest fashion faux pas, but opinions have shifted as people recognize that unexpected color combinations can lead to the most elegant looks. Still skeptical? Just keep reading—I’m eager to show you otherwise.

      Navy-and-Black Outfits

      The first and perhaps most approachable winter color combination for 2025 is navy and black. In the 2000s, many were hesitant to wear these colors together, but they actually complement each other quite well. Although they can appear similar in certain lighting, a closer inspection reveals that they add depth to outfits, especially when different materials like silk, suede, and leather are involved. London native Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks recently paired a cropped navy trench with black jeans, a black The Row Margaux bag, and black patent leather flats, creating a look where the mix of shine, soft leather, and denim added character and intention to her relaxed style. Parisian Sylvie Mus showcased this combination with silk, opting for a black oversized knit paired with a navy slip skirt, completed with brown suede mules for an additional layer of contrast in her polished look.

      Shop the chic winter color combination:

      - Topshop: Boxy Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

      - COS: Corduroy Straight-Leg Pants

      - Nordstrom: V-Neck Cashmere Sweater

      - Bottega Veneta: Andiamo in Nocturnal

      - H&M: Harper High Rise Wide Leg Jeans

      - Madewell: The '90s V-Neck Baby Tee in Compact Cotton

      - J.Crew: Pencil Midi Skirt With Velvet Trim in Four-Season Stretch

      - Manolo Blahnik: Maysale 50 Buckled Suede Mules

      - COS: Gallery Clutch Bag - Suede

      - Zara: Wool Blend Coat ZW Collection

      - Nordstrom: Cashmere Lined Leather Touchscreen Gloves

      Brown-and-Chestnut Outfits

      A less common pairing emerges with chocolate brown and chestnut brown—two shades I had never considered combining. After seeing Nwawulor-Kazemaks and Mus style them, however, I’m convinced to give it a go. Nwawulor-Kazemaks coordinated the two colors with a dark brown V-neck sweater, a matching Bottega Veneta Andiamo bag (in Fondant), and ruched loafers, while using slouchy, pleated trousers to introduce chestnut. Conversely, Mus let chestnut take the spotlight with a long, tailored wool coat in that color, accessorizing with chocolate brown items including a rib-knit scarf and a vintage kiss-lock bag.

      Shop the chic winter color combination:

      - J.Crew: Carolyn Layered Crewneck Sweater in Merino Wool

      - Madewell: The Balloon Pant in Corduroy

      - UGG: Finnian Oversize Faux Suede & Luxefluff Moto Jacket

      - Reformation: Dominique Knee Boot

      - L'AGENCE: Flora Poplin Cuff Sweater

      - Madewell: Suede Column Skirt

      - Madewell: The Wide-Leg Pant in Corduroy

      - COS: Fair Isle Wool-Cashmere Cardigan

      - UGG: Classic Micro Genuine Shearling Lined Slip-On

      - J.Crew: Milano-Stitch Cinched-Waist Cardigan

      - Reformation: Tula Oversized Coat

      Explore More:

      Color Trends

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Black and white are perfectly acceptable, but in London and Paris, anyone with a sense of style understands that these colors complement each other beautifully.

Here are some quick outfit inspiration options.