Periwinkle is a light purple-blue color that is quite striking yet soft at the same time. When using periwinkle in fashion, home decor, or graphic design, choosing the right complementary colors is key to making sure periwinkle looks its best and your designs have visual interest. The good news is periwinkle is very versatile and pairs well with a wide range of colors from neutrals to brights. Here’s an in-depth look at the top color pairings for periwinkle and how to use them.
Best Colors to Compliment Periwinkle
These colors look fantastic when paired with periwinkle:
- White
- Gray
- Black
- Navy
- Royal blue
- Light blue
- Green
- Yellow
- Coral
- Soft pink
- Lavender
- Silver
- Gold
Below we’ll explore each color in more detail and give examples of how to effectively combine it with periwinkle.
Periwinkle and White
White is a go-to neutral that allows periwinkle to take center stage. The high contrast between the two makes for an eye-catching combination. White also lightens and brightens periwinkle. Try pairing a white top with a periwinkle skirt or white walls with periwinkle accent pieces.
Periwinkle and Gray
Like white, gray sharply contrasts with periwinkle, making the two easy to pair. But gray slightly mutes periwinkle rather than brightening it. Different shades of gray impact the look – charcoal gray makes the combination sophisticated, while lighter grays give it a soft, dreamy vibe. Gray pants suit with a periwinkle blouse is just one example of this stylish color duo.
Periwinkle and Black
Black adds drama to periwinkle with its deep, dark hue. It creates an elegant evening look when combined with periwinkle. But keep the periwinkle light so it doesn’t get overpowered by the black. A black cocktail dress with periwinkle shoes or purse is one chic way to wear this combination.
Periwinkle and Navy
Navy and periwinkle are both in the blue family, so they naturally complement each other. Navy is richer and deeper than periwinkle. Pairing the two evokes a nautical New England seaside feel. Navy pants and a periwinkle sweater or a periwinkle and navy striped tee are just two examples of this classic pairing.
| Periwinkle Color Combination | Tips for Pairing | Example Outfits |
|---|---|---|
| Periwinkle and Royal Blue | – Royal blue is brighter than navy so it makes periwinkle pop more – Best for accents like jewelry or scarves rather than large pieces |
– Periwinkle shirt + royal blue necklace – Royal blue heels with periwinkle dress |
| Periwinkle and Light Blue | – Soft and dreamy combination – Avoid matching light blues and periwinkle that are too similar in shade |
– Periwinkle skirt + baby blue top – Light blue jeans + periwinkle cardigan |
| Periwinkle and Green | – Pair with forest green, olive green, lime green – Brings an earthy feel |
– Olive green cargo jacket + periwinkle tee – Periwinkle dress + emerald heels |
| Periwinkle and Yellow | – Bright, summery pairing – Opt for soft pastel yellows |
– Periwinkle maxi dress + yellow clutch – Light yellow sweater + periwinkle pants |
Periwinkle and Coral
Vibrant coral looks fabulous with periwinkle. The warm reddish-orange hue contrasts beautifully with the cool purple-blue tone. For maximum impact, pair bright coral with a soft periwinkle shade. Coral jewelry and heels add fun pops of color to a periwinkle dress.
Periwinkle and Soft Pink
Pairing periwinkle with soft, muted pinks like blush, mauve, and nude creates a gently feminine look. The lighter the pink, the more it contributes to periwinkle’s airy, delicate vibe. A pastel pink jacket over a periwinkle dress is one way to wear this combination.
Periwinkle and Lavender
Lavender and periwinkle are both light purple shades, so they effortlessly work together. But be mindful of keeping enough contrast between the tones. Dark periwinkle contrasts better with pale lavender, while light periwinkle looks best with a deeper lavender shade.
Periwinkle and Silver
Polished silver and shimmery periwinkle make an elegant pairing. Silver jewelry, bags, shoes and other metallic accents give periwinkle an ethereal, moonlit glow. Keep the periwinkle light for this combination to really make the metallic shine.
Periwinkle and Gold
Like silver, shiny gold complements periwinkle’s shimmer. But the warmer golden tones add a touch of vibrance that silver lacks. Pair a periwinkle cocktail dress with gold heels for an eye-catching night-out look. Or add a gold bracelet to a periwinkle daytime outfit.
Tips for Combining Colors with Periwinkle
Here are some top tips for pairing colors with periwinkle for gorgeous results:
- Use neutrals like white, gray and black to make periwinkle pop
- Combine with navy, blues and greens for nautical inspired looks
- Partner with bright warm tones like coral, yellow and gold to create excitement
- Mix with soft colors like pink, lavender and light blue for a delicate feel
- Add metallic silver and gold accents for a touch of glam
- Anchor periwinkle with darker shades so it doesn’t get washed out
- Use lighter tones to keep the look airy and ethereal
Putting Together Full Periwinkle Outfits
When assembling complete periwinkle looks, follow these guidelines:
- Make periwinkle the star – it should be the dominant color
- Choose 1-3 complementary colors for accents
- Vary textures and patterns for visual interest
- Add metallic shoes, jewelry and bags for polish
- Mix casual and dressy pieces to create unique layered looks
Here are some example periwinkle outfits using these principles:
Casual Daytime:
- Periwinkle chambray button down
- Cuffed light wash jeans
- Brown leather belt
- Nude ballet flats
- Gold pendant necklace
Dressy Evening:
- Flowy periwinkle maxi dress
- Black velvet blazer
- Silver rhinestone earrings and bracelet
- Black heels
- Metallic silver clutch
Conclusion
With its soft purple-blue hue, periwinkle works with a diverse range of colors from neutrals to brights. Smart pairings make periwinkle shine whether it’s in fashion, home décor or any creative design field. Use lighter tones to play up periwinkle’s delicate nature or deep rich shades to give it bold impact. With the guidelines provided, you can confidently combine periwinkle with complementary colors for stunning visual effects.
