When putting together an outfit, choosing colors that complement each other is key to creating a stylish and cohesive look. Black and grey are versatile neutral colors that pair well with almost anything, making them wardrobe staples for many. However, while black and grey match with a lot, not all colors work well with this dark duo. So what colors actually go with black and grey? Here’s a breakdown of the best and worst shades to wear with these neutral basics.
Best Colors to Pair with Black and Grey
White
White is a no-brainer pairing with black and grey. The contrast of crisp white against the darker shades creates a striking, high-impact look. White tops, shoes, or accessories pop against black bottoms, dresses, or coats. For more subtle contrast, pair grey with white. White also balances out black or grey so an outfit doesn’t feel too somber.
Pastels
Soft pastel shades like blush pink, mint green, pale yellow, and baby blue all work beautifully with black and grey. The paleness of pastels keeps them from clashing with the darker neutrals. Pastels add a touch of femininity and lightness to ground black and grey’s severity. Pastel coats and blazers over black dresses or trousers are a go-to combination. For grey outfits, pastel tops and accessories inject a sweet touch.
| Pastel Color | Pairings with Black/Grey |
|---|---|
| Blush pink | Black trousers, grey blazer |
| Mint green | Grey dress, black heels |
| Pale yellow | Black jeans, grey sweater |
| Baby blue | Grey suit, black shoes |
Red
Red packs a punch against black and grey. It makes quite the vibrant, dramatic statement that livens up darker neutral outfits. For black ensembles, bright true reds like fire engine or cherry red stand out best. Burgundy and oxblood red offer rich elegance against black. For grey outfits, slightly softer reds like coral and pink-leaning reds complement better than bold primary reds. Red dresses, blazers, shoes and bags infuse energy into black and grey.
Royal Blue
Like red, royal blue makes an eye-catching accent shade against black and grey. Its deep blue hue contrasts beautifully without being overpowering. Royal blue pieces like dresses, blazers, and accessories create visual interest against neutral backdrops. Electric and cobalt blues can also work, but beware brighter blues nearing turquoise territory – they may clash. Stick with true, deeper royal blues for failproof pairings.
Colors to Avoid with Black and Grey
Brown
Brown and black can sometimes work together in minimalist palettes, but in general brown lacks enough contrast against black and grey to create an appealing combination. With similar darkness and mutedness, brown blends too much into black and grey rather than complementing. Stick to black and grey with brighter, more vibrant accent colors. Leave brown outfits paired with other earth tones.
Olive Green
Like brown, olive green is too close in tone to black and grey to make a great pairing. Its drabness and darkness gets lost against black, creating a lifeless combination. Olive green can occasionally work with very light greys, but steer clear of it with charcoal and darker greys. Choose emeralds and fresher greens to liven up neutral shades instead.
Orange
Orange makes a difficult match for black and grey. Its warmth and brightness often clashes, looking jarring and disjointed. However, softer burnt oranges in earthy, rustic tones can potentially complement charcoal grey when done right. Stick to paler peaches and corals as safer orange options. But neon and bright oranges are best avoided.
Neon/Bright Colors
In general, bold neon and bright colors rarely pair attractively with black and grey. The high contrast creates too much visual imbalance. However, vivid colors can work for accessories or as an accent pop of color in an otherwise neutral outfit. Think a neon pink belt with a black dress, or bright yellow pumps with a charcoal suit. Just use brights sparingly to avoid clashing.
Tips for Wearing Colors with Black and Grey
Here are some top tips for combining colors with black and grey successfully:
- Stick to 1-3 accent colors max so outfits don’t feel chaotic
- Lighter tints complement better than darker, muted shades
- Balance brights with enough neutrals so they don’t overwhelm
- Repeat accent colors in different pieces for a pulled-together look
- Add lighter tones on top and darker ones below for more harmony
- Pair black with brights and grey with softer tones for best effects
Foolproof Color Combinations
Here are some foolproof black and grey outfits using colors that always complement beautifully:
| Black Outfit Colors | Grey Outfit Colors |
|---|---|
| Black turtleneck with red skirt | Grey trousers with pastel pink blazer |
| Black dress with royal blue heels | Grey suit with mint green tie |
| Black jeans with white top | Grey sweater dress with baby blue bag |
Seasonal Considerations
The time of year can also influence which colors pair best with black and grey. Here are some seasonal color pairing suggestions:
Spring: Pastels like lilac, sky blue, peach, mint
Summer: Corals, turquoise, bright whites, sunny yellows
Fall: Mustard, rust, burnt orange, olive green (in moderation)
Winter: Reds, neon pink, royal blue, evergreen
Conclusion
Black and grey make ultra versatile foundation colors to build stylish looks around. From crisp whites to vivid brights, clean pastels to rich jewel tones, these deeper neutrals complement a wide range of shades. Just stick to colors with enough contrast and the right undertones. Stay away from black and grey’s color cousins like browns, olives and muddy tones that are too similar to pair attractively. With the right accent hues, you can create beautiful, complementary outfits with black and grey all year long.
