Salmon is a versatile color that can be paired with many different clothing items and accessories. When styling an outfit with a salmon colored shirt, it’s important to create a cohesive and fashionable look. In this article, we’ll explore the best options for bottoms, shoes, and accessories that complement a salmon shirt. Whether you’re aiming for a casual, business casual, or formal style, we’ve got you covered on how to pull together a stylish salmon shirt outfit.
Best Bottom Options for Salmon Shirts
Selecting the right bottom half of your outfit is key when building a cohesive look with a salmon colored top. Here are some of the best pants, shorts, and skirts to pair with salmon shirts:
Khaki Pants or Shorts
Khaki bottoms provide an easy go-to option with a salmon shirt. The neutral tan color works well with the pinkish-orange hue of salmon, creating a complementary color combination. For a smart casual outfit, pair a salmon button down with khaki chinos. Or go more casual with a salmon polo and khaki shorts during the warmer months.
White Pants or Shorts
Crisp white bottoms create a fresh, summery vibe with a salmon top. White jeans, trousers, shorts, or skirts will make the salmon color pop. Go for a retro-inspired look by pairing high-waisted white jeans with a tucked in salmon blouse. Or keep it relaxed with salmon shorts and a white tennis skirt.
Light Wash Denim
For a classic combo, match a salmon top with light wash denim on the bottom. Faded light blue jeans or shorts have a timeless look with salmon button-ups, polos, or t-shirts. Cuff the jeans to show off some ankle and pair with casual footwear like white sneakers or boat shoes.
Navy Pants, Skirt, or Shorts
Navy bottoms make for an easy color scheme with salmon tops. The dark blue hue complements the orangey-pink tones beautifully. Pair a fitted salmon dress shirt with navy trousers for the office. Or go for a salmon blouse with a navy pencil skirt on more formal occasions.
Chambray
Similar to denim but slightly dressier, chambray bottoms work perfectly with salmon. The lightweight fabric in a light blue wash coordinates seamlessly with the bright shade on top. Wear a salmon polo shirt with chambray shorts or roll up the cuffs of chambray pants for a more relaxed vibe.
Olive Green
Earthy olive green pants, skirts, or shorts create an aesthetically pleasing look when mixed with vibrant salmon hues. The green pulls out the orange undertones in salmon in a natural way. Pair a salmon button-down with olive chinos or wear a flowy salmon blouse with an olive skirt.
Gray
For a more neutral, toned-down pairing, match your salmon top with gray pants or shorts. Different shades like light gray, charcoal, or heathered gray work well at balancing out the bright pink-orange tones on top. A salmon dress shirt with gray wool trousers makes for a sharp business casual outfit.
Best Shoes to Wear with Salmon Shirts
Now that you’ve got the bottom half figured out, let’s look at footwear options that will complete your head-to-toe salmon outfit.
White Sneakers
A crisp pair of white sneakers are a perfect shoe choice with a salmon shirt. The white pops against the salmon tone and creates a casual, laidback look. Pair your salmon polo or tee with blue jeans and white kicks for a classic weekend style.
Boat Shoes
For a preppy vibe, bring in boat shoes with your salmon top and khaki bottoms. The leather deck shoes with their low profile complement the casual mood of a salmon shirt outfit. Go for a classic brown or tan color.
Loafers
Loafers in leather or suede lend a polished touch when mixing with salmon. They’re dressier than sneakers but still comfortable for all-day wear. Salmon trousers with a matching salmon belt paired with dark brown loafers makes for a sharp business casual style.
Ballet Flats
With a skirt or dress ensemble, ballet flats are an ideal choice alongside a salmon top. Neutral shades like black, brown, tan, or blush pink work well and won’t compete with the salmon hue up top. Pair with bare legs or neutral tights depending on the weather.
Ankle Boots
For chillier weather, ankle boots are a go-to for many salmon shirt outfits. Neutral suede or leather booties in black, brown, or tan provide a versatile shoe option. They lend a casual, laidback vibe while keeping your feet warm and dry.
Heels
On more formal or dressy occasions, opt for heels with your salmon ensemble. Neutral pumps, wedges, or block heels in colors like nude or black complement a bright salmon top. Heels polish off an outfit with a salmon blouse, pencil skirt, and blazer.
Best Accessories to Complete a Salmon Outfit
Accessories are the perfect finishing touch to pull a salmon outfit together. Here are some of the top accessory options to pair with your salmon shirt:
Belts
Add a belt that coordinates with your shoes. For example, pair tan loafers with a tan leather belt. Or match brown ankle boots with a cognac belt. Metal buckle belts also work well with the casual vibe of most salmon outfits.
Jewelry
When it comes to jewelry with salmon shirts, go for neutrals like silver, gold, rose gold, or pearls. Avoid bright, competing colors. Layered necklaces look great paired with an unbuttoned salmon collared shirt. Stacked bracelets also complement salmon short sleeve button-ups.
Watches
A watch makes a nice accessory touch to finish off a put-together salmon outfit, whether for work or weekend wear. Leather strap watches in brown, black, or tan work well. Or go for a simple gold, silver, or rose gold metal watch case.
Ties
If you’re wearing a salmon dress shirt, add a tie to sharpen up your business or formal style. Stick with solid neutral ties in colors like navy, gray, tan, or gold. Patterns and super bright ties compete too much with a salmon colored shirt.
Pocket Squares
A pocket square provides a subtle way to accessorize a salmon collared shirt for professional or going-out looks. Opt for a white, navy, or light blue cotton pocket square to let the bright salmon shirt stand out.
Scarves
For cooler weather, finish off a salmon outfit with a scarf that picks up on colors in the rest of your look. A navy and white striped scarf complements navy pants and white shoes. An olive green scarf pulls out the green in olive chinos.
Hats
Hats like fedoras, newsboy caps, or beanies add a nice accent to casual salmon shirt outfits. Neutral colored hats in tan, gray, brown, olive, or navy keep the focus on the salmon shirt.
Example Outfit Combinations with Salmon Shirts
Here are a few example salmon shirt outfit combinations to give you inspiration on how to pull together various looks:
| Occasion | Outfit |
|---|---|
| Casual weekend | Salmon polo shirt with light wash jeans and white sneakers |
| Casual summer | Salmon tee with khaki shorts, brown belt, and boat shoes |
| Business casual office | Salmon dress shirt with navy trousers, black loafers, silver watch |
| Going out | Salmon button-down collared shirt with gray pants, brown ankle boots, tan fedora |
| Formal event | Salmon blouse with black pencil skirt, nude heels, pearl necklace |
Conclusion
Salmon shirts offer a fun pop of color to add to your wardrobe. By pairing them with neutral bottoms, shoes, and accessories, you can create fashionable outfits that work for a variety of occasions. Stick to lighter tan, brown, white, blue, green, gray, and black pairings with salmon tops. Avoid combining them with overly bold patterns or additional bright colors. With the right complementary pieces, a salmon shirt can be integrated into casual, business, or formal looks seamlessly. Use the suggestions in this article to feel confident rocking a head-to-toe salmon outfit.