Gold is a versatile neutral color that can complement a wide range of colors. When selecting a color to pair with gold, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. In this article, we will explore some of the best color combinations with gold and provide helpful tips for coordinating gold jewelry, accessories, clothing, and decor.
Warm Metal Tones
Some of the most classic and flattering color pairings with gold involve other warm metal tones. Here are some top options:
– Copper: The slightly reddish hue of copper makes an elegant pairing with gold. Copper has an antique, burnished quality that can make gold jewelry or accessories pop. This color combo evokes a vintage, romantic vibe.
– Rose gold: More muted and pinkish than regular gold, rose gold makes for an eye-catching pairing full of depth and interest. The soft pink rose tone also serves to mellow and feminize the brilliance of yellow gold.
– Bronze: Slightly cooler than gold, the muted bronze tone is highly complementary. It’s an easy-to-match neutral that allows the gold to take center stage. Bronze is ideal for harmonizing gold jewelry or accents with monochromatic warmth.
Rich, Saturated Accents
Vibrant, saturated colors can really make gold gleam and stand out. Jewel tones like emerald, ruby, and sapphire make stunning complements to gold, as do these other rich hues:
– Navy: The classic navy and gold pairing is forever stylish and elegant. Navy has a richness that contrasts beautifully with bright gold.
– Burgundy: The lush depth of burgundy creates an opulent, sophisticated look when paired with golden hues. Burgundy works equally well for accent colors or larger wardrobe pieces.
– Forest Green: Deep forest, hunter, and olive greens pair excellently with gold. The combo evokes natural elegance and grandeur. Green hues give a majestic, earthy feel to gold jewelry or accents.
– Plum: From pale lavender to deepest purple, any shade of plum makes gold pop. The union is eye-catching and full of visual interest. Plum also pairs nicely with rose gold for added femininity.
Crisp Neutrals
For a more pared-back, minimalist aesthetic, gold also suits pairings with crisp, light neutrals. Clean tan, cream, grey, and ivory shades create a soothing, harmonious simplicity when combined with gold. Key neutral pairings include:
– Cream: Warm creamy tans offer an understated elegance with gold. The soft neutral backdrop lets the gold detailing shine.
– Light grey: Cooler greys with hints of blue offer a more modern feel with gold. From weathered concrete to pale pearls, grey provides an adaptable neutral pairing.
– Ivory: The pale, milky tone of ivory maintains energy without overwhelming gold accents. It’s an ideal neutral for bridal fashions and formalwear paired with gold.
– White: High contrast white makes gold pop brightly. The crisp, bright pairing is perfect for statement gold jewelry and accessories or touches of glamour.
Earth Tones
Natural, earthy tones also complement gold beautifully. Softer and more laid-back than jewel tones, earth tones give gold a casual, outdoorsy vibe. Top earth tone pairings include:
– Moss green: Deep greens inspired by lush mosses, herbs, and forests create an organic look with gold. The tones are rich but still muted enough to avoid competing with the gold.
– Terracotta: Burnt rusty orange and red clay earth tones bring energy while still harmonizing with gold. The colors evoke sunshine, warmth, and the great outdoors.
– Slate blue: Hazy, desaturated slate blues have a weathered mineral quality that blends effortlessly with gold. The pairing feels raw, grounded, and artfully rustic.
– Sand: Natural creamy beiges inspired by beach sands keep things casual and breezy when accented with gold. The soft but bright pairing is relaxed and beachy.
Vivid Brights
For bold pops of color, bright vivid hues also coordinate beautifully with gold. Cheerful pastels, neon brights, and rainbow shades create an energizing, fun pairing. Great vivid accents with gold include:
– Lemon yellow: Cheery bright lemon yellow generates energy alongside gold. The sunny, vibrant duo conveys joy and positivity.
– Fuchsia: Vibrant pinks take on an exotic, tropical feel when paired with golden accents. Fuchsia creates playful femininity with gold.
– Turquoise: The cool Caribbean blue of turquoise pairs perfectly with warm gold. Turquoise jewelry and accents pop brightly against gold backdrops.
– Coral: Vibrant orangey coral is festive and summery with gold. The pairing feels luminous, upbeat, and full of personality.
Soft Pastels
For a more delicate effect, pale pastel shades also suit gold beautifully. Soft colors like mint, lilac, and peach create a dreamy, romantic mood with gold. Top pastel pairings include:
– Mint green: Cool, airy mint greens lend gold an ethereal fairy-tale feel. The combo evokes renewal and a touch of retro allure.
– Lavender: Pretty, romantic lavender complements gold accessories and detailing. The partnership has a feminine vintage charm.
– Blush pink: Barely-there blush pinks give gold an innocent, precious glow. The pairing creates wistful, feminine appeal.
– Buttercream: Warm vanilla buttercream tones turn up the charm factor of gold accents. Buttercream gives gold a sweetly nostalgic vibe.
| Color Family | Specific Colors |
|---|---|
| Warm metallics | Copper, rose gold, bronze |
| Rich saturates | Navy, burgundy, hunter green, plum |
| Crisp neutrals | Cream, light grey, ivory, white |
| Earth tones | Moss green, terracotta, slate blue, sand |
| Vivid brights | Lemon yellow, fuchsia, turquoise, coral |
| Soft pastels | Mint green, lavender, blush pink, buttercream |
Tips for Coordinating Gold Jewelry and Accessories
When putting together outfits involving gold jewelry or accessories, keep these tips in mind:
– Choose 1-3 focal gold pieces. Too many competing gold accents can feel excessive. Let key statement pieces stand out.
– Mix metal tones intentionally for variation. Pairing soft rose gold with bright yellow gold can create visual interest.
– Avoid matching gold jewelry exactly to gold clothing accents. Similar hues can blend together and get lost. Use contrast to make both pop.
– Add touches of the paired color in clothing pieces or makeup. Ties of color help pull the whole look together cohesively.
– Make gold the star. Mute other aspects of an outfit to let the gold detailing shine through as the highlight.
– Consider undertones. Gold jewelry may pop more against cooler purple undertones than warmer peach undertones.
Incorporating Gold in Fashion and Decor
Gold makes a lavish, elegant accent for fashion, decor, and more. Here are some chic ways to stylishly incorporate gold:
– Add pops of color with gold shoes, handbags, or belts. Gold leather or metallic accents elevate neutral outfits.
– Use gold frames, vases, candles, or decor items to accent colorful rooms. Gold makes an opulent statement against vivid backdrops.
– Craft elegant formal tablescapes with gold dinnerware, stemware, and accents paired with rich hues like emerald or navy linens.
– Make gold detailing the focal point against ethereal palettes. Gold embroidery on soft pastel bridesmaid dresses lets the embellishment pop.
– Pair gold fixtures or architectural accents with earth tones in rustic living spaces. Gold makes a striking statement against slate blues and mossy greens.
– Use gold to add warmth and light. Gold lamp bases, light fixtures, and mirrorsfeel cheerful and luminous.
Conclusion
Gold’s versatility allows it to be paired beautifully with a wide spectrum of colors. Choosing colors that complement gold’s radiance is key. Warm metal tones, rich saturates, light neutrals, vivid brights, earthy hues, and soft pastels all make elegant partnerships with gold. With the right coordinating color, gold accessories, jewelry, clothing, decor, and accents can truly shine. Approach color pairing thoughtfully, and gold will lend any look a touch of timeless glamour and style.
