What colour goes with black? How to combine black

What colour goes with black? Almost all of them: cream, beige, white, camel, pink, burgundy and blue combine well with black. Black is a neutral base and works with soft as well as strong colours.

Black pieces hang in almost every wardrobe. Often the only thing missing is an idea of what to wear with them so the outfit does not look flat. Here you can read which colours go with black, how to wear black tone on tone and which accents suit each season. At the end you will find three outfits and answers to common questions.

What colour goes with black?

Light neutrals, warm earth tones and muted accents go with black. There are three simple ways:

• Light and soft: Cream, beige, white and pale pink give black a calm counterpart.
• Warm: Camel, brown and burgundy add warmth and work well in autumn and winter.
• With colour: Denim blue, pink or red set a clear accent.

As a rule of thumb: pick one main colour and at most one accent to go with black. That keeps the outfit calm. You can find a selection of black pieces in black clothing for women. You will find an overview of more colours in our guide Colour combinations for clothes.

How to build a wardrobe from a few colours is covered in our guide Capsule wardrobe for women.

Wearing black with cream, beige, white and camel

Black with light neutrals is the classic combination. The difference between light and dark makes the outfit clear and tidy.

White. Black and white make the strongest contrast. The result is graphic and strict, but it can also look very simple and fresh. A white blouse with black trousers has been seen as a classic for years.

Cream. If white feels too harsh, cream is the softer choice. Black and cream look warm and calm. A cream jumper with black pieces is quickly put together.

Beige and camel. Beige and camel go especially well with black because both colours bring warmth into the outfit. A beige coat over black clothing is often seen. You can find a selection in beige clothing for women.

Brown. Black with brown was long seen as tricky. Today the combination is often seen, above all with light brown, cognac or chocolate in a different fabric. Ideas can be found in brown clothing for women.

Wearing black with pink, burgundy and blue

If you want colour with black, it is best to start with a muted shade. It sets an accent without making the outfit busy.

• Pink: Pale pink and dusty pink soften the severity of black. A pink jumper with black trousers is an easy start. You can find the selection in pink jumpers.
• Burgundy: Burgundy is dark and warm. With black it makes an elegant look with depth. More in our guide How to wear burgundy.
• Denim blue and light blue: A light blue loosens up black and looks suited to everyday wear. With navy, the difference from black should be clearly visible, otherwise the shades blur together.
• Red: Red is the strongest accent. A single red piece is enough, the rest stays black or neutral.

Black tone on tone: how to keep the outfit lively

An all-black outfit is quickly put together and looks calm. To keep it from looking flat, mix textures: a chunky knit jumper, smooth trousers, a piece with lace or shine. The same colour in different fabrics gives the look depth.

Black can also be worn tone on tone with very dark shades such as anthracite, dark grey or taupe. What matters is that the shades are clearly different. How taupe works in clothing is explained in our article How to wear taupe.

A belt, a bag in cognac or simple gold jewellery adds a small counterpoint without bringing more colour into the outfit.

Wearing black clothing: summer and winter

In summer light and airy colours go with black: white, cream, light blue, pale pink or sand. A black top with white or beige trousers is quickly put together. Sandals or light trainers go with it.

In winter warm and deep colours go with black: camel, brown, burgundy, dark green or cream. A cream knit jumper with black trousers or a burgundy scarf with a black coat brings warmth.

In between the seasons, beige, pink and denim blue are a good middle ground. They work in spring just as well as in autumn.

Which colours go less well with black?

No colour is completely ruled out. Some combinations just need a little more attention.

• Dark shades: Navy, dark brown and dark green easily blur next to black. They work when the fabric or texture is different.
• Neon and very bright colours: They stand in harsh contrast to black and quickly become the only focus. One small piece is enough.
• Many colours at once: Black with three or four colours looks busy. One main colour and one accent are usually enough.

Three outfits with black and colour

Light and clear. Black trousers, a white blouse and a beige cardigan. Add light trainers and a bag in cognac. An outfit for the office and everyday life.

Warm. Black trousers, a cream jumper and a camel coat. Add black ankle boots. Calm and warm for autumn and winter.

With an accent. Black trousers, a pink jumper and black boots. The jumper brings the colour, the rest stays simple. With burgundy instead of pink the outfit becomes darker and more elegant.

Matching items in the shop: tops for women and blouses for women.

Frequently asked questions

Which colour goes with black if it should be light and soft?

Cream, beige, white and pale pink. Cream is the softer alternative to white.

Does brown go with black?

Yes, especially light brown, camel and cognac. With dark brown, the fabric or texture should differ from the black.

Does navy go with black?

Yes, if the difference is clearly visible. Denim blue and light blue are the easier choice with black.

Which accent colour goes with black clothing in autumn?

Burgundy, camel, cognac and dark green. All four bring warmth and look calm with black.

Do black and white look too strict together?

That depends on the proportions. With cream instead of white or one piece in beige, the combination becomes softer.

How many colours should I combine with black?

Usually one main colour and one accent are enough. More colours quickly make the outfit busy.