The unexpected colour to pair with red this season - it's guaranteed to make every outfit feel autumn-ready
From rich olive and chartreuse greens to vibrant tomato and cherry red, this colour combination is proving that opposites attract
At the start of this year, I made a vow to wear more colour, and ever since, I've been on the lookout for easy, reliable colour combinations that are guaranteed to work. Lately, my social media feed has been filled with stylists sharing standout pairings, but one in particular keeps catching my eye - green and red.
Olive green is already set to be one of the key autumn/winter fashion colour trends for 2026. The earthy shade works with a range of autumn outfit ideas, but if you've ever wondered how to make it more impactful, you can't go wrong by pairing it with vibrant red. Tomato and cherry shades are both set to have a moment in the fashion spotlight, and the warmth of red and the muted qualities of olive hues work really well together.
The beauty of this colour pairing is that you don't have to commit to a head-to-toe look to make it work. If you look at the three colour rule as an example, rather than giving each hue an equal share in your outfit, it's more about using one of the pair as an accent colour. For example. I love the idea of an olive green dress styled with a tomato red clutch or some sweet ballet flats. Or for a more relaxed smart-casual outfit, team an olive-hued coat or jacket over a red T-shirt or light knit.
Made from a soft faux suede, this jacket feels luxuriously high-end, whilst the earthy green hue makes it wonderfully versatile. Style it as part of a white jeans outfit with a soft red knit underneath to make your look standout.
The Deliberate bag will liven up your autumn looks. Its slouchy silhouette and woven texture have proved to be a favourite among celebrities from Katie Holmes to Lily Allen, and you can read our woman&home recommendation here. Style it with olive green for a chic finish.
Boden is one of the best British clothing brands to shop from for flattering, well-made dresses, and this design is no exception. It has wide short sleeves, a neat neckline and a defined waistline for a figure-enhancing finish.
Add a pop of colour to your attire with these leather ballet pumps. Perfect for dressing up laid-back denim or for pairing with floaty dresses and skirts, these flats are a surprisingly versatile choice.
Soft, luxurious and easy to wear, this cashmere cardigan is the kind of knitwear piece you'll wear each autumn. Its earthy green shade is well-suited to cooler weather and will work beautifully with denim and bright reds.
The eye-catching colour of this dress is impactful whilst the ruched detailing and relaxed drop-waist silhouette create a flattering shape. Wear with an olive cardigan over the top or an earthy tote bag.
The key to making this colour pairing part of your autumn rotation is to let one shade take the lead and use another as a styling tool. If you're new to wearing colour, start with an olive green base and introduce bold notes of red through accessories such as a handbag, a silky scarf or even jewellery.
When it comes to the autumn/winter fashion trends for 2026, there is plenty of opportunity to flex this new colour pairing too. To add extra style mileage to your outfit, look for trending silhouettes in these two bold colours for an extra directional finish.
For a bolder look, reverse the shades with a red dress and layer one of the best trench coats in olive green over the top. And if you're worried about the shades feeling too bright, choose deeper olive tones and richer cherry or burgundy hues for a more refined finish.
