Ditch Your Basic Summer Neutrals For These Trending Colors Instead

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Black and white have long been the backbone of the minimalist's wardrobe. After all, they offer sophistication, boldness, and a certain refined simplicity. But even if you're not ready to fully commit to bright pink or green, there are plenty of ways to experiment with color in your wardrobe. In fact, a few of the trendiest colors of 2026 are perfect for anyone looking to dip their toes into the color pool.

Both cocoa brown and cream offer a colorful yet neutral alternative to black and white. They won't offer the same sharp contrast, but in summer — the season of delicate fabrics and wispy layers — that can sometimes be a benefit. Look for these colors in a classic summertime design such as the summer 2026 skirt trend with a vintage touch, like this Satin Flared Skirt. Alternatively, try something that can transition seamlessly from cool August evenings into the fall, like this PRETTYGARDEN off-the-shoulder sweater.

These neutrals occupy a middle ground that's softer than black and subtler than a fully saturated color, which makes for easier color pairings. You can even mix them freely with the black and white pieces that are already in your closet.

A few key fashion guidelines have been around for years, like "Don't wear white after Labor Day" and "Don't mix gold and silver jewelry." But most of these outdated rules can — and should — be ditched, especially the ban on pairing black and brown. While it can sometimes be visually confusing to wear a very dark brown with black, there's no reason to hesitate with the chocolate brown that we're seeing everywhere. "'Black and brown make a frown' was definitely ingrained in me as a kid but honestly if it's styled right, it can look timeless and classy," wrote one Reddit user. In fact, a pop of brown can revolutionize your favorite little black dress.

Since both black and brown are neutrals, they actually pair beautifully together. In fact, brown and other softer neutrals like cream can help diffuse the contrast between stark black and bolder colors in your outfit. In fact, this allegedly taboo color combination is quite classic. "Check out any fall catalogue from Ralph Lauren in the last 40 years," wrote one Reddit user. "You're bound to see black and brown together."