- gold #D4AF37
- navy blue #1F2A4D
Gold and navy blue
Opposites on the color wheel High contrast
Gold is a muted yellow-orange and navy a darkened blue, nearly opposite on the color wheel, so each makes the other look stronger. Navy is deep enough to make the metal glow, and its blue keeps the pair from looking heavy, which is where the classic look comes from.
When to wear it: Brass buttons on a navy blazer are the classic. For evenings, a navy gown with gold sandals, a navy suit with a gold watch and cufflinks, or a gold pleated skirt with a navy sweater at the holidays.
What to avoid: A bright blue in navy's place looks like a team jersey, so keep the blue dark. A navy outfit loaded with gold buttons, chains and buckles starts to look like a uniform with medals; two gold accents are plenty.
Suits: Bright SpringDeep Autumn
- gold #D4AF37
- dark brown #4A2C1D
Gold and dark brown
Neutral base High contrast
Dark chocolate brown is warm all the way through, so gold sits on it like brass on old wood: the same undertone, a big step in lightness. The contrast is strong but never cold, and the brown makes the gold look deeper and older.
When to wear it: Fall and winter, day and night: a chocolate knit dress with gold hoops, a dark brown suede jacket with gold buttons, a gold satin skirt with a brown cashmere sweater. Gold buckles on brown leather belts and bags work all year.
What to avoid: A reddish or greyish brown dulls the metal, so keep the brown deep and warm, close to espresso. Gold on brown on more brown, with tan shoes and a cognac bag, blurs into one long brown outfit; add cream or a jewel tone.
Suits: Deep AutumnWarm AutumnBright Spring
- gold #D4AF37
- cream #F2E8CF
Gold and cream
Tonal: one color, light and dark Low contrast
Cream is a pale, warm yellow-white, and gold is a deeper, shinier take on the same hue, so the two read as one color in light and dark. The effect is soft and glowing rather than striking.
When to wear it: Weddings, summer evenings and christenings: a cream dress with gold sandals and jewelry, a cream silk blouse with a gold pleated skirt, a chunky cream knit with gold buttons in winter.
What to avoid: With so little contrast, the pair can disappear on light, soft coloring; a cognac or brown shoe or belt gives it a frame. Bright white in cream's place makes gold look brassy, so keep the white warm.
Suits: Warm AutumnDeep AutumnWarm Spring
- gold #D4AF37
- emerald green #00936B
Gold and emerald green
Contrasting hues Low contrast
Emerald and gold sit a third of the color wheel apart, and gold's warmth makes the green look deeper and more jewel-like. Both read rich and festive, which is why the pair feels made for the holidays.
When to wear it: December parties, winter weddings and formal dinners: an emerald velvet dress with gold earrings, a gold sequin top with emerald velvet pants, an emerald tie with a gold tie bar.
What to avoid: Bright yellow gold with a cool, blue emerald can look like costume jewelry; an antique, deeper gold sits better. Adding red turns the outfit into a Christmas card, fine in December and odd in February.
Suits: Warm AutumnWarm SpringBright Spring
- gold #D4AF37
- burgundy #800020
Gold and burgundy
Contrasting hues High contrast
Burgundy is a deep, wine-colored red, and gold lights it up the way candlelight lights a glass of wine. The pairing is deep and formal, with strong contrast in lightness.
When to wear it: Fall and winter evenings: a burgundy dress with gold heels, a burgundy velvet blazer with gold buttons, a gold skirt with a burgundy sweater. It suits holiday parties, galas and winter weddings.
What to avoid: A pinkish, cool berry next to yellow gold can look off; keep the burgundy deep and slightly brown. Both colors already read opulent, so skip busy prints and keep the fabrics simple.
Suits: Deep Autumn