13 Classic Clothing Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style

Meet fashion's most iconic color palette.

Just like separates and silhouettes, colors fall in and out of fashion favor as the trend cycle spins on. Colors tend to be dictated by the seasons, and every so often, a shade will reign supreme on runways and red carpets — remember vintage chartreuse? How about the year of red? — but some standout shades have earned the moniker "classic."

What makes a color classic? The short answer is versatility. To endure the coming and going of trend after trend, colors have to harmonize well with others. As such, the most versatile clothing colors tend to be of the neutral variety that can be worn year-round. That isn't to say that classic colors have to be boring. In fact, the opposite is true, as the 13 shades ahead prove. After all, metallics and even prints are seamlessly integrated into casual, formal, and office-appropriate outfits. Versatility means more than fitting into stylish color combinations. To be considered a tried and true classic, a color should feel timeless and easily at home in looks inspired by any decade.

Read on for a definitive guide to fashion's most timeless and classic clothing colors, from neutrals that go with everything to vivid shades that never go out of style, plus how to wear them.

Cream

We like to think of — and style — this classic clothing color as a warm white. Creamy colors work well when styled with other light neutrals like ecru and tan but can also brighten up a vivid or moody ensemble featuring dark, rich tones.

Black

We could write an entire book on the utterly chic history of black, one of fashion's most classic colors, despite technically being the absence of color. Suffice it to say, there's a reason metropolitan fashion girlies built their entire wardrobes, from sleek separates to chic column dresses, around this sleek and stunning shade.

Red

Red has experienced quite a revival of late from moody crimson to summer-friendly tomato red. The key to styling this classic color is identifying the tone that speaks to you and your wardrobe. Lighter reds pair well with pale shades while richer, deeper variations work best with black and jewel tones.

Plaid

While technically not a single color, there's no denying that plaid is a classic that can be worn just like a solid and is not to mention utterly timeless. Whether you favor matching sets or separates, you'll get endless wear from a plaid skirt. Choosing plaid is also easy despite the wide varieties available. Simply pick one that features — you guessed it — other classic colors.

Look of the Day

Navy

It's difficult to untangle navy blue from nautical fashion and business attire. We say, "Why bother?" Navy is a classic color that looks its best in long lines and structural separates. Some timeless navy pieces we think everyone should own include a navy blazer, wide-leg trousers, and a silky long skirt.

Gray

Even among ultra-versatile classic colors, gray stands out as a style chameleon that works well in both bright and dark color palettes. The seemingly endless shades of gray deliver depth, making it an ideal choice for knit investment pieces like wool, cashmere, or cable knit sweaters.

Metallics

Counting gold, silver, and gunmetal as classic colors is a hill we're willing to die on. The trick to ensuring metallic clothing feels timeless is choosing a piece with longevity. A trench coat or maxi skirt, for example, feels at home in any era and, subsequently, any classic look.

Camel or Tan

No shade, but beige can be a little boring so we prefer its warmer variations: camel, a slightly rosy take on khaki, and tan, a soft near-brown. Typically seen in timeless outerwear styles, these classic colors work beautifully in cozy knits and simple, chic dresses or skirts.

Olive Green

Olive green is a shapeshifting classic color, its depth dependent on the fabric in question. Sheer olive greens take on the silky look of olive oil, while the shade veers to the dark side in leather or woven textiles. We love going for an upgraded utilitarian look with bold shoulders, cargo pockets, and rolled cuffs.

Blush

The girlishness of bright pink gets a grownup makeover in this desaturated classic shade. Blush is certainly feminine, but subtly so, especially when applied to silk or chiffon. Style it the way you would any pale neutral for a look that's delicate but looks rich in hue.

Polka Dots

Polka dots are another pattern that has withstood the test of time and is often styled as if it were one of its singular-colored counterparts. They tend to take on a mod vibe when applied to tops or pants but deliver a truly timeless air of elevated sophistication on dresses and long skirts.

Brown

Brown can be tricky to style, but that shouldn't stop you from leaning into this luxe classic color. Not only are there plenty of colors that go with brown, but this shade takes on a unique luster in leather, silk, and satin.

White

Of all the classic clothing colors on this list, white just might be the most intimidating. That said, the risk pays off. There's nothing quite as striking as an all-white outfit, and this shade is at home in every imaginable aesthetic from Cottagecore to Tenniscore and even Office Siren.

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