Last week, I picked up the first delivery of my CSA (community supported agriculture) farm box, a collection of fresh fruits and veggies I’ll be receiving every other week for the next few months. This first one was flush with lettuce, deep-green kale, bright spinach, and pure-white spring-onion bulbs. It got me thinking about color in the context of what we eat—and how nature offers inspiration beyond the kitchen. Something as simple as a peach or summer salad can inspire the way I put an outfit together—a way to embrace the wide range of hues the season has to offer.
This also reminded me of Werner’s Nomenclature of Color, a book I recently learned about, which back in 1821 identified the different shades of color in nature, from saffron yellow to apple green. (The book was even used by Charles Darwin in his research.) So, while Pantone may proclaim that 2025 is the year of “mocha mousse,” our predilection for connecting colors and food goes back much further.
The trend cycle may shift and change over time from quiet luxury to bold expressionism, but a curiosity for colors and how they can be combined and contrasted remains. Ahead, I selected four of the season’s most delicious combinations from the runways to inspire your own style.
Tomato + Grape
High-saturation color combos are a statement move, whether you’re walking into the office or sitting down on a first date. A ripe-tomato red paired with a rich, deep purple makes for an unexpected duo, which is part of what makes the two so dynamic when worn together. They command attention in a way that’s fun and lighthearted and strong enough to hold their own with piled-on accessories, from jewelry to belts.
Alex Mill Bridget Tipped Vest in Cotton
Port Tanger Nunny Sunglasses
Pistachio + Clementine
Dries Van Noten
Pistachio is the word in everyone’s mouth this season, in part thanks to the viral Dubai-chocolate trend, but also because the rich green color has popped up in several collections, from Gucci and Prada to Chanel and Dries van Noten. While styling it with neutral tones is an easy way to embrace the trend, consider taking things up a notch with a pop of clementine. The result is a fun and playful color combination (and the ingredients make for a delicious dessert too).
Call It By Your Name Sac Seau Tote
Mango Knitted Balloon Dress
Butter + Sardine
Auralee
For those whose aesthetic leans toward neutrals, a slight step out of the comfort zone comes by way of soft and buttery yellow styled with a steely gray sardine. Butter yellow is one of the year’s hottest colors, spotted on the runways across Fashion Month, from Auralee to Marni to Toteme. But while gray may not seem like a typical summer shade, its subtle touch when paired with a soft yellow hue is one that will transition your look easily into fall.
Raspberry + Biscoff
Chloé
Sweet raspberry paired with a crunchy Biscoff cookie makes for a delicious treat, but it also creates a delightful color combo for summer. Instead of bright and vivid Barbie pink, we prefer leaning into a deeper, lush shade of raspberry this season when balanced by a soft shade of cocoa brown.
Saint Laurent Mini Le 5 à 7 Sateen Hobo Bag
Isabel Marant Rodaynaga Wide-Leg Jeans
