Pumpkin and charcoal had a long run. Coral and slate blue is the quieter, warmer swap, in the spirit of Tory Burch, Jil Sander and COS. Here is how to wear it all year.
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Jump to a look (27)
- Coral Polo Sweater, Pale Blue Collar
- Grey Midi Skirt With a White Belt
- Tomato Knit With Dove-Grey Pants
- Peach Corduroy and Grey-Blue Knit
- Coral Linen Shirt Dress, Denim Jacket
- Slate Blue Suit, Coral Silk Shell
- Coral Crewneck, Slate Suede Midi
- Coral Cashmere Under a Slate Coat
- Blue Cardigan, Coral Pleated Midi
- Coral Blouse, Slate Wide-Leg Pants
- Slate Slip Skirt, Coral Knit Top
- Coral Blazer, Grey-Blue Denim
- Slate Shirt Dress With Coral Tights
- Coral Satin Shirt, Slate Leather Skirt
- Grey-Blue Knit Dress, Coral Belted Coat
- Coral Slip Dress, Slate Blazer Over It
- Slate Blue Knit, Coral Corduroy Skirt
- Coral Wrap Top, Slate Trousers at Dinner
- Grey-Blue Trench, Coral Dress
- Coral Turtleneck, Slate Plaid Skirt
- Slate Blue Wedding Guest Dress
- Coral Tweed Jacket, Slate Pants
- Slate Velvet Dress, Coral Heels
- Coral Knit Set With a Slate Coat
- Grey-Blue Jumpsuit-Free Evening Look
- Coral Cardigan, Slate Denim, Weekend Walk
- Slate Blue Dress, Coral Cashmere Wrap
Coral Polo Sweater, Pale Blue Collar
The blue comes in through the collar, which is why this works. A pale blue shirt with the collar pulled out over a soft coral polo sweater brings the cool tone in without fighting the warm one.

Look for a fine cotton knit that keeps its shape at the neck. Soft coral, not tomato, keeps it quiet.
Slate blue pleat-free pants finish it.
Grey Midi Skirt With a White Belt
A mid-grey wool midi skirt is the calm base for a coral top. The white belt cuts the waist cleanly, and white pointed kitten heels keep the whole thing light.

Choose a skirt with some weight so it swings rather than clings. The coral knit should sit boxy over it.
It reads polished without trying hard.
Tomato Knit With Dove-Grey Pants
A warm coral-red knit does the talking, so the grey-blue below it stays soft. This is the fastest way to try the pairing: one sweater, one pair of pants.

Pick a dove-grey with a blue undertone; a flat grey makes the coral look muddy. Keep the knit slightly oversized.
Add pale tan sneakers and you are done.
Peach Corduroy and Grey-Blue Knit
Corduroy gives coral a cozy, matte surface, so it never looks loud. A grey-blue knit on top makes the peach read warm rather than sweet, and the cool tone keeps the pants from tipping into pastel.

Go for a straight leg with room in it, and let the knit hang past the waistband. If you are petite, look for a slightly cropped knit so the pants don’t swallow your height. In corduroy, a wider wale feels more current.
Chocolate brown boots ground it for fall. It’s an easy pick for a farmers market or a casual office day.
Coral Linen Shirt Dress, Denim Jacket
A coral linen shirt dress is the warm-weather answer, and a grey-blue denim jacket over it brings the cool half. White sneakers keep it easy for weekends.

Choose a washed, soft denim that leans grey, not a dark indigo. The dress should fall below the knee with a loose belt.
Roll the jacket sleeves once.
Slate Blue Suit, Coral Silk Shell
For the office, wear the blue as a suit and let a coral silk shell be the surprise underneath. A slate blue wool blazer with matching pants looks sharp and quiet.

Keep the blazer relaxed on the shoulder and long over the hips. The shell should be soft coral, not neon.
Cream pumps keep it calm.
Coral Crewneck, Slate Suede Midi
A slate blue suede midi skirt gives coral a soft, napped partner. A plain coral crewneck on top lets the skirt’s texture do the work.

Grey suede loafers match the skirt’s finish. Keep the sweater easy and slightly cropped at the hip.
Ideal for a desk day that ends with drinks.
Coral Cashmere Under a Slate Coat
This is the cool-weather version of the whole idea. A coral cashmere turtleneck glows under a long charcoal-slate coat, and dark grey jeans keep it grounded.

Look for a coat with at least half wool and a clean, boxy shoulder. The warmth of the coral does the heavy lifting.
Black leather boots finish it.
Blue Cardigan, Coral Pleated Midi
A chunky grey-blue cardigan over a coral pleated midi flips the usual balance: the blue is big, the coral is the movement. The pleats keep it light.

Grey ankle boots tie the two together. Choose a cardigan that sits boxy and ends at the hip.
Cozy and still put together.
Coral Blouse, Slate Wide-Leg Pants
The simplest office formula: a soft coral blouse tucked into slate blue wide-leg pants. A crisp cotton keeps the coral from looking too sweet, and the slate keeps the whole thing businesslike. Warm and cool sit evenly here.

A tan belt and tan pointed flats bring in the neutral. The pants should fully cover the shoe, so hem them to the floor. Check the cotton is opaque, since lighter coral can show seams.
It looks expensive and takes two minutes. Wear it to a client meeting or a Friday desk day.
Slate Slip Skirt, Coral Knit Top
For a night out, a slate blue satin slip skirt gives the blue some shine, and a fitted coral knit keeps it warm. A short grey jacket over the top adds an edge.

Wear it with a hem that ends at mid-calf. Black strappy heels make it dressy.
Keep the jewelry gold.
Coral Blazer, Grey-Blue Denim
A soft coral blazer over a white tee turns plain denim into a night-out look. Grey-blue wide jeans keep it cool against the warm jacket, so the coral stands out without overwhelming. The white tee works as a clean break between the two.

Choose a relaxed blazer that covers the hips, which also flatters a fuller midsection. Cream sneakers or low heels both work. Look for a jacket with some structure in the shoulder so oversized still looks intentional.
Add small gold hoops. It suits dinner, drinks, or a gallery opening.
Slate Shirt Dress With Coral Tights
A slate blue shirt dress is a quiet canvas, and a pair of soft coral tights is the one daring detail. It works because the rest is calm.

Wear it with grey loafers or tan boots. The dress should skim, not cling.
A good choice when you want color without a big piece.
Coral Satin Shirt, Slate Leather Skirt
A slate blue leather midi skirt has weight, and a coral satin shirt gives it some glow. Tuck the shirt in and leave the top buttons open. The contrast between matte leather and shiny satin is what makes it look styled.

The shirt should be soft coral, not pink, so it stays grown-up against the blue. Pointed black pumps finish a night-out look. Soft lambskin drapes better than stiff leather, and a faux version works on a budget.
Dress it up with a gold chain. It works for date night or a work dinner.
How to Wear Coral Without It Turning Orange or Pink
Choose a soft, slightly muted coral and keep the rest quiet. Slate blue-grey and dusty grey-blue balance it, since coral is warm and the blue is cool. Cream, white and tan are the calm extras.
Grey-Blue Knit Dress, Coral Belted Coat
A loose grey-blue knit maxi under a coral belted coat is a bold cool-weather move. The coat is the coral, the dress is the blue. Keeping the colors in separate pieces lets each one stay clean.

Pick a coat with real length and a wide belt that defines the waist over the loose knit. Black boots keep it sharp. A wool blend holds its shape better than a thin synthetic, and it keeps you warmer.
A good choice for a winter evening out. It also works for holiday travel when you want to look put together.
Coral Slip Dress, Slate Blazer Over It
A coral slip dress is a date-night basic, and a slate blue blazer over it cools it down. The two colors meet at the shoulder, so the blazer frames the dress instead of competing with it. The slate also tones down the coral for evening.

Keep the blazer oversized and the dress simple. Bare legs and thin gold sandals suit warm evenings. A bias-cut satin slip skims the body, so pick one with a bit of weight if you want less cling.
It looks soft and sharp at once. Wear it to a rooftop dinner or a summer wedding.
Slate Blue Knit, Coral Corduroy Skirt
A fine slate blue knit paired with a coral corduroy midi skirt is a date look with texture. The corduroy keeps the coral warm and the knit keeps it soft. A fine gauge sweater tucked in stays neat against the heavier skirt.

Choose a skirt that ends mid-calf. Tall brown boots tie in the tan. If you are short, a slight A-line skirt will not shorten you, and a front slit helps you walk easily.
Great for an autumn dinner. It also works for a gallery day or a long lunch.
Coral Wrap Top, Slate Trousers at Dinner
A soft coral wrap top with slate blue pants is a dinner outfit that needs no jacket. The V-neckline keeps it soft and the pants keep it clean. Coral near the face brightens most skin tones, and the slate keeps it low-key.

Pick a matte crepe for the top. It drapes without clinging and hides a ruler-straight wrap seam. Cream slingbacks finish it. The wrap suits a fuller bust, since you can adjust the tie.
Pair with small drop earrings. It’s easy for a restaurant, a theater night, or an anniversary.
Grey-Blue Trench, Coral Dress
A grey-blue trench over a coral dress is the date look for in-between weather. The coat’s cool tone calms a bright dress, so you get color without it feeling loud. It also gives you a layer that is easy to take off indoors.

Wear the trench open and long. Tan ankle boots with a slim heel suit the dress and keep the neutral palette going. A cotton gabardine trench holds its drape and sheds light rain.
Add a tan scarf if it is cold. It works for a spring dinner or a weekend trip.
Coral Turtleneck, Slate Plaid Skirt
A fine slate blue-grey plaid skirt with a coral turtleneck brings in a little pattern without noise. The check should be muted and wool. A small scale plaid is easy to wear, while a large one can overwhelm a short frame.

Sheer black tights and black loafers keep it winter-ready. Tuck the turtleneck in to show the waist, and look for a fine merino that doesn’t bulk under the skirt.
A good date outfit that still looks like you. It also works for a cold-weather office day.
Slate Blue Wedding Guest Dress
A slate blue midi dress with a coral clutch and shoes is a calm wedding guest look. The blue does the heavy lifting and the coral adds warmth. Repeating coral in two accessories ties the outfit together without a print.

Choose a matte crepe with a defined waist. It resists wrinkles through a long day of sitting and photos. Keep the heels slim so the line stays long, and make sure the hem skims the calf.
Gold earrings finish it. It suits a daytime ceremony or a garden reception.
Coral Tweed Jacket, Slate Pants
A coral tweed jacket over slate blue pants is a holiday party look that skips the usual black. The tweed brings the texture and the blue calms it. A cream silk top underneath brightens the face and keeps the palette soft.

Wear it with a cream silk top. The jacket should sit boxy and end at the hip, and look for woven edges and a lining that moves with you. Tweed with a little stretch is easier to wear for hours.
Add pointed pumps. It works for an office party, a holiday lunch, or a dinner with friends.
Slate Velvet Dress, Coral Heels
A slate blue velvet dress has depth, and coral heels give it a spark. This is the event look when you want quiet color and one bright finish. Velvet catches light, so the blue looks richer than it would in cotton.

Keep the dress long and plain. A small clutch in tan completes it. Choose a stretch velvet that lies flat, since it moves better and hides less-than-perfect seams. Check the hem so the coral heels still show.
It works for a holiday dinner. It also suits a winter wedding or a theater night.
Coral Knit Set With a Slate Coat
A coral knit top and skirt set is one idea, and a slate blue coat over it keeps the pairing clear. The matching set looks polished with no effort.

Choose a coat in grey-blue wool with a boxy shape. Black ankle boots suit the skirt length if worn with tights.
Good for travel days too.
Grey-Blue Jumpsuit-Free Evening Look
A grey-blue silk blouse and coral satin trousers swap the usual: the cool piece on top, the warm piece below. The shine of both keeps it evening. Putting coral on the bottom is a fresh way to wear a bright color if you feel shy about it near your face.

Wear black heels and a small gold chain. The trousers should fall wide to the floor. Look for a heavier satin that drapes instead of clinging, and a high waist to balance the loose leg.
It looks unexpected but easy. Wear it to a cocktail evening or an anniversary dinner.
Coral Cardigan, Slate Denim, Weekend Walk
A coral cardigan with grey-blue denim is a weekend look that stays warm. The jeans carry the blue and the cardigan carries the coral. The white tee underneath keeps the colors from running together.

Choose a chunky knit that sits boxy. Cream sneakers keep it light. A wool blend pills less than a cheap acrylic, and a ribbed hem helps the shape hold after washing.
A good one for brunch. It also works for a farmers market, a park walk, or errands.
Slate Blue Dress, Coral Cashmere Wrap
A slate blue knit dress under a soft coral cashmere wrap is the cozy event look. The wrap lets the coral sit at the face, where it flatters most. It also keeps the loose dress from looking shapeless.

Keep the dress loose and long. Brown boots tie in the warm tone. If cashmere is out of budget, a soft merino blend gives a similar drape for less. Drape the wrap loosely instead of belting it.
It suits a holiday brunch. It also works for a family gathering or a church service.
The Quiet Pair to Try
Start with one coral piece and one slate blue piece, and let cream or tan fill the gaps. It is the softer alternative to pumpkin and charcoal.
FAQ
Do coral and slate blue go together?
Yes. Coral is warm and slate blue is cool and grey, so they balance each other. Keep both muted so neither looks loud.
Which blue goes best with coral?
A dusty grey-blue or slate blue works best. Avoid bright royal blue, which competes with the coral.
What neutrals work with coral and slate blue?
Cream, white and tan are the calmest extras. They separate the two colors and keep the look quiet.
Can I wear coral and slate blue to the office?
Yes. A slate blue suit with a coral silk shell, or a coral blouse with slate blue pants, looks polished and quiet.
How do I stop coral from looking orange?
Choose a soft orange-pink coral rather than a bright tomato shade. Pair it with grey-blue so the warmth reads gentle.