Hi wagmare,
You can use "selection-color" stylesheet method like this:
Qt Code:
  1. ui->comboBox->setStyleSheet("QComboBox { selection-color: black; color : blue; }");
To copy to clipboard, switch view to plain text mode 
This method will change all item at QComboBox, but you can change itemselected color like not selected.
Example :
default combobox item color = black
selected comboxbox item color = black
not selected comboxbox item color = blue

I think this method can solve your problem. Or we have missunderstanding about your problem ?
Thank you for your attention.

Best regards,

Toto