Mixing and matching colors can be a bit daunting (ok, a lot) daunting however, this is not as complicated as we think it to be. With the right combinations, your wardrobe can be as expensive and sophisticated looking as you want. For the right color balance, you need (1) an eye for details (2) observe your favorite designers and/or influencers to get an idea of their tasteful mix of colors and shades (3)know the rules before you break them.. Read on to know how to match your clothes in an admirable and color coordinated fashion.
Additionally, choosing the perfect color for an outfit is what sets you apart hence, using the right colors and matching them perfectly can either be a deal breaker or maker.. I always say that to get the best idea of color combination, take a leaf from nature(pun intended). The flowers, leaves, jungles have so many amazing color combinations.
The Color Wheel.
The Color Wheel invented by Sir Issac Newton was used to condense the color spectrum. The Wheel is a visual representation of the relationship between colors.
Primary Colors comprises of red, yellow, and blue. No two colors can be mixed to achieve these shades. Everything else is derived from these colors.
Secondary colors are a combination of the primary colors. So, red/yellow = orange, red/blue = purple, and blue/yellow = green.
Tertiary colors are a combination of primary and secondary colors. By mixing these colors, you get shades like mint, corals, etc.
Neutral Colors
Neutral colors are muted, plain, and subdued. Black, grey, whites, off-whites, taupe, etc., fall into the neutral category. Be that as it may, these colors are great for the clean look or starting base for your looks.
Furthermore, one principle for matching your clothes is combining colors that work in harmony.
Complementary colors such as
Red and green, violet and yellow, blue and orange – work best when put together. These are exactly opposite to each other on the color wheel. They might seem bold to look at, but the outputs will be perfect.
Analogous Match Matching two or three continuous shades on the color wheel that blend well with each other is called analogous color matching. When you put an entire outfit together based on this, it looks both striking and stylish. If you are wondering how to style that orange or camel trench coat of yours, pick a shade on either side of the color in the color wheel and work with that.
The Ombre Match
Ombre is really an intelligent and fun way to dress up. Mixing shades of the same color either in ascending or descending order works great. If you are sporting separates, you need to bring it all together with the top, bottom, shoes, and accessories being in sync.
Monochrome Look
It seems like a no-brainer because it’s just one color in the same shade for the entire outfit. However, it is the hardest to pull off, for obvious reasons. The good news is monochrome looks have caught up and have diversified with combining different textures to make the outfit bold. Start with comfortable and neutral colors like greys, blues, whites, and blacks, then progress to pastel undertones.
Prints & Patterns Like I said earlier, it is better to know the rules before you break them. If you are a beginner, it is best you let the print do all the talking. Prints are very loud and usually a combination of many colors. Pair your prints with muted accessories to avoid looking tasteless and tacky.
Match With Your Skin Tone This cannot be emphasized enough, matching colors with your skin tone is the absolute cheat sheet. It automatically makes you look better hence making your outfit an head turner.
If you are pale or yellow toned, opt for colors from the colder side of the palette, such as grey, navy blue, varying shades of green and burgundy. If you have a deeper skin tone, you can pull off brighter or warmer shades of brown, coral, honey, gold, amber, taupe, etc., as they look amazing on this skin tone.
I hope you learned something. Mixing colors requires skill but I know you can do it. Get out of your comfort zone and get creative.
