Matching colors in your wardrobe can be tricky. With so many shades and tones to choose from, how do you know what goes together? Don’t worry, there are some simple guidelines you can follow to look polished and put-together, no matter the occasion. Keep reading to learn tips on coordinating colors in your closet.
Understand Color Theory Basics
Before diving into specific color pairings, it’s helpful to understand some color theory fundamentals. This gives you the foundation to make color-coordinating easier. Here are the basics:
Primary Colors – Red, blue and yellow are the 3 primary colors. All other colors are derived from some combination of these three.
Secondary Colors – Green, orange and purple are the secondary colors, each made by mixing two primary colors. For example, red and yellow make orange.
Tertiary Colors – These are made by mixing a primary and secondary color. For instance, red and orange make red-orange.
Color Wheel – The color wheel shows the relationship between colors. Complementary colors are opposite each other. Analogous colors are side-by-side.
Warm & Cool Colors – Warm colors like red, orange and yellow give a fiery, energetic feeling. Cool colors like blue, green and purple are more calming and soothing.
Context – A color can change appearance based on what’s around it. Surrounding colors impact the perception.
Understanding these basics allows you to combine colors in harmonious ways.
Stick With Analogous Color Schemes
One easy approach for matching colors is to use an analogous scheme. These combine 3-5 colors that are adjacent on the color wheel, such as red, red-orange and orange.
This creates a vibrant look with subtle variations in shade that complement each other beautifully. To try this:
– Pick a base color you like to build around
– Select 2-4 colors nearby on the color wheel
– Add accent colors (metallics, neutrals) for interest
Some examples of analogous palettes:
– Red, burgundy, maroon
– Teal, seafoam, sage
– Magenta, violet, lilac
This foolproof approach always ensures your color pairings look cohesive.
Coordinate With Complementary Colors
Complementary colors (those opposite each other on the wheel) offer striking contrast when paired together. Examples of complements are red and green, purple and yellow.
There are a few ways to integrate complementary colors into your wardrobe:
– Wear one color paired with various tints/shades of its complement. For instance, brighter red with lighter greens like mint or sage.
– Choose a colorful complementary accent piece, like a scarf or handbag
– Look for prints mixing the two colors, like a red and green stripe or checkered pattern
– Neutralize with grey, black or white
Too much direct complementary color can be jarring, so aim for a dominant color with complements as accents.
Create Triadic Harmonies
A triadic scheme uses three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel, like red, yellow and blue. This creates a dynamic, vibrant look.
Tips for triadic wardrobes:
– Select one color to dominate, the other two are accents
– Use various tints, tones and shades of each color
– Add neutrals to soften and unite the scheme
Here are some triadic combinations to inspire you:
– Red, yellow, blue
– Pink, green, orange
– Teal, violet, mustard
Don’t Be Afraid to Test New Color Combos
Finding unexpected but complementary color combinations keeps your wardrobe exciting. You can discover harmonious color schemes using different methods.
Use Nature for Inspiration – What color palettes do you see in sunsets, forests or gardens? These natural juxtapositions of colors have an intrinsic beauty.
Browse Fashion Magazines and Blogs – Flip through the pages and bookmark color pairings that catch your eye.
Take Note of Colors Around You – Pay attention to colors that look striking together as you go about your day. Maybe it’s your neighbor’s pastel yellow and robin’s egg blue house, or the teal couch with orange and pink throw pillows in your doctor’s office. Inspiration is everywhere.
Don’t limit yourself to the “safe” color combinations. Experiment with new harmonies and see what you discover!
Use Accents and Neutrals to Bridge Color Gaps
What about colors that seem to clash at first glance? You can still make them work together with strategic use of neutral and accent pieces.
If you love two colors that don’t quite align, like purple and orange, use neutrals to create cohesion. In this case, creams or greys soften the bright hues and unite the overall look.
Accent colors can also bridge gaps between discordant colors. With purple and orange, a touch of navy or maroon ties the fuller palette together.
Here are some other examples of using neutrals and accents to harmonize challenging color combinations:
– Lime green + fuchsia: white, black, navy accents
– Turquoise + marigold: cream, khaki neutrals
– Mint + coral: brown, grey neutrals
Don’t be discouraged if two colors appear mismatched. With thoughtful styling, you can make virtually any colors work together.
Understand Undertones
Human skin contains hints of color that impact how clothing shades complement each individual. Determine whether your complexion has warm, cool or neutral undertones.
Warm Skin – Hints of yellow, peach or gold
Cool Skin – Hints of pink, red or blue
Neutral Skin – No strong overtones
Once you know your undertones, you can select harmonious colors. Warm skin is flattered by warm shades. Cool skin looks radiant in cool tones. Neutral skin works with most colors.
As you coordinate the colors in your wardrobe, keep your undertones in mind. This helps you pick the most flattering options.
Know Your Color Temperature
Along with undertones, assessing color temperature ensures colors work for your complexion.
The color temperature scale ranges from warm (red, orange, yellow) to cool (blue, purple). Green is neutral in the middle.
Determine where your skin color falls on this scale. Warm complexions look best in warm shades, while cool complexions shine in cool tones. Neutral skin works with both.
If you have trouble assessing your skin, try draping different color fabrics across your neck and shoulders. The most flattering ones match your color temperature.
Identifying these factors helps you make color choices tailored to your unique coloring.
Be Mindful of Contrast
Creating adequate contrast between your skin, hair and clothing also ensures colors are harmonious and flattering.
If your hair, eyes and skin are all light or medium tones, bold and deeply saturated colors create pleasing contrast. Pastels may get washed out.
For high contrast complexions with dark hair and light skin, softer muted and medium tones prevent colors from clashing. They complement without overwhelming your natural contract.
Look at color values – how light or dark a color appears. Contrasting values help colors stand out against your skin and hair.
Consider Cultural and Style Factors
Color coordination doesn’t have to follow rigid color theory rules. Cultural factors and personal style play a role in how to harmonize color.
Cultural Meaning of Colors – Some colors relate to cultural traditions, views, holidays or ceremonies. Coordinate colors in a way that aligns with your culture.
Your Color Preferences – Base schemes off favorite colors that excite you. Or colors with nostalgic meaning. If cool tones speak to you, build palettes based on greens and blues. If you’re drawn to earth tones, start there.
Your Style Personality – Are you bold and edgy? Soft and romantic? Tailor color palettes to align with the overall style you want to convey.
While color principles provide guidance, your cultural perspective, emotions and personality should shape the color pairings you create.
Consider Seasons and Occasions
The time of year and the event offer cues for coordinating colors. Here are some examples:
Spring – Pastels, lighter temperatures, soft florals
Summer – Whites, bright jewel tones, nautical blues
Fall – Deeper tones, rustic neutrals, plum, olive
Winter – Red and green, metallics, rich jewel tones
Work – More subdued; Greys, navies, black
Casual – Vibrant; brighter saturated hues
Evening – Deeper, elegant tones and neutrals
Tailor your color pairings to align with the environment and occasion.
Start With a Base of Neutrals and Basics
A versatile wardrobe combining solid neutrals and basic core pieces makes coordinating colors easier.
Build your closet around these wardrobe essentials:
Neutral Tops – White, black, tan, grey – in varying sleeve lengths
Neutral Bottoms – Black, blue and tan pants, skirts, shorts
Denim – Dark wash, mid wash, white jean
Little Black Dress – Classic black dress in one or more silhouettes
Foundational Outer Layers – Black blazer, blue jeans, tan trench, leather jacket
With this neutral base, you simply add pops of color through seasonal accessory and accent pieces. The neutral background ties the color pairings together into a chic, cohesive look.
Look for Color Connection Points
When combining several colors in one look, identify points where colors connect for continuity.
For example, bring together a red top, neutral tan skirt and purple belt by adding purple heels. Or connect a navy dress and burnt orange handbag with an orange bracelet.
This creates flow rather than allowing colors to feel disconnected and random.
Learn Combinations That Always Work
Some classic color pairings have withstood the test of time, like:
– Red, white and blue
– Pink and green
– Purple and grey
– Red and black
Keep these timeless combinations in mind as you get dressed. They’ll guarantee your outfit colors complement beautifully.
Use Color Grouping
If you want to wear many colors at once, group them strategically so the eye perceives color harmony.
For example, wear a red top with red earrings and necklace. Then add a skirt combining green, purple and blue. While individually the top and bottom seem mismatched, grouping reds together and blues/greens/purples together creates cohesion.
This allows you to be colorful and creative while maintaining balance.
Remember the 70/30 Rule
When combining colors, experts recommend sticking to a 70/30 ratio. One color should dominate, while the second adds contrast and accent.
For example, pair a navy blue sweater with an orange scarf. Navy dominates at 70%, while orange makes a vibrant statement at 30%.
Reversing the ratio – a bright orange top with small blue jewelry accents – can feel overwhelming and unmatched.
Shoot for that perfect 70/30 balance.
Use Monochromatic Looks
Sticking to shades and tones of one color is a simple shortcut to foolproof coordination.
Try different textures and shades of your favorite hue:
– Soft pink sweater with fuchsia skirt and blush patent heels
– Cream trouser with off-white button down and bone belt
– Teal dress, seafoam earrings and dark teal handbag
This allows you to indulge your passion for a beloved color from head to toe.
Embrace the Color Blocking Trend
For an on-trend way to combine colors, try color blocking. This uses solid blocks of color in different sections of an outfit.
For example, pair a cobalt blue top with pink trousers and green shoes. Or wear a yellow skirt with a red sweater and orange coat.
Color blocking makes a bold style statement. Keep the rest of the look minimal to let the colorful contrasts pop.
Add Patterns Strategically
Patterns impact color harmony. Mixing mismatched prints can throw things off, but you have a few stylish options:
Match Colors in Patterns – Choose patterns with the same color scheme. A navy and white striped top with a navy and pink floral skirt keeps the blues as a point of connection.
Neutral Patterns as Bridge – Use black and white prints to transition between colors. A magenta blouse and turquoise shorts work with a black and white polka dot belt.
Repeat Colors from Solids – If pairing prints with solid colors, pull one color from the solids into the prints. A crimson dress with a black and white floral scarf with red flowers ties together nicely.
With strategic pattern mixing, prints can become allies in coordinating color.
Determine Your Color Comfort Zone
When first learning to combine colors, start with a three-color comfort zone palette:
– One neutral or basic
– Two colors
– Accent pieces
For example:
– Cream blouse
– Emerald green skirt
– Ruby red belt
– Metallic shoes
Once you perfect coordinating a color trio, grow your palette:
– Navy trousers
– Olive green jacket
– Crimson sweater
– Sapphire earrings
– Taupe handbag
Gradually broaden your horizons to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
Consult Color Resources
Stuck on how to combine a tricky color scheme? Consult resources designed to assist with harmonizing colors:
Color Wheel – View recommended color schemes
Online Color Coordination Tools – Upload colors to preview combinations
Blog Posts and Videos – Get tips and ideas from style experts
Store Displays – Notice what combinations retailers use
With so many color resources available, you can find inspiration and guidance to coordinate any colors.
Trust Your Own Style Sense
While color principles provide a helpful starting point, sometimes you have to throw the “rules” out and go with your instincts.
If you feel an unexpected color combination works, give it a try! Or if standard recommendations feel “off” for your style, avoid forcing something that doesn’t resonate.
Listen to your creative inner voice and let your personal style guide you. With practice, you’ll gain confidence in mixing and matching colors in ways that feel uniquely you.
Have fun and embrace the process of building a color-coordinated wardrobe that reflects your personality.
Conclusion
Coordinating colors doesn’t have to be intimidating. Arm yourself with core color knowledge, but don’t be afraid to experiment with new combinations.
Build a neutral base wardrobe then incorporate pops of color. Consider your skin undertones, color temperature and contrast levels. Create color schemes suited for the season and occasion.
Use patterns, accent pieces and the 70/30 rule to tie colors together. Start slowly, then expand your palette as you gain confidence.
Trust your instincts – let your inner style guide lead the way to color coordination success! With a few easy strategies, you’ll be expertly matching colors to always look pulled together yet uniquely you.
