Choosing clothing colors that go well together can seem tricky, but there are some basic guidelines that can help. The most important thing is understanding the color wheel and color harmonies. The color wheel shows how colors relate to each other – warm colors like red, orange and yellow or cool colors like blue, green and purple. Colors next to each other on the wheel are analogous colors, while colors opposite each other are complementary colors. Using analogous or complementary colors together creates color harmony and attractive color combinations.
Beyond the color wheel, you also want to consider value and intensity. Lighter and brighter colors stand out more than darker or muted ones. Putting a bright color with a muted color can create a nice balance. Monochromatic looks using different values and intensities of one color also tend to work well. Overall the goal is creating color coordination, not colors that clash. Pay attention to combinations that look jarring or vibrate against each other. Those are signs the colors don’t complement each other. With some simple color theory basics, you can feel more confident mixing and matching clothing colors.
Use the Color Wheel
The first step in combining colors is understanding the color wheel. The color wheel displays colors in a circle to show how they relate to each other. There are primary, secondary and tertiary colors. Primary colors are red, blue and yellow – these can’t be created by mixing other colors. Secondary colors are orange, purple and green, created by mixing two primary colors. Finally, tertiary colors are made by mixing a primary and adjacent secondary color, like red-orange or blue-violet.
The color wheel shows colors that sit next to each other are analogous colors. Analogous colors have a similar hue or feel, with one being the dominant color and the second providing accent and depth. For example, blue and blue-violet are analogous. Colors directly across from each other on the wheel are complementary colors. They have high contrast due to being opposites. Red and green, or yellow and purple, demonstrate strong complementary pairs.
Using analogous and complementary colors together creates color harmony in clothing. The dominant analogous color establishes a foundation, while the accent analogous color adds subtle interest. Complementary colors naturally draw the eye and create vibrancy when combined. Just remember complements are best used in small doses to avoid clashing. Follow the basics of the color wheel, and you’ll end up with color coordination.
Consider Value
In addition to hue, you also need to think about a color’s value, meaning how light or dark it is. Lighter colors tend to stand out more against darker ones. Using this concept of value contrast can help an outfit pop. For example, pairing a white top with black pants creates noticeable contrast and dimension.
You can also use various values of one hue in an outfit. Try light blue jeans with a royal blue jacket. This monochromatic look is subtle and polished. When using different values of one color, make sure there is enough contrast between the values or the outfit can look flat and lifeless. Bold value differences are key for a dynamic monochrome look.
Pay Attention to Intensity
The third important color aspect is intensity, or how bright and saturated a color is. Bright saturated colors attract attention and make a bolder statement. Soft muted colors have lower intensity but are more subdued. Combining low and high intensity colors allows one to stand out and the other to recede.
A bright saturated accent color with neutrals is a common way to make the accent pop. Try a vivid turquoise belt with tan pants and a white shirt. The eye goes right to the intense belt against the muted neutrals. Too many bright colors together can feel chaotic, so use high intensity colors thoughtfully as accents.
Combine Analogous Colors
Sticking with analogous colors is a reliable way to create color coordination in outfits. Choose a dominant hue and add its analogous colors from the color wheel. For instance, if green is the main color, add yellow-green and blue-green accents. This type of color combination has a natural cohesion.
| Dominant Color | Analogous Accent Colors |
|---|---|
| Red | Red-orange, red-violet |
| Orange | Red-orange, yellow-orange |
| Yellow | Yellow-orange, yellow-green |
| Green | Yellow-green, blue-green |
| Blue | Blue-green, blue-violet |
| Purple | Blue-violet, red-violet |
You can also use complementary versions of the accent colors for more contrast. Just keep the complements to smaller accents so they don’t fight with the dominant hue. Simple color combinations like a teal shirt, navy pants and burnt orange shoes use analogous colors in a balanced way.
Combine Complementary Colors
Complementary color pairings create high contrast and vibrant energy when used together. But it’s important to use them thoughtfully to avoid clashing. Use a dominant color and add pops of the complementary color in accents. Red with green, yellow with purple and blue with orange are examples of complements working together.
Sticking to one dominant color and using the complement sparingly creates balance. For instance, wear a red dress with green jewelry and heels. You can also place complements next to each other instead of mixed together. The contrast is still there without the colors blending and potentially clashing.
Low intensity muted complements tend to mix together more easily than their bright counterparts. Dark olive green and burgundy work well together in a single outfit. Just know bright vivid complements need separation to shine. Place them strategically in proximity for exciting contrast.
Use Monochromatic Pairings
One simple way to ensure colors go together is using shades, tones and tints of one base color. This monochromatic color scheme is always harmonious and stylish. Monochrome looks can utilize whites and blacks as neutrals along with the base color. Try an all blue outfit with different values and intensities of blue, along with black pants and a white top.
Use at least three clearly different shades, like light blue with navy and medium blue. Having variation prevents monochrome from becoming flat and lifeless. You can also add interest by mixing patterns and textures in the same color. Pair a blue striped sweater with a blue dress in a different material like satin. Monochromatic does not have to be monotonous!
Add Neutrals
Neutral colors like white, black, gray, beige and brown have a timeless, versatile role in color combinations. They tone down brighter accent colors and anchor them by providing a neutral background. Khaki pants allow for a wide range of colored tops to be matched. A white blouse highlights and intensifies any colors layered over it.
Black and white combined create the highest contrast for a bold graphic look. Pairing brights with neutrals also keeps the overall vibe from becoming overpowering. Use neutrals as core pieces and add vivid pops of color. For example, charcoal gray shorts with a fuchsia tank top and neon yellow sandals. The neutrals ground the eye-catching brights.
Avoid Clashing Colors
Certain color combinations simply don’t complement each other and can look jarring. In general it’s best to avoid pairing very warm and cool colors which have a muddy effect. Combining warm colors like orange and yellow with cool colors like green and blue often feels disjointed. Very bright warm and cool colors can also compete for attention rather than harmonize. Think hot pink and lime green.
Colors on opposite sides of the color wheel have the highest potential to clash when placed together. These tend to vibrate against each other instead of complementing. Red and green is a classic clashing combination when used equally. Colors next to each other like yellow and green can also clash if the values are very different. Keep the color wheel in mind as you choose clothing colors.
Trust Your Judgement
While color theory provides helpful guidance, ultimately you need to trust your own eye and judgement. Even recommended color combinations may not work for your preferences or skin tone. Notice combinations that feel jarring or overpowering to you. Those are signs the colors don’t complement your individual needs.
View colors in different lighting as that can impact how they interact. Dramatic overhead light versus soft window light can change a color palette. Judge clothing colors based on how you will wear them together in real life. Don’t overthink it, but pay attention to visual clues of colors coordinating in pleasing or unappealing ways. Allow your individual taste and perception to guide you.
Conclusion
Choosing flattering clothing color combinations doesn’t have to be a fraught process. Arm yourself with essential color theory knowledge, like understanding the color wheel, value and intensity. Use recommended pairings like analogous or complementary colors, while avoiding combos that tend to clash. Employ neutrals as foundations and vivid brights as accents.
Trust your own eye to discern harmonious or jarring combinations. Most importantly, have fun with color and don’t be afraid to experiment! The more you intentionally combine colors, the more skilled your eye will become at spotting pleasing and polished color pairings. Learn the basics and put them into practice as you colors outside the lines of what works for you.