When choosing colors to pair with yellow clothing, there are a few key factors to consider. The shade of yellow, the color palette you want to work within, and the overall look you’re trying to achieve will all impact what colors look best. Typically, colors that complement or contrast yellow create the most dynamic and pleasing combinations.
Shades of Yellow
The exact shade of yellow will make a big difference in what colors coordinate. Lighter yellows like lemon, daffodil or sunshine yellow look great with lighter neutrals and pastels like white, tan, light gray, soft pink, minty green or baby blue. Bright citron, goldenrod and mustard yellows make a bold statement and pair well with other primary colors like red, blue and green.
Earthier hues like olive yellow, mustard or ochre coordinate well with other earth tones like light brown, peachy orange, mossy green and salmon pink. Vibrant jewel tones like emerald green, royal blue and plum purple also complement and accent this shade of yellow nicely.
Complementary Colors
Colors that sit directly across from each other on the color wheel are considered complementary colors. They create very vibrant combinations that pop. The complement of yellow on the color wheel is purple. All shades of purple from pale lilac to rich eggplant pair beautifully with any shade of yellow.
Some examples of complementary yellow and purple color pairings include:
| Yellow Shade | Purple Shade |
|---|---|
| Pale lemon | Lavender |
| Daffodil | Wisteria purple |
| Mustard | Deep plum |
Purple isn’t the only complementary option for yellow, though. Since yellow is a primary color, other primary colors also complement it. Bright grassy green is the perfect pairing for sunny yellow. Cobalt or royal blue also complements yellow really well. Primary red and yellow are classic complementary colors that command attention.
Contrasting Neutrals
Neutral shades like black, white, gray, tan and brown also coordinate effortlessly with yellows. Light tans and grays soften a look, while blacks and deeper browns make the yellow pop and stand out. Crisp white looks fresh against any yellow hue.
Some flattering neutral color combinations include:
- Pale yellow and white
- Sunshine yellow and light gray
- Mustard yellow and tan
- Golden yellow and chocolate brown
- Maize yellow and black
Neutrals work nicely alongside accent colors too. Try bright yellow with black pants or a white blouse with lemon skirt for easy examples.
Analogous Colors
Choosing colors adjacent to yellow on the color wheel creates a harmonious, analogous color scheme. Yellow’s analogous colors are orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green and green.
Some flattering analogous pairings for yellow include:
| Yellow Hue | Analogous Colors |
|---|---|
| Lemon | Chartreuse, lime, melon |
| Goldenrod | Pumpkin orange, rust orange |
| Sunshine | Peach, coral, light olive green |
Sticking within one side of the color wheel creates a very cohesive, uniform look. The colors blend seamlessly together. Analogous color schemes are versatile, easy to pull off, and work for any season.
Triadic Color Combinations
Using three colors equally spaced around the color wheel forms a triadic color scheme. This creates a bright, lively effect with lots of visual interest. The triadic palette for yellow includes yellow, purple, and red.
Some examples of triadic yellow outfits include:
- Bright yellow top, eggplant purple pants, cherry red shoes
- Golden yellow dress, plum purple belt, rust red handbag
- Chartreuse yellow sweater, boysenberry purple skirt, crimson red tights
The three colors are very bold together, so it’s best to use one as a focal point and the other two for accents. Make sure to pay attention to value contrast so one doesn’t overpower the others.
Split Complementary Colors
This color scheme uses one base color, plus the two colors adjacent to its complement. For yellow, this would be yellow, blue-purple and red-purple.
Some examples of yellow with split complements include:
- Sunflower yellow with periwinkle blue and maroon
- Banana yellow with indigo blue and raspberry
- Mustard yellow with violet and burgundy
This combination provides the strong visual contrast of complementary colors without being overpowering. The three colors create nice balance and color interest.
Accent Colors
Pretty much any bold, saturated color works nicely as an accent color against a backdrop of yellow. Bright blue, green, red, purple, pink and orange all pop against yellow. This is a great way to add a fun color as an accent, like with a floral scarf, chunky necklace, shoes or handbag.
Some examples of accent colors with yellow outfits include:
- Lemon yellow sundress with turquoise blue belt
- Chartreuse skirt with cherry red shoes
- Banana yellow top with fuchsia pink lipstick
This is a simple formula that ensures the yellow remains the star and the accent color provides a nice boost of extra color.
Monochromatic Yellow
Creating a monochromatic color scheme with all yellows can be striking. Mix different tints, shades and tones of yellow together. This allows you to play with lighter and brighter yellows against deeper, muted golden yellows.
Some monochromatic yellow outfit ideas include:
- Pale pastel yellow blouse with golden yellow pants
- Bright lemon yellow cardigan with mustard yellow skirt
- Sunflower yellow dress with ochre yellow belt and shoes
Add some crisp white or black to make the yellow tones pop even more. Monochromatic yellow is cheerful and eye-catching.
Conclusion
Yellow is a fun, bright color to wear that looks great with many shades. Opt for complementary purples, other primary colors like red and blue, neutral blacks, whites and tans, analogous peaches and greens, or accent colors like pink, turquoise or teal. Stick to a color scheme that flatters your skin tone. The options are endless for pairing fabulous colors with yellow clothes and accessories!
