Lavender is a light purple shade that can be quite versatile when paired with the right colors. Choosing complementary colors is important for creating aesthetically pleasing color combinations. When selecting a color to go with lavender, it’s helpful to understand color theory and the color wheel. We’ll explore some quick tips for pairing colors with lavender and review the best color matches.
Quick Tips for Pairing Colors with Lavender
Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when choosing a color to pair with lavender:
– Stick to cool, soft colors that won’t clash. Avoid pairing lavender with warm, bold oranges or reds.
– Try analogous colors like blues, greens, and violets that are next to lavender on the color wheel. These create calming, monochromatic looks.
– Complementary colors like yellow can make lavender pop when used together. But use complementary colors sparingly to avoid overwhelming contrast.
– Monochromatic lavender outfits use different shades and tints of purple. This can create an elegant, sophisticated look.
– Metallic sheens like gold, rose gold, and silver make lavender shine. Metallics add depth and visual interest.
– Neutrals like white, gray, and cream make safe color combinations. They provide a subtle contrast that lets the lavender shade stand out.
Best Color Matches for Lavender
Now let’s take a deeper look at some of the best color matches for pairing with lavender:
Soft Pink
Soft pink is a top choice for wearing with lavender. As neighboring hues on the color wheel, pink and lavender create a harmonious pastel color scheme. The pairing has a feminine, romantic vibe perfect for spring and summer. Try a lavender skirt with a pink top for an effortlessly chic look. Pastel pinks complement both light and dark shades of lavender.
Pale Blue
For a soothing, peaceful look, wear lavender with pale blue. Cool tones of light blue and lavender are made for each other. Whether it’s a floral lavender dress with blue accessories or mixing blue and lavender prints, this color duo always impresses. Light blue brings out the soft purple tones in lavender.
Rich Gold
Few colors make lavender pop like gold. The contrast of warm metallic gold against cool lavender is eye-catching. Pair a vibrant yellow gold with light lavender for maximum impact. Rose gold and champagne gold work well with darker lavender shades. Gold jewelry and accessories elevate a lavender outfit.
Cream
Cream or off-white paired with lavender has a timeless, sophisticated effect. The neutral cream tone lets the lavender take center stage while providing a clean, fresh contrast. Try a lavender blazer with cream pants or a cream lace dress with lavender accents. This versatile color combination works for events year-round.
Silver
Like gold, silver serves as a metallic neutral that makes lavender shine. Cool-toned silver is an ideal match for light purple. Opt for sterling silver jewelry and accessories in a lavender outfit. Silver heels or a handbag add glamorous style to any lavender ensemble. Silver makes an especially pretty color pairing for weddings.
Yellow
While quite different, yellow and lavender complement each other as color wheel opposites. Soft pastel yellow works best with lighter lavender for a springtime vibe. Brighter yellow paired with darker lavender makes for striking contrast. Use yellow as an accent color to spruce up a lavender outfit. Lavender bridesmaid dresses are gorgeous with yellow floral details.
Green
Green and lavender sit side-by-side on the color wheel, making them natural partners. Greens like sage and seafoam highlight the subtle nature of lavender. Olive green brings out warm undertones in lavender. For bold contrast, pair lavender with emerald or lime green. Try accessorizing a lavender dress with green shoes or jewelry.
Gray
Subtle gray serves as a versatile neutral backdrop for any shade of lavender. Light grays work well with pale lavender for a soft, elegant look. Charcoal gray makes a sophisticated contrast to vivid purple lavender. Wear lavender blouses or sweaters over gray pants or skirts. Gray and lavender together create timeless outfits.
Choosing Colors Based on Skin Tone
When pairing lavender with other colors, it helps to consider your skin tone. Here are some recommendations:
| Skin Tone | Best Color Pairs for Lavender |
|---|---|
| Fair, Cool | Pastel pink, mint, baby blue, white |
| Fair, Warm | Butter yellow, peach, cream, champagne |
| Light, Cool | Ice blue, lilac, seafoam, silver |
| Light, Warm | Coral, sky blue, ivory, gold |
| Medium, Cool | Emerald, plum, slate gray, magenta |
| Medium, Warm | Lime, tangerine, sand, bronze |
| Dark, Cool | Eggplant, royal blue, berry, gunmetal |
| Dark, Warm | Orange, red, mocha, copper |
Creating Color Schemes with Lavender
When building a color scheme around lavender, first decide on the shade of lavender you want as the main color. Then choose one to three coordinating colors based on the color combinations above.
Here are some examples of color schemes with different lavender shades:
Light Lavender Color Scheme
- Main color: Light lavender
- Secondary colors: Pink, mint green, white
Soft Lavender Color Scheme
- Main color: Soft lavender
- Secondary colors: Powder blue, cream, peach
Medium Lavender Color Scheme
- Main color: Medium lavender
- Secondary colors: Plum, light gray, butter yellow
Dark Lavender Color Scheme
- Main color: Dark lavender
- Secondary colors: Eggplant, slate gray, gold
Aim for colors that complement each other for a cohesive look. Analogous, monochromatic, and complementary schemes work best for lavender.
Incorporating Lavender Accents
Don’t be afraid to have fun with small splashes of lavender! This color works beautifully as an accent shade. Here are accent ideas:
- Lavender shoes or handbag
- Lavender jewelry
- Lavender scarf or belt
- Lavender nail polish
- Lavender floral print
These accessories provide just enough pop of color to elevate a neutral outfit. Lavender makes unique floral arrangements and table decor as well.
Conclusion
Lavender is a gorgeous color that pairs elegantly with many shades. Cool tones like pink, blue, green, silver, and gray complement lavender wonderfully. Warm metallic gold makes lavender shine. For contrast, bright yellow also matches well. Focus on color theory to guide you, and always consider your skin tone when finalizing an outfit. With the right coordinating hues, you’re sure to look stunning in lavender!
