Our world is filled with colors and so our everyday life revolves with colors too. Like our struggles in the morning to choose and match what to wear. I know you can all relate! Putting together the right outfit for the day (OOTD) is really challenging especially if you have that little time left before the rush hour hits. But no worries from now on girls! I’ll be sharing some basic techniques on how to mix and match the right colors for your next OOTD.
Note: You need to get a color wheel and post it right away on your cabinet! It will be very helpful.
First, let me introduce to you the different color groups:
Neutral colors including white, gray and black.
Cold colors including blues, greens and bluey-purples.
Warm colors include res, oranges, yellow and pinks.
Warm neutrals include tan, brown and cream.
Tip: You can easily remember the color groups by thinking about seasons. For summer, we often think about reds, yellow and oranges while for winter we think about blues and light colors.
Now, it is for us to use the color wheel. It is your guide to match the right colors that look good together.
(Photos from Pinterest Pop Chart Labs)
Complementary Colors
Choose one color in the color wheel then look at the color directly opposite to it. These set of colors are called complementary colors that work very well together. So you can pair blue jeans with an orange top or a red pants with a green shirt.
Analogous Colors
Choose another color from the color wheel, let’s say red, then look at the colors either side of it. So we have orange and purple, they are an example of analogous colors. Neighbors on the color wheel flow effortlessly together.
Tip: For best results, let one color take the lead and give the others supporting roles. Asymmetry is the way!
Samples are: a poppy-and-tiger lily floral punched up with hot pink flats or a pale purple tunic and a teal scarf over light denim.
Triadic Colors or Split Complementary
Pick any color from the color wheel again and draw a triangle that is evenly spaced. Let’s pick light orange for this one. Now the colors that the corners of the triangle are pointing to are the colors that are going to match. And that’s blue, light blue and purple.
Tip: For best results, use the two adjacent colors as one dominant shade and the opposing color as the “surprise,” says Zyla.
Samples are: A print blouse in deep blues and purples gets enlivened with orange earrings. An earthy purple tee with a thistle sweater is drab until you add a saffron scarf.
Monochromatic Colors
You don’t need the color wheel for this because this is the easiest of all of the color matching techniques. For example, if you have chosen dark blue, then use a lighter blue. You can have dark blue jeans and a lighter blue top. Light and dark variations of one color blend beautifully.
Tips: For best results, wear darks on the parts you would like to downplay and lights, which catch the eye first, on the areas you want to play up.
Samples are: Wear one knockout shade (a cayenne sheath and matching pumps) to turn an outfit into an exclamation point. An orchid skirt with a lilac blouse, have “a soothing watercolor effect,” says stylist David Zyla, the author of Color Your Style
Now you know the basics! So when you’re in a rush, use the monochromatic technique! It’s simple and easy. Happy mixy matchy!
