Knowing how to coordinate colors is key when choosing the right outfit. Here are just a few tips for incorporating colors into your style.
Stay neutral
Dressing in neutral colors is the easiest way to color coordinate your outfit. These colors include black, white, grey, brown, beige and navy. Neutral colors can be mixed without clashing making them a safe bet for any occasion. This guide at Who What Wear offers more information on some of the best neutral items.
Use small pops of color
Small pops of color on an otherwise neutral outfit can help to spice things up. This involves using a single colourful item such as a red jacket or a green skirt. Accessories are a great way to add pops of color – you can even create multiple pops of the same color by using multiple accessories in the same hue such as a red handbag and red scarf. You can also use make-up to add pops of color – Iluvsarahii offers a range of colourful eyeshadows. It may be possible to match make-up hues with accessories.
Go analog
Analogous colors are those positioned next to each other on the color wheel such as orange and orange-yellow or blue and blue-purple (it’s worth looking at a color wheel to get a better understanding of these colors). Dressing entirely in analogous colours often works better than dressing entirely in the same colour (which can look a little matchy-matchy). Analogous colors can be mixed up with neutrals.
Try complementary colors
It’s also possible to use complementary colors – these are colors found opposite one another on the color wheel such as blue and orange or red and green. Making complementary colors work isn’t always easy as they can be quite wild. As a result, you may want to mix in a few neutral base layers to tone things down. For instance, if you’re wearing a blue t-shirt with an orange jacket over the top, it may be worth sticking to black trousers or leggings.
Understand color psychology
Understanding color psychology can help you to choose the right colors for the right occasions. Certain colors can give off certain moods, which may make them more appropriate to certain situations. Blue, for instance, is a calming color – it may help to gain trust and put people at ease. Red meanwhile is fiery and passionate – it can make you more persuasive when engaging in sales or it can make you more sexually attractive on a date (although it may present an air of aggression when worn by men). This site Positive Branding offers more information on color psychology.