Color Matching in Clothes

Looking to learn more about colour matching in clothes? You’re in luck! In this post, we are going through a few techniques for wearing color in your outfits.

 

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6 Techniques for Color Matching in Clothes

If you are like me, you gravitate toward neutrals. They are simple, chic, and so versatile! But a strict neutral wardrobe isn’t for everyone. Color adds depth and interest to outfits, many people LOVE to wear color. However color can be intimidating. Especially if you aren’t sure where to begin with creating colorful outfits.

One look at a fashion color wheel and you will be overwhelmed at the endless options. There are endless color combinations, from bold and bright to subtle neutrals. There is a ton of really good information on how to utilize the color wheel for creating colorful outfits. 

In this post, I simplify the colour matching in clothes process for you. These are 6 simple color schemes and will walk you through how to utilize each scheme for creating color outfits.

How Many Colors Should Be in 1 Outfit?

Generally, from personal experience, 3 colors maximum work best with any color combination. Why 3? Any more than three becomes difficult on the eye and overwhelming to look at. Maintain just 3 colors, or less, for a chic and stylish look.

Further, most outfits have 3-4 primary pieces. Top, bottom, shoes, handbag. If each one of those pieces is a different color, the look isn’t cohesive at all. But if two of those pieces (shoes & handbag or top & shoes) are the same color then you would have a coordinating look.

Make sense? Now we can take a look a color combinations.

 

READ NEXT: COLORFUL CAPSULE WARDROBE

 

6 Simple Combinations to Match Colors in Clothes

1. Monochrome
2. Complimentary
3. Neutral + 1 Statement Color
4. Bold 
5. Subtle 
6. Neutral

 

1. THE MONOCHROME COMBINATION

A monochrome outfit utilizes just one color for all pieces. The pieces can be all of the same shade or various shades of the same color tone.

This is the easiest of all color schemes to wear because there is no guess work involved. With other combinations, you need to carefully select the pieces to ensure the colors will not clash. With a monochrome outfit, you can be confident that all of the pieces will look good when worn together. SHOP THESE OUTFITS AT THE END OF THE POST.

Black is a popular monochrome outfit and is super chic. For a more colorful option try army green/olive, navy blue, or pink!

Pink and army green are wonderful when using variations of one color in an outfit. 

 

2. Complementary Combination

Each color on the color wheel has a contrasting color. Green & Red, Yellow & Purple, Blue & Orange. The contrast of these colors is easy on the eyes and visually appealing.

One color brings out the best hue of the other, thus creating a complement to one another. Various shades of each color can be used in this color scheme. SHOP THESE OUTFITS AT THE END OF THE POST.

For best results: remember the 80/20 rule. Aim for an complementary color outfit to contain about 80% of one color and 20% of the other color. Anything too close to 50/50 proportions for this scheme will end up looking more like a sports uniform than a chic outfit.

 

3. Neutral & Statement Color

Neutral colors can create a ground, intentional aesthetic to a colorful outfit. Maintaining a neutral base is key with this color matching method. 

With a neutral outfit base, pops of color can easily be added to create interest and make a statement.

Neutrals pair well with bright colors, pastels, and even bold colors.

TIP: To optimize this color scheme, opt for colors that have the same undertone as the neutral base. Undertones can either be warm or cold. Warm leaning toward orange/red and cool leaning toward blue/gray tone.

 

4. Bold 

Bold outfits utilizes the most saturated shade of 2-3 colors to create and eye-catching look. This works best using 2 complementary colors and 1 basic, black or white.

TIP: Go for a bright white shirt as the starting point of this color combination. Then add bold color with the remaining outfit pieces.

 

5. Subtle

Opposite of a bold color scheme, a subtle color combination outfit uses muted color tones.

Example of muted tone colors include sage, maroon, dusty blue, and mauve. While these can be paired with black or white, you can also wear these colors with neutrals such as gray, tan, navy, and beige.

Unlike bold colored outfits, subtle colors create a calm, approachable, and soft look.

 

6. Neutral

Finally, the last option on the list is neutral. If none of the above options matches your style, just stick with the basics for colour matching in clothes.

This is the most versatile and timeless color scheme to have in your wardrobe. 

Neutral colors include black or navy, white, gray, camel, tan, and olive green.

Neutral stripes and leopard print are easy additions to any neutral outfit. These patterns can add visual interest that most people feel is lacking from a neutral wardrobe.

 

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