Ladies, have you ever wondered which colors harmonize with each other? If so, you're not the only one. Matching colors in your outfits might appear challenging, but it doesn't have to be. Read on for a fail-safe starting point on discovering great color pairings using the fundamentals of color theory.
“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.” — Pablo Picasso
Decoding the Color Wheel
To become adept at color theory and finding the perfect color combinations, it's essential to grasp the color wheel for clothing. Let's take a brief look at the basics. The graphic above demonstrates the relationship between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Primary colors are red, blue, and yellow, while secondary colors result from blending two primary colors.
Do you remember your first attempts at mixing paint colors? Red and blue form violet, red and yellow make orange, and blue and yellow generate green. Tertiary colors are produced by combining primary and secondary colors. Simple enough, right? This valuable guide showcases a spectrum of fundamental colors, ranging from cool to warm hues. Generally, the most attractive color combinations are directly opposite one another on the wheel, thus the term "complementary colors." Although color theory is more complex, mastering these basic principles is a strong foundation.
“All colors are the friends of their neighbors and the lovers of their opposites.” — Marc Chagall
Using the Color Wheel in Clothing Choices
Curious about how the color wheel applies to fashion styling? While blue and orange may seem like a surprising duo, they offer the most contrast. In women's fashion, this rule may not always hold true for colors that typically complement each other. For example, red and green are complementary colors, but together, they might evoke a holiday theme. Nonetheless, we're all for the festive ambiance. Adjacent colors on the wheel, such as blue and teal, are considered harmonious. These combinations provide low contrast but blend well, creating a visually appealing ensemble.