Express Yourself through Outfit: The Art of Color-Matching
Guest post by Helen Bradford
One of the probably most demanding things in fashion is color matching your outfit to express your style. That is why many of us simply decide to go with the black and one more color since it’s easier to match. However, there are so many vibrant and lively colors out there just waiting to be picked.
When it comes to color matching, there are many rules. Some are personal and tell a story of individual style, while others are those dictated by the newest trends in the fashion and design industry. Nevertheless, you can still rock a fabulous color outfit without breaking any rules.
Consult the color wheel
If you want to be better at matching shades, you should consult a color wheel. This scientific method dates back to 18th century when Isaac Newton invented it. It consists of categories like primary, secondary and tertiary colors.
Blue (cool) and gold (warm) accents in Cherish Flieder’s Cosmos Elements scarf design are a wonderful example of complementary colors used in one fashion accessory.
Additionally, it helps you make a difference between warm and cold colors, as well as to establish neutral tones. For example, violet, blue and green are cold colors, while red, orange and yellow are warm. A turquoise dress with a dark violet faux fur coat and lilac shoes will bring out your cheerful style.
In order to be sure that your choices are right, try to understand the relationship between various colors on the spectrum. There are certain apps which can help you with that or simply try this color calculator or print a color wheel for your reference.
Learn about the complementary colors
One of the most important things is to learn about complementary colors. These are the shades that not only go well together but are also a perfect match. For example, violet and yellow or blue and orange. These colors are opposite each other on the color wheel and you won’t be doing anything wrong by pairing them up. Pair up bronze dress with plum and evergreen details for the fall season, or choose a cocktail dress with blue-violet and dusty rose shades.
Of course, the combinations may seem daring at times, but once you learn which colors are complementary you can adjust them to your style. Usually, these colors are more present in spring and summer clothing, because of their vibrant expression. However, that is not a rule, but simply a concept many decided to follow. Therefore, try adding colorful ensembles to your winter wardrobe to freshen up your personal style.
Keep up with trends
It’s not easy to follow the newest trends in the fashion industry. However, you can simply find designers that make clothes the closest to your fashion sense and see how they incorporate colors.
For example, same patterns in different color shades achieve balance in your outfit and help you not to go overboard. This technique actually consists of mixing analog colors together. Simply put, you match several continuous shades from the wheel to gain a more dynamic and stylish look.
Try the Ómbre colored outfits like dresses starting from the brightest yellow which gradually turns to the darkest orange, and finally red. These are perfect for summer outfits and offer enough casual elegance to even use them on formal occasions.
Of course, you can always try a more bold expression like triadic. This means that you will be matching equidistant colors from the wheel and the final results may come as shocking. If you want to make a fashion statement, this will certainly be the way to do it. But, for those not so daring, choosing muted shades would do the trick, like pairing up green, pastel pink and powder blue for example.
Everything in perfect color harmony
Everything you wear is part of your outfit. From earrings to the details of hairstyle and makeup. We all have colors that look good and bad for us, as well as those we simply dislike. Before you start matching the outfit, this is something you should be aware of and respect.
For example, match beautiful handmade sandals with a single-colored dress or pair up neutral hanging earrings with the flamboyant red dress and pink purse. These are only some of the examples you can tone down.
For those timid to change their color style, try accentuating your outfits. You can do this by wearing one piece in bold color while keeping all others in the black and cream shades. This combo is perfect for work and those who are more conservative about their fashion style.
Lastly
Don’t run away from colorful items, but embrace their variety and use them to refresh your look. When in the shop, try shades you usually wouldn’t dare to wear and see how they match your complexion and personality. We all have a fashion style that is a perfect fit, it only takes time to find it.
About the author: Helen is a journalism and fashion enthusiast who always seeks new ideas to write about. She enjoys blogging about fashion, design and style trends for women. When she’s not writing, she spends her spare time being active through fitness and traveling.
