How to combine colors in fashion

Now that Spring and Summer is rolling around we tend to really play with color in our wardrobe. However, I know it can be a little overwhelming not knowing were to start of even if the colors, textures, patterns go well together. For today's blog I am sharing a little trick I like to use when trying to spice up a look or simply make sure the colors go well together. I love using a color wheel, you can print one out from the web or you can go to your local craft store and purchase one to have with you at all times for reference. The great thing about the color wheel or color theory is that you can implement it in any area of your life.

I love the color wheel because its your own cheat cheat of what colors look good together. Once you have the basics down and understand how you can combine colors you are going to see things differently.

Let's look at the color wheel below and use Yellow as an example, if you see there are different layers that make that one color. You also have your primary, secondary and tertiary colors. These are all colors are made up of each other. I want to be able to simplify things and not go into to deep with color theory and explain how you can use the wheel to help you combine colors.


DIRECT COMPLIMENTARY COLORS

If you see the smaller wheels to the right of the diagram, you will notice the Direct Complementary diagram. That is when you take one color in this case Yellow and select the color that is directly across from it making it it's complimentary color. Meaning you can combine these two colors and they will look great. However, be cautious when doing this as sometimes these colors can be very bright and seasonal, like red and green. The example show a dress with a hint of neon yellow and a light violet work together as they are complimentary.





SLIP COMPLEMENTARY COLORS

Now take a look at the Split complementary colors, for this technique you are taking one color which is going to be your base and the other two colors that are next to the complimentary color across from your main color. The example shows different hues of the colors on the wheel which is a great example on how you can use different shades.








TRIAD COMPLEMENTARY COLORS

Now lets looks at the last example, with this technique you are taking three colors one as your base and the other two at equal distances. The example shows more than three colors but if you see the color wheel these are colors that complement each other.









Hope that is opened up your eyes and you can see colors in a different way specially when you are trying to incorporate it into your wardrobe. This is a great way to bring life to your outfit by simply adding a little color. Fashion is meant to be fun and a little daring.  Thank you for reading!


XOXOXO,

Jenny A.