Matching colors for outfits is a fascinating process, but it requires some essential style principles understanding. Here are some tips on how to match hues to make your look balanced, “tasty”, and appealing.
Itten Color Wheel. The gold standard for color matching
If you are unsure whether certain colors will look harmonious together, refer to the Itten Color Wheel, which consists of 12 shades. This will help you find the best basic color combos.
Contrasting shades that are opposite each other work best together: green goes well with red, orange with blue, and coral is a perfect match for the shade of a sea wave. Sometimes you need to find a pair for a hue that is not on the basic color palette. For example, mint is a derivative of blue and green, so its opposite is pink and its shades (orange, coral).
SOLMAR choice:
For a more calm and balanced look, combine shades next to each other in a color matching wheel. Such a look will be perceived as softer and more refined, showing your sense of style.
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Electric Blue Oversized Roll Up Sleeve T-Shirt
If you want to create a flawless outfit with three bright colors, choose those equally spaced from each other in the Itten diagram, forming an equilateral triangle. For example, the orange, purple, and green shade combination is a great mix.
To combine four colors in one look, use the rectangle rule. Take one shade as the base, then add colors that are one and three sectors away from it. The color opposite to the main one becomes the accent color.
Some more useful tips about basic color combos
Here are a few more secrets to show off your impeccable taste.
Play with shades of the same saturation. The look will be more elegant if you mix two or more shades of equal saturation. Discreet beige pants create a harmonious ensemble with a muted green long sleeve.
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Green Long Sleeve Viscose Shirt
Combine shades of different saturation to make basic color combinations more sophisticated. A dark chocolate T-shirt and light beige shorts is a great ensemble.
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If you're afraid of bright color combinations in your clothes, get some colored accessories first. A red strap, an orange handbag, or a turquoise cap will add some expressiveness to your look. Or just add a colorful sweater draped loosely over your shoulders to a neutral basic dress.
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Keep “complex” colors away from your face. If you are unsure that some shade suits you, better first to choose shoes or a skirt in this hue.
Add one bright shade. You will look really “wow” if you take a neutral color (gray, white, black, etc.) as a base and dilute it with one small accent detail. This way you will balance the look and create a completely new mood.
SOLMAR choice:
Play with hues, mix shades, find your unique combos, and remember: the best color combinations for clothes are the ones you personally like.