Creating the perfect outfit for any occasion involves a lot of decision-making. Choosing the right kinds of clothing pieces and accessories is an essential part of this process, but creating an appealing ensemble doesn’t end there. Mixing and matching the right outfit colors is just as important if you want to achieve a stylish look. After all, mismatched colors can turn any outfit into an eyesore, no matter how sophisticated your clothing pieces may be.
Determining which colors go well together may seem tricky and intimidating at first, but it’s actually a fairly simple process once you’ve familiarized yourself with some basic rules. Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment with various color combinations, as it’s all part of the learning process. Try on different clothing pieces in front of a mirror and see what works best (or what doesn’t). Pretty soon, you’ll soon be matching outfit colors like a pro. If you want to learn some fundamental color matching tips, below is a simple guide to help you get started:
Set a Solid Foundation with Neutral Colors
Outfits can come in all kinds of colors, which means you’ll never run out of choices when mixing and matching your clothes. However, choosing from a wide variety of shades might seem like a daunting task for some. Fortunately, you can create a great color-coordinated outfit with minimal effort by using neutral shades. These shades include black, brown, white, grey, blue, navy, khaki, and olive.
The great part about neutral shades is that they look great with almost any color, making it easier to mix and match clothing pieces for a variety of stylish outfits. You can pair neutral shades together or combine them with other colors. For instance, if you’re in the habit of wearing cotton leggings every day, then consider buying them in neutral shades. This way, you can match them with almost anything, be it neutral-colored cardigans or bright blouses.
Avoid Monochromatic Outfit Combinations
As much as you like a certain color, avoid wearing clothes that all come in the same shade. An example of this would be matching a bright yellow shirt with dark yellow pants. While it’s possible to look good in these kinds of outfit combinations, they require a certain amount of skill and special technique to pull off. Unless you know exactly how to create monochromatic outfits, wearing clothes in similar shades is likely to produce unappealing results.
Try Foolproof Color Combos
The general rule of thumb when pairing outfits is to choose colors that complement each other, but you don’t have to study a color wheel to find some great shades for your clothing ensemble. There are a few timeless colors that can be combined to create effortlessly stunning looks. Below is a list of some color pairs that you can always depend on:
Grey and Pink
Grey is an all-around neutral color that looks good on many outfit pieces. While a grey-colored outfit can stand on its own, you might want to add a nice pop of color to liven it up. That said, try matching grey with pink. Grey outfits offer a more subdued look, so pink can add a touch of femininity and cuteness for a balanced color combo. For instance, you can wear a grey one-piece dress with a powder pink coat or a simple grey shirt with light pink joggers.
Blue and Orange
Blue and orange are complementary colors on the color wheel, which means they’re really meant to look good together. Combining outfits in different shades of blue and orange can create eye-catching ensembles that are sure to impress. For a unique touch, you can combine dark orange shades—those that almost look brown, but aren’t—with dark blues like navy. Pair an orange top with light blue pants or a dark blue dress with some orange accessories.
Yellow and Green
Yellow and green are beautiful colors that may remind you of a verdant field on a summer day. Plus, they look wonderful on most skin tones. If you have a warmer skin tone, you can try out brighter shades of yellow and green. On the other hand, if you have a cooler skin tone, then dark shades of green and yellow work great. Pair a white blouse with a yellow blazer and green pants, or match a black dress with a green trench coat and yellow scarf for a winning combination.
Use Color Contrast to Achieve a Balanced Look
As you may have noticed in the previous section, contrast plays a key role in matching outfit colors. Black or grey clothes can stand on their own but may look drab or boring without a pop of bright color. Similarly, wearing too many bright colors can make your outfit loud and painful to the eyes. Contrast helps give your outfits a more appealing and balanced look, as it prevents you from using colors that clash or overtake each other. When mixing your outfit pieces, try alternating them to balance their respective shades. For example, if you’re wearing a bright shirt, give some contrast with dark-colored pants, then tie them together with bright or neutral-colored shoes.
Focus On the Main Hue When Matching Multi-Color Garments
If you want to incorporate a multi-colored garment into your ensemble, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, try to wear only one multi-colored clothing piece. Too many multi-colored clothes can be visually distracting and overwhelming, so make sure to pair them with solid-colored pieces for proper contrast. For instance, a gingham skirt could be paired with a plain white blouse. Secondly, when matching multi-color garments, pay attention to their overall shade. For instance, a gingham skirt can contain shades of red and white, but it may have more red than white. After you’ve determined the main shade of your outfit, you can then decide on the right colors to pair it with. If you’re having some difficulty doing this, remember that you can always match multi-colored garments with neutral-colored ones to guarantee a balanced and cohesive outfit.
Mixing and matching outfit colors is an art, and much like any art form, it requires some practice. However, this doesn’t have to be a complicated process with the right knowledge. As long as you utilize neutral shades, avoid monochromatic combinations, and contrast your colors, you’re sure to create stylish and eye-catching outfits time and time again.
