There’s a reason why so many people opt for a simple wardrobe filled with pieces in black, white and neutral tones only. A minimalist wardrobe is an easy way to get the most out of your clothes and maximize versatility within your closet. However, the minimalist route isn’t for everyone. Even if your style doesn’t always include loud colors or prints, you might be wondering how to find a happy medium by adding a bit more color into your everyday and special occasion outfits. Welcome to your crash course in mastering wardrobe color combinations.
Whether you’re looking to add a bit of subtle color through accessories when styling a little black dress or you’re ready to try an ensemble full of bold and colorful pieces, this guide is your ultimate color combination companion. Read on to learn more about specific color combinations for different occasions, as well as general tips, guidelines and styling ideas to inspire your next colorful and cohesive outfit.
The Basics of Color Combinations
This might feel like a quick flashback to elementary school art class, but when in doubt, take a moment to refer back to the color wheel. The color combinations that work best are shades that fall side by side on the color wheel or on the very opposite side (aka complementary colors). If you’ve ever seen certain colors paired together in an outfit that look good together but you’re not sure why, chances are these colors are complementary to some degree. Look to the color wheel for insight and inspiration with clothing colors of all kinds.
It’s a good idea to take color inspiration from the seasons, which is why darker, more rich colors are typically worn in the fall and winter months and brighter, lighter colors are more popular in the spring and summer. No matter the season, however, it’s totally possible to easily incorporate added color. For example, a classic cold weather outfit might incorporate black flare jeans and a black turtleneck with added pops of deep violet and warm golden shades. These two color families are across from each other on the color wheel, so they’re complementary and look great when worn together! When styling these colors in your outfits, think about how you might incorporate them subtly through jewelry, belts and other accessories or as more of a focal point through a hat or coat.
Styling Color Combinations by Occasion
Color isn’t just for formal celebrations and music festivals. While these events are a great place to make a bold and colorful statement with your outfit, it’s possible to add color into virtually any look. For nicer occasions, you can opt for a colorful dress that will stand out from the neutral or black options. Instead of wearing all black or white accessories, think about adding in metallics, as well as colors that are complementary to the color of your dress. A royal or cobalt blue dress pairs beautifully with rich orange and red-orange tones, and a deep red ensemble is elevated by forest green tones. Add as much or as little color as you like to finish off your special occasion look.
On the other hand, casual occasions also allow for color experimentation. This might be a comfortable place to start for those who aren’t used to wearing a whole lot of color. Since many casual outfits involve some sort of top and bottoms combination, incorporating color is easy and highly customizable. A pair of dark wash jeans and a golden-colored sweater is a great outfit example because the dark blue denim complements the orange or gold-based shade of the sweater. Finish off this color combo with gold hoops and a fun pair of sneakers for a nice break from your usual all-black daytime outfit.
However, black does work great as a base if you’re not looking to add that much color. Break out your favorite black skinny jeans or black faux leather leggings to act as the base of the outfit. The world of cute tops for women offers something for absolutely everyone, so pick a top that is best for you in terms of color, fit and style. You can leave the black and single color combination as is for a simpler look or add in neutrals and complementary colors to add some depth.
Accessorize and Customize
Accessories are vital to outfit color stories. It’s easy to incorporate colorful women’s scarves into any outfit if you need an extra splash of color. If your jewelry game is strong, think about investing in some statement earrings that feature colorful beaded designs or stones in your most-worn colors. This way, you can control how much color you add to any given outfit.
Learning to incorporate different color combinations into your wardrobe should be about wearing more of the colors you love and finding the shades that look best on you personally. If the color combination seems ingenuine or doesn’t make you feel great, don’t get discouraged. Keep trying different combinations until you find your favorites!
Article Submitted By Community Writer
