The secret to always having an impeccable style is to know how to properly combine the colors of your clothes. Have you ever had the feeling that your clothes were not well paired? We are here to help you.
The color wheel or palette is the easiest way to understand how colors are combined so that the result is pleasing to the eye.
Color matching is just as important as the fit of our clothes, so we have put together all the necessary information you need to know.
When it comes to colors, men tend to get lost in terms of terminology: fuchsia, turquoise or brown are not words they usually use to describe a shirt we wear.
In order to better understand and simplify the choice of color, we must become familiar with the color palette. These sets of rules are adopted and applied by designers and stylists, but you should consider what best suits your skin tone, what complements your style or what is appropriate for the event you are attending.
In the first part of our article, you will learn more about colors and in the second part, we will discuss how you can mix and match colors like a pro. Happy reading!
The Fashion Color Wheel
The color wheel was developed in 1666 by Sir Isaac Newton and remains the basis of all color theories. It has been established that there are 12 basic colors, called shades, and two that are not colored, namely black and white. Gray, as a combination of these two colors, is neutral, depending on the degree of darkness or lightness.
The 12 shades combined with black or white can create an unlimited number of derived colors called the color wheel for clothing. Most garment colors are a muted form of their original hues. They can be lightened by adding white to create a hue or darkened by adding black to create a shade.
To understand which colors combine with each other, you need to know that the color wheel is divided into three parts.
(i) The Primary Colors
– Red
– Yellow
– Blue
Red, yellow and blue are the only colors that cannot be combined by mixing other colors. They are the strongest tones and, without shades or shadows, they are very vivid for the eyes. Because they are bright and intense, they attract the eye, and not always in the right way.
On the shelves of a more eccentric store, you may find a bright red suit, a yellow trench coat or a bright blue leather jacket. You don’t always have to buy it! If you’re a big fan of bright red, yellow or pure blue, use these colors for details or smaller pieces of clothing. For example, choose a piece of clothing that has small accents with the unaltered primary colors: a bow tie, a handkerchief or a pocket.
(ii)Secondary Colors
– Green
– Orange
– Purple
Each of the three secondary colors is the result of combining two primary colors. Yellow mixed with blue becomes green, red mixed with yellow becomes orange, and red mixed with blue becomes purple.
Secondary colors are direct opposites of primary colors, so they are complementary colors.
A combination of complementary colors usually stands out more. The eye is more likely to spot a complementary outfit, even if it doesn’t understand the patterns, for example. A common mistake is to combine two large complementary pieces of clothing thinking that they will complement each other. A pair of blue pants will not go well with an orange jacket, nor will a pair of red shoes save a green suit.
The best way to use the power of complementary colors is to develop a sense of detail.
For example, pair a pair of green shoes with red laces. If you have a blue blazer, get an orange pocket handkerchief or buy a purple shirt with yellow buttons. All of these options may seem too adventurous, but if you keep the rest of the ensemble in view, it will work wonders.
Colors in Between
– Purple red
– Orange red
– Yellow orange
– Yellow green
– Blue green
– Blue violet
This is where you really need to pay attention. The key to improving your style is to know your intermediate colors, also called tertiary colors. These colors are not tints or shades of the primary and secondary colors, but the colors themselves. And if you really think about it: are you more likely to buy yellow or yellow-orange pants? Will you ever buy a purple jacket, or would you rather buy purple blue?
Because some of these shades are not as strong as the previous ones, they are easier to incorporate into the wardrobe without any effort. Knowing the tertiary hues also shows that you should stay away from yellow-green and red-orange.
Now that you know more about colors, come back to check the second part of the article to learn how to wear colored clothes.
Meanwhile, what is your favorite colored item piece in your wardrobe? Let us know in the comments below!