Hi Friends,
Are you happiest just keeping to your neutral, black and white wardrobe because you feel like you don’t have a CLUE about which colours actually suit each other…and which don’t?
That’s exactly why I can’t wait to share with YOU this simple guide to colour matching and explain why it’s SO perfect!
What’s more, there’s a simple formula…and that formula just happens to be the Colour Wheel! And today, I’ve applied it to YOUR wardrobe!
So let’s get started: Colour Wheel 101 – HERE WE COME!!!
These are the colours that sit right NEXT to your chosen main colour on the colour wheel.
So once you have your MAIN colour chosen, look either to the right or the left of that colour, and that’s your Analogue Colour!
These colours work because they will bring harmony to an outfit. For example, pink and red shouldn’t work together, but do because they sit right next to each other on the wheel! Pretty COOL right?
Pick a colour from the Colour Wheel that you like. Now go to the exact opposite side of the wheel – that’s your Complementary Colour… it really is that simple!
Complementary colours are the polar opposites, and though you might think they would clash – they actually set each other off very nicely!
For example, orange and blue look GREAT teamed together – even black and white are opposites, which is why they always work!
The same idea applies with your eye makeup – to bring out the green intensity in green eyes, for example, you want to wear an eyeshadow that’s the exact opposite on the colour wheel – so stick to purple, browns or mauves!
Now picture a TRIANGLE. Imagine that it’s in the middle of your colour wheel – where the three points of the triangle faces will be your Triad Colours.
By moving the triangle clockwise OR anti-clockwise, will get you three more Triad Colours each time. These three shades are ALL equidistant on the colour wheel, and by choosing this combo, you’ll achieve a balanced outfit!
If you want to keep your look streamlined and chic, then make ONE colour choice only, but team it up with other items of the same colour BUT that are different in tint, shade or saturation.
This is an easy solution when you’re buying an outfit for a special occasion and perhaps you’re not feeling confident on what other colours to match with your accessories!
Neutrals are always a safe bet – they work perfectly with ALL other colours and instantly channel that ‘Parisian chic’ vibe!
The great news is, most of us ALL own items in our wardrobes that are neutral.
They work great when worn mixed together or alone, PLUS they also suit virtually any other single (un-neutral) colour if you wish to add a ‘POP’ to your look – for example, a bright bag or shoe!
If you like to keep your colours safe and prefer to stick to wearing black, white, grey and navy, then why not try adding an accent colour – it’s a great way to add a focal point to your look!
Just adding a splash of colour to a neutral palette can help liven up the outfit, and change it from day to night!
Wearing prints is another quick way to add a bit of colour or FUN to your outfit! It adds interest, AND you can actually play up the print by choosing a colour from it to celebrate!
First, determine what colours exist in the prints, and decide which one YOU want to play up. You want to use similar colours to those found in the prints, whether in your accessories or your main clothing…bring out the colours you LOVE the most!
If you’re ever in doubt, simply print out this ‘Quick Look Guide’ below and stick it inside your wardrobe!
It contains a list of main colours matched along with other colours that they ALWAYS look great with!
Remember, you can wear MORE colours than you might think just by following a few simple tricks from the Colour Wheel! Start out with colours you LOVE and I promise you’ll be rocking that killer outfit with your fuschia handbag in NO time!
It’s all about finding your most flattering shades, and experimenting along the way – all it takes is an old colour wheel a little bit of confidence!
Have fun!
Love,
Makeup Artist | Stylist | Founder of Beautyandtheboutique.com