How To: Mix Colors in your Wardrobe

In my job I see a lot of women trying to stretch their wardrobe from season to season. One of the best ways to do that is by finding new ways of mixing together what you already own, by using colors. There is a whole world of cute outfits awaiting you in your closet right now. So many women I meet are afraid of color, not to mention mixing it. Color is your friend. Color actually affects your brain on a daily basis. You make choices based on color, so why would you want to wear only black everyday. Adding and Mixing color will not only stretch your wardrobe longer but it will also brighten your mood.

This is where the How To will come in handy. It is easier than you think. Knowledge is power, and I'm going to give you some helpful outfit mixing power tips.

First things first; understanding the color wheel!

The Basic Color Wheel

Colors next to each other = Complimentary Colors

Colors across from each other = Contrasting Colors
Blue & Orange
Purple & Yellow
Red & Green

More in depth Color Wheel


This shows you how colors evolve. All colors can be traced back to the 3 primary colors: Red, Yellow, and Blue in the center of the circle. The first ring shows you what colors have been created by mixing the primary colors: Blue and Yellow = Green, Yellow and Red = Orange, Red and Blue = Purple. The second ring are colors that have been created by mixing neutral colors to make shades.

Neutral Colors


Neutral colors are a great foundation for any outfit. You do not have to use them, because as I have said it is okay to mix lots of colors with no neutrals involved. Neutrals are a great way to fill in the blanks in your outfits.

***It is important to note that Denim is considered a neutral in your wardrobe!***


How to Mix:


Complimentary Mix:

* Pick two or three complimentary colors and put them together. You can layer in as many shades of these colors as you want, and mix in neutrals when you get stumped. Even your accessories can be colorful.

Here is an example of only "Warm Complimentary" colors used to make an outfit. By me.

Here is an example of mixing "Cool Complimentary" colors used to make an outfit.  By me.


* When picking jewelry to go with your outfit; choose gold with warm colors and silver when wearing cool colors.

* A simple way to wear Complimentary Colors is to choose a neutral skirt and complimentary tops. Ex: A Black pencil skirt with a Orange top and Red cardigan.


Contrasting Mix:


* This is my favorite to do! Pick a contrasting mix you want to work with. Use the top or jacket as one color and the bottom the next, then work from there. Add neutrals if you need to.

Here is an example of a Blue and Orange Contrasting Mix. By Me.


* When picking jewelry to mix with your outfit use the contrasting color jewelry. We have warm and cool tones when using contrasting colors, so you have to go by what it will be touching or closest to in order to contrast. For example: In this outfit the top is Blue, a cool color; this is why I chose gold earrings, necklace and bangle. If the top was Orange and the pants were Blue, I would have used silver.

* A simple way to Contrasting colors is to wear a dress in one color and add the contrasting color in a jacket or belt. Ex: A Purple dress with a thick Yellow belt.

Compliment & Contrast Together:


* When you choose to make your outfit about Complimentary Colors you can add a pop of contrast with you accessories.

Here is an example of complimentary pants and shoes, neutral top and jacket, then a contrasting Blue scarf.

Her is an example of complimentary pants and scarf, neutral top and jacket, and  a contrasting Blue shoe.

Here is an example of complimentary skirt and top, neutral accessories, and contrasting Orange jacket.

Primary Colors:

* A fun and easy thing to do is wear only primary colors. Use one item of each color and make the rest neutral.

Here is a great example of a cute "Primary Color" Outfit.

http://www.glistersandblisters.com/2010/03/primary-colors.html

* When choosing jewelry. Pick one piece to focus on (ex: the necklace) and choose either warm/gold or cool/silver based on what it will be closest too (like the contrasting colors). Once you have chosen, make all the other the same.

Pastel Mixing: HOT TREND!

* When mixing pastel colors, mix as much as you like; in fact the more colors the better as long as they are pastel. If you get stuck you can use neutrals, but only the lighter spectrum of neutrals; white, cream, tan, and lt. grey.

Here is an example of Pastel outfits.

http://patrizia-molechino.360fashion.net/2012/03/latest-trends-are-pastels-the-new-color-block.php

* When mixing in jewelry, the safest bet is Silver because pastel colors are a shades of colors that have had a lot of white added to them. This takes the intensity of the color down. Silver is low intensity vs. gold's high intensity. With this being said you can use rose gold or gold to add a pop to your outfit.

Try It!!!

This is an example of Both Sides. The Jeans and Green cardigan are the items I want to wear. The Right is Contrasting with coral top, shoes, and bangle, with tan neutral bag. The Left side is Complimentary with a lt. green t-shirt and neutral black bag, shoes, and bangle.

* Try contrasting first with these easy starter outfits:

1.) Solid color dress with Contrasting/Complimentary belt. Shoes and Bag can match the belt or be neutral.

2.) Jeans with Contrasting/Complimentary top and cardigan. Chose any color shoe & bag.

3.) Contrasting/Complimentary top and skirt, with neutral accessories.

* Another really easy way to start out is adding in Pops of Color:

1.) Jeans and a neutral top with Pop of Color shoe, bag or cardigan; like Yellow.

Now go in to your wardrobe and see what outfits you can create using these new color mixing tricks. Feel free to message me any questions!

If you like this look for my next blog about how to mix prints and patterns together. :)