How to Mix and Match Colors in Clothing

 

Nature at it's Best

Step outside in a hurry! 

There is a commotion in nature,

A contrast so harmonious.

Learn from the flowers you plain Jane's,

Study its affectionate love making,

Observe its boldness,

Take a look at nature at it's best.

Don't mind my clumsy poem, I was truly inspired by nature to write this article as a whole. One of the most fundamental lessons to learn in fashion is how to mix and match colors, and unlike some vague theories you may have read earlier or heard about. This is a simple article on how to mix and match colors in clothing taking a cue from nature. Nature says it all, everything that has ever been said or would ever be said about mixing colors. 

Therefore in this article I would give Six simple and practical tips on how to mix colors from the simplest to the hardest and boldest choices you can make, when it comes to fashion. To make it more interesting, you can do a Six weeks trial of practicing each step per week. It would elevate your mood and affect your outward appearance positively, coupled with an improved perception of you from others.

SIX WAYS TO MIX AND MATCH COLORS IN YOUR OUTFIT

⦁ Try other neutrals asides from white and black

⦁ Try monochrome

⦁ Try mixing Primary colors

⦁ Try Analogous colors

⦁ Try wearing contrasting colors.

⦁ Try Triadic Colors

1. Neutral Colors

In fashion, neutral colors are considered to be those that lack any or have a small amount of colour. Most people think of beige, brown, black, and gray as neutrals,  but plenty of other colors fall into this category. Some colors have neutral-like characteristics, such as earth tones like sage and olive greens, burnt orange, sand, and shades of blue including navy and denim. 

True neutral color is any color that you don’t see on a typical color wheel, meaning it actually lacks color pigment. I like to think of a neutral color as something that doesn’t compete with any other color. That’s what makes them such great wardrobe staples because you can mix and match neutral pieces together and not worry about anything clashing.

Another color that fall into this category are metallic. Wearing gold or silver instead of traditional neutrals makes for an outfit that's way more fun.

An interesting twist to neutral colors aside mixing and matching them together, you could also try spicing them up with an equally bold pop of color color. It would really make a statement. 

2. Monochrome Colors

As the name suggests, mono meaning one and chroma meaning color, a monochromatic outfit consists different pieces of clothing in either the same color or different shades of the same color. So if you are dressed in the same hue from head to toe you are basically wearing a monochromatic outfit.

On a lazy day when you can not think of anything else to wear, try monochrome. They are great rescuers in time of fashion crisis. especially shades of blue or pink, asides being incredibly simple to mix, those are my favorites. 

If the concept of mixing completely different colors is seriously freaking you out, start with one color, and really own it. I mean, wear that hue and only that hue in every piece of your outfit.

3. Primary Color

The craziest fashion stunt I have pulled till date was mixing primary colors together, and I must confess it was satisfying. If you're really ready to mix it up, begin with the primary colors. The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue; although I still argue till date that green is also a primary colors. In another word, you can also say primary colors, are colors that are all around you. The blue sky, green grass, yellow sun and red flowers. 

These tones look great color-blocked or if they come in flowery or stripped pattern. The sharp contrast may make you cringe at first but if you try it out you would appear as beautiful and cheerful than ever.

4. Analogous Colors

My first encounter with Analogous colors was searching the work of the popular designer Brandon Maxwell. Brandon has a thing with mixing and matching analogous colors that it makes you crave to try them. I saw his mixture of red and pink, greens and bluish greens and I was fascinated.

Analogous colors are shades that sit next to each other on the color wheel. They’re friends- best friends even! They work seamlessly together to ensure your outfit hues align perfectly. 

The key to analogous color combinations is to start off with your base color. For example, if you start with orange as your base color, you can easily build around that by including colors that are on either side of it on the color wheel, like yellow and pink. This analogous color style guide will give your look a sense of consistency without making it feel boring. Check the color wheel to fully understand it.

5. Contrasting Colors

Just because they're on different sides doesn't mean they don't go together in an ensemble. Contrasting colors are colors that differ from one another. Levels of contrast vary from high to low, depending on their position on the color wheel. For example, colors that are directly opposite one another on the color wheel have the highest contrast possible, while colors next to one another have a low contrast.

6. Triadic Colors

The combination of colors that are equidistant (intermediate)  from each other on the color wheel is called ‘triadic.’ They look great together, but some might argue that they can be over the top. The idea is to keep your color selections evenly spaced out to avoid running the risk of mismatching and losing harmony.

Triadic color schemes are the grown-up version of analogous colors. They are pairings that are evenly spaced out on the color wheel.

The idea that everything goes with black or white is something that is exceptionally simple to wrap your head around, and with everything else that goes on in your life, especially if you are a Nigerian,  simple is a welcomed sentiment. But what if you want to go out of your way and mix and match colors like a fashion genius? I know your fear has been stopping you but with this tool in hand, I hope you go all the way out, be amazing, shine and dazzle like dynamites.