WHAT IS COLOUR THEORY? :
I have touched on this in one of my first posts on the colour wheel. This is a fundamental thing to learn if you really want to go deep into fashion and how colour works. If you don't, it's still a very important aspect to learn and have in your tool belt. This colour wheel is the very basis of what you will need to know off by heart, or you can print this one out to have on a wall in your wardrobe, as a handy bit of info close to you. Once you use it you will become so familiar with it that it will be second nature to you, and you will become an expert. Other colours like black and white are added colours. And neutrals are also part of it. So don't forget to use those in your wardrobe too. Colour theory is the way in which colours are used on the colour wheel to mix and match them to make harmonious outfits.
WHAT DOES THIS EVEN MEAN? :
For those who have studied art, design and photography will know how important the colour wheel is in any design, image or outfit. Colour harmonies are the colours that match with each other, depending on the scheme you choose.
The first five schemes are the main ones you need to know and learn, they are the monochromatic, analogous, complimentary, split complimentary and triadic. You can also use the tetrad and square but I feel like they are a bit complicated and too fussy. I always like the rule of threes in an outfit, or even in home decorating.
MONOCHROMATIC OUTFITS :
This is when you pick one colour and then use the hue, shade, and tint of it in your whole outfit. For example, if you choose the colour pink, then you can wear the original pink colour, with a lighter pink, and an even lighter pink. Or even darker pink, as long as the pink is in the same colour palette. If it has a tinge of purple, blue or green it will not work. It must be from the same family of pink. Like the image to the left.
This is a great trick if you want to look really well put together, it looks like you made a huge effort, when really it was as simple as using one colour over and over. Try it.
ANALOGOUS OUTFITS :
This is when you take three colours on the colour wheel that are closest/next to each other but not the same colour. It is usually 3 colours minimum. In this example there is purple, orange and blue. You could use the same colours but in a different combination, like a blue top, purple pants and orange shoes. Or any other combination with the same colours. It is a fun way to use colour that is pleasing to the eye. But make sure that they are of the same hue. You can't use a pastel purple with a bright orange and blue. They must all be of the same brightness as each other to work.
Try this out too.
COMPLIMENTARY OUTFITS :
This is where you choose two colours on the colour wheel that are exactly the opposite from each other. These colours usually have a striking contrast to each other and that's why they work. And they are usually one from the warm side of the colour wheel and the other is from the cool side of the colour wheel. They work because one is usually darker than the other. Just like the example in the image, the dark blue allows the orange to pop, even though they are both quite bold colours. It is always just two colours. you can try any colour combination, they are amazing together.
Try it out.
SPLIT COMPLIMENTARY OUTFITS :
This is when you choose a colour on the colour wheel and then you go directly across the wheel but use the two colours on either side of that colour. Like in the image, it has yellow as it's chosen colour and then blue and red as the split colours. This combination always has three colours in it. And you can use them in any way you want. It's a bit hard to do but follow images as this and you'll be on the right path.
Try it out.
TRIADIC OUTFITS :
This is when you choose a colour on the colour wheel and then choose the other two that are equally apart from each other in a triangle. So, in this case, the chosen colour is orange and then the purple and green are the added colours to make the triangle. Remember to keep all the colours on the same level of brightness and use this combination in many ways.
It could get tricky, but when done right, can look amazing.
Try it out.
TIP : What I would suggest is to play around with what you already have in your wardrobe before going and buying anything else. Take out clothes you think might look good together and use the colour wheel to help you. Have fun and enjoy the process, that's what clothes should be, fun!
QUOTE OF THE DAY : "The BEST colour
in the world is the
colour that looks good
on you!"
By: Coco Chanel.
Thanks for all of your love and support. Hope you enjoyed another one from me. Cheers till next time from, The Style Secrets.
FASHION
IS
MY
PASSION
Colour Harmonies revealed.
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