How to Match Clothes Using the Color Wheel
Coordinating outfits isn’t as hard as it sometimes seems. Use these tips for applying an understanding of basic color theory to mix and match outfits from your wardrobe:
Begin with analogous colors. Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel and they share a common hue. When incorporating new colors into your wardrobe, find a color that feels safe to you—for example, light blue. On the color wheel, blue falls between teal and blue-violet. If you feel comfortable with light blue, add on a teal or blue-violet for a subtle, two-color palette.
Embrace the complementary colors. Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel and can make for a beautiful power clash: Think fuchsia and chartreuse, or burgundy and forest green. When you make bold color choices, both colors stand out.
Wear accessories that don’t “match.” Unless you're going for a full monochrome look, don't worry about matching your belt to your handbag and shoes. Smaller accessories are actually a great place to experiment with bright colors.
Mix neutral colors. Neutral colors are a great base for working with brighter colors, but they can also work together. Color mixing isn't just about bold colors—neutrals like brown, black, navy blue, and white almost always pair well, so don't be afraid to wear black pants with brown shoes.
Wear denim as a neutral color. Consider denim a neutral color, meaning you can mix it with any other color (including blue) and it will probably look great. This also means you can mix denims. The easiest way to do it is with shades of denim that are similar to each other but different enough that your look won't be too matchy. Try pairing mid-wash jeans with a light-wash denim shirt, or dark-wash jeans with a mid-wash denim jacket.
Organize your closet according to the color wheel. Simplify the process of choosing an outfit by organizing your closet by color. Color-coordinating your closet will make it easier to find exactly what you're looking for, and it will also help you create new color combinations. Grab the piece that you want to wear and hold it up next to the other items in your closet; you'll be able to see which color families work best with your main color.