The monochrome look can be pretty dull, so dare to bare a bit of colour! Which colours mix well and which ones clash? Here's our advice on how to wear colours and match them to your colouring and complexion, in your own original way.
In
fashion, as in art, there are ways of mixing colours from the colour wheel so that you never get it wrong. You mix colours in contrast or in camaïeu.
- The
colour wheel consists of shades of primary colours (blue, red, magenta and yellow); secondary colours (green, orange and purple) which are produced by mixing primary colours; and tertiary colours made from a mixture of primary and secondary (purple, scarlet, indigo, turquoise and gold).
- Contrast: a mix of two colours which are opposite each other on the colour wheel.
- Camaïeu: a mix of two very similar shades, for example beige and cream.
Basic rules
-Balance out your figure with colour. As a rule, take one dominant colour and mix it with others that combine with and enhance your ruling colour.
- Don't wear three completely different colours if you don't want to look disorganised or like a clown...
- BUT you can add one colour to tone another down.
- Black and white are not thought of as colours and are rarely found naturally in their pure state, which means they go with any colour.
- Neutral grey also goes with many colours.
- Always go for darker colours on your bottom half; light colours tend to make you look bigger.
- Bright, light and even loud colours go better on your top half; they brighten up your outfit and your face.
-Don't forget your colourful shoes and accessories!!
Colour combinations to highlight your colouring
Dark skin and brown hair? These combinations will suit you:
- Pink and orange
- Red and black
- Pink and mint green
- Green and beige
- Plum and beige
- Red and grey
Pale skin and brown or chestnut hair? These combinations will suit you:
- Beige and white
- Navy blue and beige
- Brown and yellow
- Brown and off-white
- Grey and brown
Pale skin and blonde, chestnut or red hair? These combinations will suit you:
- Chocolate brown and red
- Black and white
- Khaki and chocolate brown
- Camel brown and black
- Grey and black
- Lilac and brown
Colour clashes to avoid
According to traditional dress codes, the big colour clashes come from shades that are next to or close to each other on the colour wheel. Yet some opposites like yellow and violet just don't go together well. Here are some of the big faux pas to avoid:
- Green and blue
- Brown and black
- Red and pink
- Navy blue and black
- Plum and violet
- Lilac and pink
Exceptions
This winter,
designers have been breaking the rules and mixing navy with black.
Christian Lacroix and
Vivienne Westwood have risked it and proved that they can go together, albeit with the right
accessories and prints. Think black dress with blue print or flowers or black tights with a blue dress - great for giving a subdued outfit an original touch.
Mixing and matching colours
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