One of the most common questions I’m asked as an Image Consultant and Personal Stylist is, “How do I wear and mix colors?” In fact, I get the question so often from my clients, I actually created a color guide for them to utilize and have in their closets.
Hopefully, now that we’re nearing the spring weather you’ve been reaching for more colors. I came up with 3 tips to help you with wearing and mixing colors as we approach the spring time.
Utilize the Color Wheel
You may have learned back in elementary school about the color wheel and color schemes like complimentary. Well, the same rules apply to mixing colors we wear! The six most common color schemes I focus on with my clients include: complimentary, triadic, split complimentary, square, rectangle, and analogous.
Think of those color schemes when you’re struggling to know which colors “go together.” Another thing to consider is the tone of the colors, for example, pastel colors. When mixing colors, a good place to start is by keeping the tones in the same family. For example, if you’re mixing complementary colors red and green have them both be more in the pastel family or both in the brighter tones.
Understand Color in Relations to Your Body Shape
If you’ve been reading the column for awhile you may have picked up on how I focus a lot on flattering each client’s individual body shape. Believe it or not, color can affect how proportioned your body looks just as much as the silhouette of a garment can.
The number one rule of thumb I tell my clients is to remember that light and bright colors amplify and draw attention, where darker hues minimize. Simply said, if you want to bring attention to a particular part of your body opt for a light or bright color. And, if you want to draw attention away from an area choose a darker hue to wear in that area.
Know the Language of Color
Many people don’t realize color actually has its own unwritten language. It makes us and others feel certain ways when we wear it. If you’re in business you know how crucial first impressions are on your business, and the colors we wear could be affecting those first impressions.
