A Foolproof Guide to Matching Colors in Your Outfits

Want to mix colors like a pro? Here’s how.

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Zara mixed colors outfit

Let’s face it: Black is the go-to color for almost everyone. Most of us zero in on the simple, classic black and white pieces on a rack while completely ignoring colors with names like fuchsia or chartreuse.

Why are bright, fun colors so often overlooked? We are secretly terrified of styling them the wrong way. Every woman has her own set of color matching rules that have been passed down – most of them restrictive, involving more don’ts than yass. But in reality, you can wear more colors together than you think. This easy guide to matching colors will have you fearlessly rocking ruby red heels without Grandma’s belt-shoe-bag rule ringing in your ear.

Related reading: Is Color Analysis Worth It? I Tried Professional Color Analysis & Here’s What Happened

Introducing: The Color Wheel

color wheel diagram

You may recognize this spinning little rainbow (albeit stationary for our purposes) from your many years of mandatory art classes — I know I used it for quite a few art projects back in the day. This circle of color is going to serve as a grown-up guide to matching colors. Trust me, it’s foolproof!

How to Match Colors: The Basics

Below, I’ll show you how to match different hues together for a harmonious ensemble.

Primary Colors

Red, blue, and yellow is known as the primary colors. All other colors come from a combination of these three hues. Primary colors can work great for a monochrome look, which means styling an outfit using only one color. This idea seems basic, but when executed correctly, appears modern and chic. Utilizing only one color lengthens and streamlines the body.

light blue silk top light blue jeans light blue flats light blue tote bag gold earrings gold bangles all light blue outfit monochrome outfit

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If the monochrome look isn’t your thing and you want to get a little more daring, you can also mix primary colors in one outfit for a bold look, as seen below:

colorblock outfit primary color outfit white blazer bright blue jeans black earrings gold leaf rings red heels yellow clutch bag white tank top

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Complementary Colors

Finding complementary colors is simple: Pick any color on the color wheel (for diversity, try a secondary or tertiary color, i.e. any color that isn’t red, yellow, or blue), and trace your finger directly across the circle to the opposite portion of the wheel. What you will find is that the colors directly line up and appear to be opposites of one another. Some complementary pairings are: orange/blue, violet/yellow, turquoise/maroon.

complementary colors outfit orange and blue outfit orange blouse blue lace shorts gold layered necklaces floral cross body bag midnight blue nail polish gold sandals outfit
Outfit via Lulus

Analogous Colors

Analogous colors are even easier to find on the wheel than complementary colors. Just pick any one color on the wheel, then choose the color to the right or the left of the original — you have found your palette. Hues that are similar to one another on the color wheel create a harmonious and cohesive look. Below, I created an outfit using red and pink – which many say don’t go together, but can actually be combined for a fabulously unexpected look.

analogous colors red and pink outfit red lace slip dress pink flower crown pink frame bag gold delicate ring blush pink lace up heels outfit

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Accent Color

So you’ve mastered the color wheel. You know how to pair a killer lemon heel with a navy romper. Sometimes, though, situations require more subdued and conservative looks. For example, as much as you would love to wear your summery brights year-round, your boss isn’t exactly a fan of the color wheel (boo).

When you have to tone down the rainbow, try adding just a pop of color to your ensemble. Keep a neutral palette by using black, navy, or cream, and add just a hint of color in the right place. Fashion is all about self-expression and versatility.

business casual outfit black skirt suit with pop of color green lace blouse black blazer black pencil skirt pearl earrings silver stacked rings black pumps black scalloped bag outfit

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One Final Tip About Wearing Color

Before we go, I just want to leave you with a little reminder if you’re doubting your abilities to wear different hues.

Whatever you do, stop saying to yourself: “Well, black is supposed to be slimming. I cannot be caught dead in orange. Purple dress, purple shoes, purple flowers. (Oh my!)” Try refreshing your wardrobe with a little color, and a little confidence – you can do it! In reality, you can wear any color you want – it’s all about finding your most flattering shades and being willing to experiment.

Thoughts?

Do any of you have color matching rules your mother passed down to you? Do you think you only look good in certain colors based on skin tone or body type? Will you try to add more color in your wardrobe in the future? Let me know what you think!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2011; it was completely updated and revamped in 2022 by Sharon with new photos, outfit sets, and information.

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45 thoughts on “A Foolproof Guide to Matching Colors in Your Outfits”

  1. Love the complimentary combo and the analogous combo. Both are super summery and are a little more out of the box. Great inspiration as always. 🙂

    Reply
  2. I LOVEEE this post. I recently cut my hair off to go natural and because I no longer had long hair to hide behind I’ve had to spice up, yet simplify my style and have found myself re-working my clothes, cutting shorts, throwing earth tones and brights together and wearing multiple neutrals. For instance for work tomorrow, I’m wearing a casual lace knit LBD, a bright red shrunken sweater, a cream purse and cream alligator print heels. It looks perfectly sophisticated and elegant, yet with an edge just like me 🙂

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  3. I love the color wheel idea. I’m also a graphic designer and the wheel is on everything!

    (Sorry for my english)

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  4. This is wonderful advice! I am getting more and more brave with mixing bright colors that I never thought would go together. A reference to the color wheel can really help a girl try something new. Also love that blue monochromatic look – I would wear it in a heartbeat.

    Reply
  5. I love this! I also never took art so I never learned the whole color thing, not that I was totally clueless with colors, I just love this breakdown.

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  6. this is really awesome!! I will definitely be referencing this post in the future. I never studied art at school so while I know a bit about the colour wheel, this really helped. I love the teal and pink outfit, and I love just the mention of a navy romper with a yellow heel!!
    Great job, Lexi!!

    Charlotte

    Reply
  7. Great article and cute outfits! I usually just stick to black and grays but this definitely encourages me to try adding some color into my outfits. Thx!

    Reply

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