The way we dress causes an impact, not only on others but on our confidence as well. For that reason, I am going to teach you in this article how to match colors and clothes like a pro.
Some people look like they are born knowing how to dress well, but for others this skill requirs a bit more effort. Don’t you worry. It doesn’t need sweat and tears. At the end of this article, you’ll know how to do color combinations and show off your coordinating outfits with the help of my graphics.
You’ll learn:
- How to build an outfit from scratch
- Understand how the color wheel works and how to apply color schemes to your outfits
- How to color match your outfits with foolproof color combos
- The art of looking fabulous
Step out of your comfort zone and show your amazing personality trough color. Ready? Let’s go.
The base of your wardrobe: Neutrals
Neutrals go with any other color because they… lack color! There are saturated hues (colors) and unsaturated hues (neutrals). Some neutrals are more saturated than others and still complement most outfits. Think light blue (jeans) and rose nude.
Check these examples below and use these neutrals as the base of your outfits. You can use them for basics and key pieces in your wardrobe and leave colorful hues for your accent pieces.
You can take any of these neutrals and pair with any color you love and your outfit will be color matching. That’s why any color of the color wheel will match with black or white for example.
I’m a visual learner as most of us are. Here’s another graphic so you can see the outfit structure I follow when making my outfits.
How to build an outfit from scratch
Step 1: Choose the occasion. Casual or sophisticated?
Step 2: Choose a base piece you want to wear. A dress? Or those new shoes?
Step 3: Build a structure around that piece. Basic dress? Add some key piece like shoes and an accent piece like a colorful purse.
Step 4: Give a final touch with accessories. Your favorite set of jewelry or a complementing scarf.
How to match colors in clothes
What are color schemes?
The color wheel schemes work like a guide so you can combine coordinating outfits. A color scheme is a set of colors that work well together to create a harmonious aesthetic. If you can match colors, then you can put together any outfit.
I will give you some inspiration but by the end of this article, you’ll be able to pull off color combos on your own with the help of these graphics.
Let’s start by studying basic but stylish color schemes.
Basic color schemes: monochromatic and analogous.
Monochromatic Colors: different shades of the same hue
This is the easiest way to experiment with color. Combine different shades of the same color and that’s it! You’ve learned your first color combo.
Check these examples below, go to your wardrobe and try to build an outfit with just shades of one color.

The Best Street Style from Copenhagen Fashion Week S/S 2019

STREET FASHION DURING STOCKHOLM FASHION WEEK SPRING SUMMER 2019
Analogous Colors: analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.
Observe the color wheel and pick colors next to each other you like, add some neutral if you feel like et voilá. Take some more ideas from the examples below.

Street Fashion During New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2019 By The Style Stalker

Street Fashion During New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2019 By The Style Stalker

Street Fashion During New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2019 By The Style Stalker

Street Fashion During Stockholm Fashion Week Spring Summer 2019 By The Style Stalker
Intermediate level color matching: complementary, triadic and primary.
Now that you’ve learned some basic color wheel schemes, here are some more fun color coordination ideas for clothes.
Complementary colors: a color scheme with colors that are opposite to each other on the color wheel.
Check these ideas below.

The Best Street Style from Copenhagen Fashion Week S/S 2019 By The Style Stalker

STREET FASHION DURING LONDON FASHION WEEK SPRING SUMMER 2019 By The Style Stalker
Triadic colors: a triadic color scheme uses colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel with the tips of a triangle.
Primary: A color scheme with the primary colors. Red, blue and yellow.

The Best Street Style from Copenhagen Fashion Week S/S 2019 By The Style Stalker
Advanced color matching: Split-Complementary Colors, Square Colors, Rectangular (Tetradic) Colors
Learn How To Coordinate Your Outfits And Look Your Best
I know right? All these names. It sounds complicated but it isn’t. If you want to try them, adjust the geometric shapes to a color you like. After, take a look at what the other tips of the geometric shapes show just like in the images.
You don’t have to figure it out alone today. At the end of this article, I will give you some foolproof color combos you can always rely on.
Split-Complementary colors: the split complementary color scheme uses two colors instead of one, adjacent to its complementary color.
Check these cool outfit ideas below.

STREET FASHION DURING STOCKHOLM FASHION WEEK SPRING SUMMER 2019 By The Style Stalker

STREET FASHION DURING STOCKHOLM FASHION WEEK SPRING SUMMER 2019 By The Style Stalker
Square Colors: it’s a color scheme with four colors spaced evenly around the color wheel.
Rectangular Colors: This color scheme uses four colors arranged into two complementary pairs.
That’s it. You’ve learned all the possible ways on how to match colors and clothes. You’re ready to pair neutrals with colors and do other color combinations as well. You’ve done the hard work so now here’s a present. I put together an easy to understand color combinations cheat sheet.
I’m giving you a personal tip. When I’m using different colors I like to use a softer version and a brighter version of a hue. It’s generally safer in order to not create a clash. The colors that flatter me the most are soft ones because I am a Soft Autumn. Find your season with the help of my workbook. Enter your info below to get it.
Color Combos Cheat Sheet
Colors that go with green: yellow, red, orange
Colors that go with blue: purple, green, orange
Colors that go with pink: red, yellow
Colors that go with red: blue, yellow, pink
Colors that go with orange: yellow, green, purple
These color combos are not just for special outfits. Take a look at these formal shirts and pants combinations. Get inspired for the office too. You can just take small steps and add color in accessories like bags, scarfs and shoes to your neutral outfits. Pops of color look beautiful with navy, black and bege tones.

STREET FASHION DURING STOCKHOLM FASHION WEEK SPRING SUMMER 2019 By The Style Stalker

STREET FASHION DURING NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SPRING SUMMER 2019 By The Style Stalker

STREET FASHION DURING STOCKHOLM FASHION WEEK SPRING SUMMER 2019 by The Style Stalker
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this article and feel ready to dare a bit with your personal style. I truly believe in dressing accordingly to our personality. That way we can depend less on trends and feel more unique and confident in our skins. Whether you have a minimal or a more edgy style, having fun with color schemes can be for every style.
Sometimes we need to challenge ourselves and question what we are wearing. Is our outfit something that we put together based on our personality or is it something that media unconsciously told us to wear?
Go to your closet and dare with at least one color scheme you just learned. If you still feel left out with no idea what colors look best on you, I will guide you through the process.
Save these article graphics on your phone or Pinterest. Consult the color schemes when preparing outfits.
Which color combos are you going to try? Tell me in the comments how you learned how to match colors and clothes and make me proud.
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You are amazing! Thank you for putting this together!
You’re welcome 🙂 I enjoy it.
I am impressed by your article. Very helpful. Thank you very much for your dedication and knowledge
Aww thank you so much 🙂