How to wear and combine colours the right way

There were times, when certain colour combinations were all but prohibited: black and dark blue never mixed, until Mr. Armani started thinking that they look the most wonderful, when they’re combined. Similar was true for pink and red, and yet we see them everywhere today, especially in the colour-block version. Fashion keeps changing and pushing boundaries, but we have to be the ones with enough taste to sense what we can pull off and which are the colours, that we don’t look our best in. Of course, we are awkward and uncertain at times, when we aren’t sure if we can pull a certain colour off, so today I have some suggestions that can help you make your decisions easier.

Image source: Pinterest

Listen to yourself

Why? Because colours always have a substantial effect on our mood, so if a specific colour makes you feel comfortable, it means you’re in harmony with it and there is no reason not to wear it. If you realise that your closet has a lot of repeating colours, it means that those are your colours and the best you can do is to base your wardrobe around them; you won’t miss.

There are rules, but you can break them

Black is supposed to be the slimming colour, which is true, but it doesn’t mean that (if you are hefty) you can’t wear other colours, far from it. What matters more is that you pay attention to the lengths; never too short, if you’re not in top shape or of suitable age; never too tight, if you’re not twenty.

The ideal: three colours

It’s best, when they match. More than three could mean a fashion circus that can be interesting, but it’s not for every woman and it needs a critical eye. Colour-blocking, specifically, has the most colours to offer, and while it works well on the street during fashion week, it’s a little less useful in every day life.

Image source: Pinterest

All pastels are harmonious

If you like pastels, you should know you can always combine them and can never go wrong. Powder colours just blend together and create a very pleasing look; this spring they will be in abundance.

Victorious black and white

They look good on every woman and never go out of style. You can never miss with black and white, even when you want supreme elegance. However, you should keep it from becoming seen before, if not boring; I can safely say that a woman can get lost in a B&W styling, instead of standing out. Sometimes, what we need for a greater outcome is a bit more imagination.

Strong colours with neutrals

The latter being white, black and grey; and they’re not actually colours, but rather shades in between. So, if you’re wearing a colourful sweater, dotted, striped or floral, and there are lots of things going on, you can style it with black, white or grey pants. Neutrals are incredibly useful, so it’s great to buy basic pieces in these colours ‒ it will help you put together a proper wardrobe.

Image source: Pinterest

Similar shades of the same colour

Personally, I like browns and beiges; brown for instance has many distinct shades and they’re all balanced. Similar is true for beige, that goes from dark to very light, almost ivory. These colours work well even when you want a layered effect. Camel, beige and brown are always a great combination, and so are black, grey and white ‒ always super chic.

A symphony of bold colours

Green and pink, dark blue and orange, yellow and violet, and also yellow, red and dark blue. If you happen to have an emerald dress, you can wear it with pink accessories, and if you want a more subdued and sophisticated look, keep to black ones. Dark blue trousers will become a new sight with a bright orange sweater; choose dark blue or gold accessories. Specific bold colours create a beautiful harmony, but don’t exaggerate ‒ two is sufficient.

When in doubt, play with colourful accessories

This is always a good move, especially when you’re not sure, whether the occasion is appropriate for the colour combination that you chose. If you have a pair of crazy stilettos, an even funkier bag or a special hat, you won’t go wrong. But you should wear a neutral dress in this case. However, if you enjoy the challenge of a fashion undertaking, go for a floral and style it with accessories in one of the colours of the pattern.

Image source: Pinterest