5 Color Outfit Matching Methods

There are a huge number of different colors that can be successfully mixed, whether in bright combinations or as a single color paired with neutral ones.

In this blog post, I will show you multiple practical methods you can use when creating colorful outfits for your wardrobe.

In general, we have from 1 to 7 colors in the same outfit depending on how many clothing items are included. The more complex the outfit is, the more colors we need to match. 

There are 5 major color matching techniques you can apply when putting together your outfit: monochrome, contrasting combination, soft combination, neutral, and a mix of neutral and complementary colors. 

Let's get into the details of how matching clothes in color can make you look better.

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WATCH THE VIDEO

5 Color Outfit Matching Methods

This video will show you how to apply any of these 5 outfit color combinations to your own closet.

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Here are 5 methods that will help you match clothes in color:

1. Monochrome Look.

2. Contrasting Combination.

3. Soft Combination.

4. Neutral color outfit.

5. A mix of neutral and complementary colors.

1. The Monochrome Look

The monochrome look is a look where all elements have different shades of the same color. 
You can use 2-3 different shades of the same color with different levels of saturation and brightness in one outfit. 

Monochrome looks may be in bright colors or soft ones.

If you add more contrast between the shades, your outfit will become brighter and more dressed up. 

If the contrast between shades is barely noticeable, that whole look will appear softer and calmer.

Some shades of green are not so easy to mix.

In general, most colors match well in a monochrome look, but there are some exceptions. 

For example, some shades of green are not so easy to mix.

If we have more than 2 different shades of green in one outfit it will become chaotic and imbalanced. 

This is because green has both cold and warm shades that rarely match well.

My advice would be to use a maximum of 2 shades of green in the same outfit and try to have both of them either in cool or warm shades. 

More tips on wearing TEAL can be found here.

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2. Contrasting Color Combination

You can create a contrasting look using colors that make each other more intense, creating a powerful contrast. 

Classic contrast combinations

The classic contrast combination includes shades of red with green, blue with orange, purple with yellow, and white with black. 

Such combinations look very bright, so when you create contrasting looks, one color must be the main one, and the other is complementary, in a proportion of 70% to 30%. 

Make sure you know what color type fits your skin tone before you try any of these methods on.

I'm helping all students discover their best colors and then wear them. The Wonder Wardrobe Course can help you discover your best colors safely.

If you feel that your outfit is way too bright, add one neutral color to mute and calm everything down.

3. Soft Color Combination

You can create a Soft colored look by using Soft colors. 

Soft color is the color that was mixed with gray or pastel colors. Some examples include ochre yellow, burnt orange, sage, burgundy, and plum.

You can also create Soft color combinations by matching Light with Light colors or Dark with Dark colors in an outfit. 

When you combine Soft colors, the resulting outfits come out looking a little calmer, softer, friendlier, sometimes more casual, and relaxed. 

4. Neutral Colors Look

If you prefer less colorful looks, use more neutral shades. Neutral colors like shades of white, beige, camel, shades of gray, brown, and black can easily match each other. 

To make your outfits look more personal and stylish, choose clothes that have a unique design, decorative elements, or interesting textures. 

Combinations of simple design and simple neutral colors might look dull and eventually bore you.

I have a video about the best ways of matching neutral colors.

A mix of Neutral and Complementary colors

Neutral colors are quite important as they can add more balance and harmony to your outfits. 

Neutral colors also match with any bright, soft, or primary colors. 

The only thing to pay attention to is to match cold neutral shades with cold shades of other colors and vice versa.

Let’s look at some examples: 

Can you mix and match more than 3 colors?

I know that there’s this classic fashion rule that says you shouldn’t have more than 3 colors in one outfit.  I don’t think it's such great advice as it limits our self-expression. 

I believe you can use 1 color or 5 colors and still look amazing. 

Plus, a successful outfit doesn’t only come from your ability to mix and match colors but also what style of clothes you match, how well everything fits you, and how confident you feel wearing it. 

LET’S CHAT

What are your favorite color combinations?