“What color is your outfit?”
I’ve never been a fan of colored outfits. Neutrals were my safe zone, and I was cool with that – until one day, I threw on some dark-colored accessories, and it was like BAM! Total game-changer.
Then I realized it’s not just about color. It’s the mood and aura they carry.
Color psychology makes one color our favorite and another least favorite. According to many researchers, colors communicate. As stated by Kassia St. Clair in the book The Secret Lives of Color.
“Someone wearing a snow-pale winter coat telegraphs a subtle visual message: “I do not need to take public transportation.”
I’ve rounded up all the tricks and tips you need to add some color to your style without ending up looking like a haphazard rainbow explosion.
Psychology Behind Colors and Their Meanings: What is Color Symbolism?
People perceive you differently in different colors. That’s why politicians, royalties, and celebs invest a lot of money and time to choose the best outfits. It conveys their values, public persona, and personal brand.
Getting to know what each shade on the color wheel really means will help you add them to your wardrobe like a pro!
- Red: Represents power, life, and passion. It’s the go-to workwear for a confidence boost.
- Yellow: The color of new beginnings, cheerfulness, and youthfulness.
- Green: Depicts growth, security, peace, and calmness.
- Purple: The color of royalty, power, authority, and extravaganza.
- Blue: Shows intelligence, wealth, seriousness, and cooperation.
Some Unique Colors You Can Experiment With:
- Earth Tones: Moss green, steel blue, walnut, cream, and tan
- All-year Neutrals: Black, dove grey, navy, camel, pale blush
- Soft and Subtle Shades: Lilac, baby blue, dusty rose, muted mauve
- Unique Colors: Chartreuse, coral, emerald green
Expert Tips for Adding Color to Your Fashion
You’ve got a whole world of colors to test out for your outfits. It’s kinda freeing, but let’s be real! It can also feel a bit overwhelming. So, let’s cut the fluff and check out what the pros are saying.
Firstly, Set the Vibe
Determine your choice, style, and intentions. What vibe do you wanna express? Are you more of an extrovert who wants to draw eyes everywhere you go? Choose red or black. Or, wear more neutral tones for a subtle and low-key appearance.
You can combine dark colors with muted shades to create a balanced look.
Mix, Match, Shuffle, Play!
Your skin tone, seasons, and trends matter when picking colors, but some classic combos never go outta style. You can experiment with them!
Navy + Grey: For professional settings, casual hangouts, and formal events.
Off-white + Sky Blue: Vacation wear, weddings, summer events
Forest Green + Brown: Smart casual events in the fall season, outdoor adventures
You can add your own spin to these colors by wearing statement jewelry, carrying chic bags, and styling hair in a trendy way.
Experiment With Fun Prints and Patterns
Prints and patterns jazz up those snooze-fest outfits! Start off easy with some classic patterns like stripes, polka dots, or geometric shapes. Once you’ve got that down, mix and match bold, oversized patterns with smaller ones. Play around with inverted colors to create a super cohesive look.
Pair a striped top with a polka dot skirt, or combine a printed top with solid bottoms. Wear printed scarves, bags, or shoes to solid outfits for a fun twist.
What Color Suits You?
It comes down to your complexion and skin tone. After trying out different variations of outfits, you will understand your personal styling preferences.
Have a warm skin tone? Go for earthy colors like oranges and browns. Got a cool skin tone? Jewel tones like blues and purples are your jam!
Go Bold With Shoes and Accessories
Shoes, jewelry, watches, bags, and a lot of other accessories go with the outfit to complete the look. If you are on a tight budget or afraid to experiment with huge changes in your style, accessories are the best option to start with.
Choose accessories that complement your outfit’s main colors. A simple dress? Wear some fiery red heels or quirky patterned flats for a statement that pops!
| Color Tones | Vibe and Feel | Outfit Ideas | Complimentary Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Red | Polished, energetic, romantic | Chic top with denim skirt, cherry red turtleneck under a neutral sweater | Metallic bracelet, black leather boots |
| Buttery yellow | Quiet-luxury, neutral, soft | Silk maxi, blazers, midi dress | Woven shoulder bag, silver necklace |
| Peach Fuzz | Tender, modern, elegant | Peach fuzz cashmere vest with beige pants, peach wool coat, peach sweater | Berets, scarves, gold flats |
| Chocolate Brown | Rich, expensive-looking, warm | Pleated skirt, leather jacket with collared shirt, | Patterned shoes, solid color belts, and hats |
| Snow White | Classic, timeless, dreamy | Long skirt, lenin top, short flared dress | Gemstones, gold and silver accents, bold color footwear |
Conclusion
If you have been wearing just monochromatic colors until now, it is your sign to include some colors in your style. They aren’t just trendy and versatile. They’ll give your look a whole new appearance you didn’t even know you needed.
