Let’s have a look at the role that colour plays in creating outfts –  understanding how to put colours together in different ways can really  help us to create stunning and stylish outfits,  and can also have a positive  influence on our mood and well-being.

By understanding the concepts of colour theory in styling, you can create clothing combinations that flatter your figure, and make a statement with your wardrobe. Let’s have a look at the three main colour schemes, the emotions associated with different colours, and practical tips for choosing the right colours in various situations.

3 Ways to put Colours Together to create Eye Catching and Aesthetically Pleasing Outfits

Complementary colours

are pairs of colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel and create bold, eye-catching contrasts within an outfit. For example, red and green, blue and orange, or purple and yellow are complementary colour pairs.  These are a sure-fire way to turn heads!

                                        

Analogous colours

are ones that sit next to each other on the colour wheel, such as blue, green & teal, yellow and orange, or red and pink. These colours share similar undertones and therefore create a harmonious and effortlessly chic look.

                                       

Monochromatic colour

schemes create a simple and elegant look by putting together different shades, tints, or tones of a single colour. Imagine a gorgeous ensemble in various shades of blue.  When creating a monochromatic look, it’s important to add visual interest by incorporating different textures and patterns.

                                       

How to Wear Colours to Enhance your Mood and Well-being

So what emotions do different colours mean? Wearing certain colours can have a beneficial, psychological effect on your emotions.

Each different colour evokes different emotions or feelings which means that you can actively and mindfully select colours to wear to enhance your mood and create a positive effect on those around you.

Generally speaking, colours at the warmer end of the spectrum such as reds, oranges, yellows are associated with energy-giving emotions whilst cooler colours generally associate with more relaxing, calmer emotions.

Here are some emotion associations:

RED – for Power, Passion, Determination, Strength, Excitement, Energy Cool Shades:  Wine, Burgundy, Raspberry, Plum Warm Shades: Coral Red, Tomato, Terracotta, Brick PINK for Compassion, Caring, Love, Feminity and Thoughtfulness Cool Shades: Pastel Pink, Magenta, Fuscia, Raspberry Warm Shades: Coral, Muted Dusky Pink, Salmon ORANGE for Optimism, Cheer, Enthusiasm, Creativity, Boldness, Warmth Cool Shades: Cool dark Salmon, Icy Pinky Peach Warm Shades: Bright Orange, Coral, Peach, Burnt Orange, Rust. YELLOW for Happiness, Vitaility, Optimism, Joy, Uplifting you, Clarity Cool Shade: Cool Yellow, Fluorescent, Icy Yellow, Pale Lemon Warm Shade: Sunflower, Apricot. Mustard, Ochre, Gold, Yellow Gold GREEN for Harmony, Balance, Calm, Health Renewal, Growth Cool Shade: Bottle Green, mint, Cool Grey Green, Deep Forest & EverGreen, Emerald Green Warm shade: Apple Green, Grass Green, Bright Fern, Turquoise Green, Olive, Moss, Khaki Green, Muted Fern Green, Striking Teals BLUE for Communication, Calm, Trust, Stability Intelligence. Cool Shades: Pale Powder Blue, Baby Blue, Grey Blue, Soft Navy Blue, Icy Pastel Blue, Sky Blue, Mid Cobalt Blue, Dark Navy Blue Warm Shades: Aqua Blues, Electric Blues, Peacock Blue, Teal Blue, Petrol Blue, Military Blue PURPLE for Luxury, Mystery, Spirituality, Wisdom, Wealth Cool Shades: Soft Pastel Lilac, Lavender, Mauve, Dark Intense Purple, Dark Violet & Plum Warm Shades: Bright Lilac, Warm Violet, Periwinkle Blue, Rich Warm Lilac, Rich Muted Violet, Royal Purple BLACK for Authority,  Power, Sophistication, and Elegance Cool Shade – Black, Grey Warm Shade – Chocolate Brown   WHITE for: Purity, Simplicity, and Cleanliness Cool shade: Icy White, Warm Shade: Ivory, Cream   BROWN for Stability, Comfort, and Warmth Cool Shades: Taupe, Rose Brown, Black/Brown, Warm Shades: Mahogany, Rust, Chocolate Brown, Tan, Coffee, Bronze, Camel. GREY for Neutrality, Balance, and Sophistication Cool Shades: True Grey, Charcoal Grey, Icy grey, Dark Grey, Gunmetal Grey Warm Shades: Autumn Grey, Light Green Grey.

How to Use Colour to Enhance your Figure

You can also utilise the power of colour to impact how your figure is seen – you can use colour to make yourself taller, slimmer, more curvy or shorter.

Slimming Effects

Darker colours will create a slimming effect by minimising the areas that they are worn on whilst lighter brighter colours will draw the eye.  For example wearing a brightly coloured top with darker coloured bottoms will draw the eye upwards whilstcreating a slimming effecton the lower body.  If you wish to reverse this, wearing a brighter colour or pattern on your bottom half, with a darker colour on the top half, will draw the eye downwards and away from your top half.

Lengthening Effects

To create a taller slimmer silhouette, wearing one colour from head to toe will create the effect of a vertical line, making you look taller and slimmer – continue the colour through to your footwear to add even more height to your frame.

Curve Creating Effects

Colour blocking is a great way to break up your height and also to create curves for those with less curvy shapes.

So as you can see there are many options for putting colours together to create not only some super stylish and head-turning looks but also to help your mood and emotions and create a more proportioned appearance.