Creating a Balanced Outfit: A Simple 3-Step Method for Choosing Colors
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. For more information, please read our full affiliate disclosure here.
Choosing the right colors for your outfit can significantly impact your overall look. Following a simple 3-step method, you can create a balanced outfit that showcases your style and enhances your appearance.
This blog post will guide you through each step, providing helpful tips and insights.
The 3-color Outfit
Creating three-color outfits offers several advantages to a visually appealing and well-coordinated look. Incorporating three colors allows for a balanced color palette, ensuring that no single color dominates the outfit. This balance creates a harmonious visual flow and prevents the outfit from appearing overwhelming or monotonous. Additionally, three colors provide depth and dimension to the ensemble, adding visual interest.
Related Article: How to Start Adding Color to Your Outfits: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose the Main Color
Firstly, choose the main color to begin building your outfit, and select the item of clothing you want to focus on. Your chosen color can be bright, neutral, light, or dark. This color will be the starting point for your outfit's color palette.
Selecting the main color of your outfit carefully is important as it can significantly impact your overall appearance and how well the outfit suits you. One essential aspect is how the chosen color complements your skin tone. Different colors have varying undertones that can either enhance or detract from your natural complexion. You can achieve a flattering and radiant look by selecting a color that harmonizes with your skin tone. For instance, individuals with warm undertones might opt for earthy tones like warm browns, rich oranges, or golden yellows. In contrast, those with cooler undertones may find cooler shades, such as blues, purples, or icy pastels, more complimentary.
Related Article: Enhance Your Natural Beauty with the Right Colors
Step 2: Complement or Contrast
Now, it's time to add a color that complements or contrasts with your main color. Let's explore both options:
Creating Contrast
Contrasting colors can add visual interest and make your outfit stand out. You can achieve contrast easily in the following ways:
Bright Color + Neutral Color
If you’ve chosen a bright main color, combine it with a neutral shade. This pairing creates contrast, allowing the bright color to take center stage while the neutral color provides balance.
Color + Complementary Color
For a bolder look, refer to the color wheel to identify the complementary color of your chosen main color. Pairing these colors together can create a vibrant and eye-catching outfit.
Dark Color + Light Color
Easy way to create contrast is to pair a dark color with a lighter shade. This combination can add depth and dimension to your outfit.
Creating Harmony
If you prefer a more harmonious look, consider combining colors that work well together. Here are a few ways to achieve harmony:
Color + Lighter/Darker Shade of the Same Color
Choose a lighter or darker shade of your chosen main color. This monochromatic approach creates a cohesive and polished appearance.
Color + Analogous Color
Pick one of the adjacent colors to your chosen main color from the color wheel to create a more unexpected look. These colors share similar undertones, resulting in a harmonious and pleasing combination.
Neutral Color + Neutral Color
Combining different neutral shades, such as various grays, beiges, or whites, can produce an elegant and timeless look.
Related Article: 5 Amazing Alternatives to Wearing Black
Step 3: Adding Balance
Finally, choose a color that balances your outfit to complete your color palette. Consider what your palette might be missing and select a color that fills that gap. Here are some examples:
Bright Colors + Neutral
If your palette consists mainly of bright colors, add a neutral shade for balance. This will make the outfit look more harmonious.
Dark Color + Medium Color + Light Color
Achieve balance by combining a dark color, a light color, and a medium-toned color. This trio creates a well-balanced and visually pleasing ensemble.
Neutral Colors + Pop of Color
If you have a predominantly neutral outfit, introduce a single pop of color to add interest and a focal point to your look.
Related Article: How to Create a Colorful Capsule Wardrobe: Elevate Your Style Game
