Pairing the right clothing colors is as much a science as it is an art. You can have all the money in the world and have the biggest wardrobe possible, but if you don't know how to combine colors, you will never have an impeccable result. You need to pay attention to details and understand the intricacies and how colors work. While it is often said that rules are made to be broken, you absolutely must master the rules related to color before breaking them. 

Even if you only scratch the surface of this interesting and essential aspect of style, you will discover a fascinating world. You will learn essential things to improve your personal style and clothing. Today Mademoiselle Grenade guides you to the color wheel, a tool that will help you match your clothes in a way that is as remarkable as it is admirable. 

Learn the principles of color to know what will please

Colors are essential to beautify all kinds of things and flatter the eyes. They are used in art, architecture, interior design, clothing... However, not everyone instinctively knows that orange and blue associated together  form a perfect combination. That's why, if you can't trust your own judgment, you can understand and use the basics of color theory to create consistently perfect looks . The color wheel: a useful guide to combining the colors of your clothes.

“The best color in the world is the one that suits you best”, Coco Chanel

Understanding Colors is Key

Before we look at the color wheel, let's briefly review the basics taught at school:

• A primary color is a color that is not the result of mixing. Mixing primary colors makes it possible to reproduce a wide range of colors. In painting, the primary colors are magenta red, cyan blue and yellow. From red, blue and yellow, most colors can be obtained. 

• A secondary color is the mixture obtained by mixing two primary colors. 

• A tertiary color is the result of mixing a primary color with a secondary color.

The natural order of colors is: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. The color wheel uses its colors in this order and relates red to purple. It's the easiest tool to understand how different colors work together and how you should select them so that your outfits match perfectly. 

So…what colors work best together? 

Colors work best when they are in harmony with each other. There are several types of harmonies in the traditional color wheel. 

Complementary colors 

The best colors to pair with are complementary colors. In the world of color and on the color wheel, these are opposite shades. For example, red and green, purple and yellow, and blue and orange. Reading this, you may think that these combinations are too bold, but in reality, these shades work well together. Complementary colors are easy to find because they are directly opposite each other on the traditional color wheel.

Similar colors

When two or three colors are next to each other on the color wheel, they are called analogous colors. For example, red, orange and yellow are analogous colors. These work well together because they naturally flow into each other. Although this color clash is quite common, you should be wary of the combination of red and pink. Even if they are similar colors. The reason why this color combination is not a wise choice for everyone is that red and pink have very different color dimensions. Red is a warm color, and in most cases pink is its cool, lighter cousin. This subtlety creates an imbalance that is not always flattering.

Triadic colors

The term triadic is given to three shades of the color wheel that are equidistant from each other. Pink, green and orange are good examples. The triadic pattern is high in contrast, but more balanced than complementary colors. The trick is to let one color dominate and accentuate the other two.

Monochromatic

Monochromatic shades are those of a single color in various gradients. This makes for a look that is easy on the eyes but also varied, making it interesting.

Neutrals

This is without a doubt the most used harmony. Grays, navys, black, creams and browns are all considered neutrals. And, in turn, all work together to create a chic, tonal color palette.

Practice wearing colors with style now

Now that you have an idea of ​​the different possible harmonies, you should also be aware that we all react positively or negatively to a color palette. A color that brightens your co-worker's complexion may not have the same effect on you. This color may make you look dull or tired. That's why we invite you to check whether you respond better to warm colors or cool tones before creating your color combinations and creating stunning outfits. 

In each color family, from darkest to lightest, warm and cold tones coexist. To know the full range of colors that will best reveal your natural beauty, there is a simple method: colorimetry. This technique is used in image consulting in order to precisely define the color palette that will best suit you.

Pairing the right clothing colors can be second nature to some people. This is not necessarily the case for everyone. There are some colors that may be slightly more difficult to match than others. And to make things even more complicated, certain colors work better on different people based on their personal style and even skin tone. The color wheel is a real help. This color matching guide gives us an instant view of which colors go well together and which ones don't match perfectly. As far as possible.

Now, we're not urging you to print out a copy of this color wheel and stick it on your bedroom wall, but this tool can be a lifesaver if you're having trouble putting together an outfit. Up to you !