Mastering color mixing is much easier than you think. Start by looking at a color wheel to find complementary colors (which are colors directly opposite each other). For example, blue and orange are complementary colors; that's why they look so great together. Refresh your closet with these eye-catching color combinations for outfits.
Black and White
These classic hues are probably already in your closet, and since they work with all skin tones are easy for anyone to put together. You can wear black and white prints such as stripes, window pane, polka dots, florals and much more. Add a pop of color with your accessories or other layer like a jacket.
For example, pair a printed black and white sheath or wrap dress with red strappy heels. This would look great with a gray fitted blazer worn over it. This color combination is perfect for work but also for after-hours social events.
Lavender and Mint
A surprising color combination for outfits that is currently trending is lavender and mint. Several fashion designers incorporated these colors into runway looks, and street styles are already wearing this light but chic color combo. These pastel shades are best for spring and look great on pretty much everything.
You can wear a head-to-toe suit in lavender styled with mint pumps and accessories to complement the look, or if you don't want to wear a full-on purple look, mix it with other colors besides mint such as plum, yellow, and teal. For a casual look, try a lavendar jacket and accessories with a mint colored top or t-shirt. Lavender and mint complement cool skin tones well.
Orange and Navy
Navy goes very well with orange. The key to mastering these hues is to add neutrals (black, white, nude, gray, denim, gold, silver, etc.) since they are great for color mixing. You can wear a pair of tailored blue pants with an orange top and barely-there makeup for a fun outing with the girls, or a fitted navy blazer and orange dress styled with minimal gold accessories and nude high heels for date night.
Or, start small by just wearing an overcoat in burnt orange with a navy dress or trousers in this shade underneath. Either way, these colors add a sophisticated pop to your outfit. Bold colors like these look amazing against darker skin tones.
Dusty Pink and Camel
Earth tones are the most straightforward colors to wear, and they work well on fair skin tones. Camel by itself can be a bit bland, but when paired with soft pink you get a color combination that pops just as much as if you were wearing a bright color.
A dusty pink coat looks great with a camel handbag or accessories and is versatile enough to pair with many outfits. Team a dusty pink coat with an off-white dress and finish the look with a camel handbag and beige heels to make your entire look more refined. Another option is to wear a camel jacket with a white tee, light washed jeans, and soft pink arm candy. Camel coats instantly make your outfit look more expensive.
Coral and Turquoise
If you have a warm complexion, this color combo is for definitely you. Your skin tone has a greenish or a yellowish (golden) undertone, so a combination of warm colors in the orange family and cool colors like turquoise look gorgeous against your skin. For off-duty style, wear a turquoise blouse or top with coral jeans and finish the look with accessories in neutral colors like gold and tan.
If wearing bright colors is not your thing, pair skinny jeans with a printed turquoise blouse and add coral tones to your accessories. For example, wear coral sunglasses or color-blocked tan and coral sandals. Try reversing the color roles for a different look.
Yellow and Tan
For a feminine and soft look, pair tan with yellow. The colors look excellent against medium skin tones and pair well with orange shades and neutrals. If you're not color shy, wear a yellow dress with accessories in brown shades or a yellow jacket and a tan skirt for the office. For weekend wear, style a yellow jacket with a white top and finish the look with a tan skirt or trousers. Teaming yellow with camel tones down the brightness.
Red and Blue
You probably see the color red everywhere right now since it's easy to style. Mix it with blue, and you get a winning combo. The key is knowing what red shade goes with your complexion. For example, warm and neutral skin tones can wear warmer blues with red-purples (and should avoid bright-rosy reds).
Pair a red sweater with light to medium blue denim and white accessories; red and blue together can really smarten up a casual look. For work, style wide leg trousers in red with a button-down denim shirt and complete the look with brown accessories.
Shop Shades That Complement Each Other
Creating color combinations for outfits can seem tricky at first, but once you try mixing and matching hues that work well with your skin tone, it becomes second nature. In no time, you'll be trying out the even the brightest or most daring color combos with confidence and style.
