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How to Coordinate Colors
Co-authored by wikiHow Staff | 14 References

Updated: September 28, 2019

Explore this Article

Understanding the Color Wheel
Applying the Color Wheel to Clothes
Coordinating Paint Colors
Article Summary
Questions & Answers
Related Articles

Color coordinating can be a little daunting if you've never been introduced to

color theory based on the color wheel. The color wheel is a great tool to help you
choose colors that go together. Whether you're putting together an outfit or
choosing paint colors for your house, use the color wheel to figure out the best
colors to suit the occasion.
Method 1
Understanding the Color Wheel

Image titled Coordinate Colors Step 1

1
Figure out the basics of the color wheel. The color wheel is made up of primary
colors (red, blue, yellow) and secondary colors (purple, green, orange) in the
shape of a wheel. Primary colors can't be formed by mixing other colors, while
secondary colors are created by mixing primary colors. In turn, primary and
secondary colors mix together to form tertiary colors.[1]
Some color wheels depict 3 primary colors, 3 secondary colors, and 6
tertiary colors in separate spokes, while others blend the colors into each other.
It's important to understand the color wheel because it guides how you
choose coordinating colors.
2
Look across the wheel to find complementary colors. Complementary colors are
directly opposite each other on the color wheel. For instance, yellow is directly
across from the secondary color purple, red is across from green, and blue is
across the wheel from orange. Complementary colors typically go well together,
brightening the other one just by being nearby.[2]
Complementary colors can also include tertiary colors.
3
Check for analogous colors right next to each other. Analogous colors are often
paired together because they fade into each other on the color wheel. For instance,
yellow fades into orange, making a yellow-orange tertiary color in the middle.
Because they are near each other, they blend well when trying to coordinate colors.
[3]
As another example, blue blends into purple, making blue-purple in the
middle.
4
Use shading and tinting to make monochromatic matches. "Shade" just means you
add black to a color to make it darker. "Tint" means adding white to a color to
make it lighter. If you choose a single color, then you can pick lighter or darker
variations of that color to create a monochromatic look.[4]
For instance, monochromatic colors in purple could include lavender, plum,
and grape.
5
Avoid mixing warm and cool colors for the most part. Warm colors include
orange, red, and yellow, while cool colors include greens, blues, and purple. When
you understand this division, it can make it easier to coordinate colors, as you
can match cool colors with cool colors and warm colors with warm ones.
While this is a good general guideline, there are times when a warm color
looks nice paired with a cool color, like a rich, warm gold accented with cool
purple tones.

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Method 1 Quiz

What's the difference between a primary and secondary color?

Primary colors are darker than secondary ones.
Primary colors are warm, while secondary colors are cool.
Primary colors cannot by made by mixing other colors together.
Method 2
Applying the Color Wheel to Clothes

1
Build an outfit out of a neutral color and a bright color for simple
coordination. Neutral colors include black, white, brown, gray, and even olive and
navy at times, but they can also include metallics like silver, bronze, and gold.
Pick a neutral for the main part of your outfit, then add 1-2 other colors around
it.[5]
For instance, try a black suit with a pale pink shirt or a silver dress
with a bright blue jacket thrown over it.
When pairing neutrals like navy and olive with other colors, think about
their hues. For instance, olive complements maroons and oranges, but it also does
well with blues and golds because they're nearby on the color wheel.
2
Try an outfit made of complementary colors for something bright and fun. Pick
out 2 complementary colors on the color wheel, and use that to build your outfit.
If you choose orange and blue, for instance, you might pair a bright orange shirt
with a dark pair of blue jeans.[6]
Another good way to use complementary colors to good effect is to pair 1
complementary color with a paler tint of its opposite color. For example, mix a
purple dress with a pale yellow shawl.
3
Use analogous colors for a pulled-together look. Try picking 2-3 colors that
are right next to each other on the wheel and guide your outfit with those. These
similar hues will make your outfit seem cohesive. For example, you might pair a
bright yellow sundress with a pale orange scarf.[7]
Another example of using analogous colors to good effect might be a scarlet
red dress with gold jewelry and pink shoes.
While you usually should avoid mixing warm and cool colors, you can
occasionally break that rule if you find something that looks good together. For
instance, with your bright yellow dress, you might find a pale green cardigan that
looks smashing with it.[8]
4
Choose monochromatic colors for an easy coordinated look. A good place to start
with a monochrome look is with the primary colors. Pick a single color to start
your look, then choose shades and tints of that color to put together your outfit.
For instance, try a navy pantsuit with a pale blue shirt and bright blue pumps.[9]
When you're creating a monochrome look, try to stay in the same spoke on
the color wheel. That is, if you choose blue, make sure you're picking true blues,
not purple-y blues.
5
Color block primary colors with neutrals. The primary colors red, yellow and,
blue often look great with a solid block of color, such as black pants with a
yellow top. Try wearing a bright red shirt with grey leggings or royal blue skirt
with a flowing white top, for instance.[10]
If you want to go bolder, try pairing more than 1 primary color in an
outfit, such as blue jeans, a bright red top, and a yellow purse.
6
Mix and match to see what goes well together. Usually, you can tell when 2
colors don't look quite right together by holding them up next to one another.
However, you may not be able to guess before you see them together. Pull all the
items out of your closet and try mixing and matching different pieces you don't
normally put together. You may come up with something that looks awesome together
that you never would have worn before.

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Method 2 Quiz

What of the following colors cannot be used as a neutral in an outfit?

Black
Silver
Navy blue
Pale pink
Method 3
Coordinating Paint Colors

1
Try starting out with a neutral in your central room. If you begin with a
subtle color in the central room, then you can paint bold colors in the nearby
rooms without them clashing. Otherwise, you might find your rooms seem to be
working against each other rather than creating a cohesive look.[11]
Try a soft grey, a cream, or pale tan, for instance.
An alternative option is to pick a bold color you like, and put that in the
room you want it in. Then move out from there, picking colors that coordinate
throughout your house.
2
Opt for bold colors off of your main room. Since you went with a neutral color
in your main room, you can get a bit crazier as you move outward. However, keep the
line of sight in mind. For instance, if you can see from your dining room into your
living room (the neutral room) and then into the hallway, you should probably pick
coordinating colors for the dining room and hallway.[12]
For example, if you choose a periwinkle for your dining room, you might
pick a light peach for the hallway, since those are complementary colors.
3
Follow the rules of using analogous, complementary, or monochromatic colors.
Pick the type of coordination that you like the best and apply it to your color
scheme. For instance, if you love blues, then you might try a monochromatic scheme
featuring different hues of blue. If you like bright, bold colors, try using
complementary colors. For a rainbow effect, opt for analogous colors through your
house.[13]
For instance, for an analogous scheme, you might paint one room pale
yellow, the next one pale peach, and the next one pale pink.
4
Pay attention to the line of sight and to rooms next to each other. When
picking colors, make sure that you apply these schemes in rooms that you can see
through to the next one. Similarly, even if you can't see much of 1 bedroom from
the one next to it, you still want to apply a color wheel scheme to help the house
feel more cohesive.[14]
This is especially true if you have an open concept house.
With separate floors, you can use different schemes if you'd like, as the
stairway creates a separation.

Score
0 / 3

Method 3 Quiz

When is it okay to use totally different paint color schemes in the same house?
On two separate floors.
On any rooms that aren't directly next to each other.
Never.
Community Q&A

Question
What color would be too bright with a blue skirt?
Community Answer
Bright colors tend to go well with blue. The only problem is how well it suits
your complexion.
Not Helpful 4
Helpful 22
Question
Would red, pink and white go well together for wedding colors?
Community Answer
There are two schools of thought on this. Some would insist that red and pink
don't match as red is fiery and ferocious while pink is loving and gentle,
suggesting conflicting emotions. But others would say that the connotations given
to colors are highly subjective and culturally ordained. Hence, if you like red,
pink and white together, you're on the side of nature, who regularly throws such a
color combination together in the form of flowers. Ultimately, the choice is up to
you and it'd be a good idea to test the hues of each color together to find the
matches that you think appear the nicest when placed near each other.
Not Helpful 12
Helpful 40
Question
What color shoes go well with a coral dress?
Community Answer
Many colors go well with the color coral, but for the most part, the shoe color
and the shoe itself should depend on what kind of dress it is. But since you asked
for the color, here are some that match well with coral: gold, silver, white, pale
orange, perhaps even baby blue if you're daring enough.
Not Helpful 9
Helpful 34
Question
Can I wear a scarf and trousers of the same color?
Community Answer
Yes, but only if the trousers and scarf are a dark color, like navy or black,
otherwise you will look too bright! Any brightly colored clothing items should be
smaller and complimented by neutral or dark colors.
Not Helpful 7
Helpful 24
Question
What goes well with a black and white striped top?
Community Answer
With black and white, you can use almost anything, except other patterns. Stick
with solid colors with a patterned top.
Not Helpful 5
Helpful 14
Question
Do green, blue, and purple go together?
Community Answer
It depends on the shades, but if you go for a blue-ish purple, a dark blue and
a bright green (with bright green used to accentuate details) then it should look
good. Try not to put the green and the purple directly next to each other, so try
to use dark blue as a base.
Not Helpful 7
Helpful 19
Question
Do gray and blue match?
Community Answer
Absolutely, they do.
Not Helpful 10
Helpful 23
Question
Would a yellow shirt go with pink shorts?
Community Answer
Generally, yes, a yellow shirt would go with pink shorts so long as both colors
have the same tone. For example, pastel yellow would pair well with pastel pink,
but a neon yellow shirt would not.
Not Helpful 6
Helpful 16
Question
What colours work best with an ash-grey skirt?
Community Answer
Grey is a great background color to which you can add any pop of color like
purple, yellow, or green. Bright or light colors should look nice.
Not Helpful 11
Helpful 19
Question
Does orange complement gray?
Community Answer
Yes, it does.
Not Helpful 8
Helpful 14

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Unanswered Questions

Do navy blue bag fitted to any color of dresses?

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Tips

Limit yourself to 3 colors per outfit, including your neutral colors. This will
make sure that you don't go overboard with color.
Use accessories to add pops of color to your outfits.

Warnings

Avoid using two colors that are nearly the same but not quite, as that will
usually create an unpleasant visual effect.

Related wikiHows

How to
Construct a Color Wheel

How to
Emphasize Your Eye Color with Your Clothing
References

↑ https://www.bhg.com/decorating/color/basics/color-wheel-color-chart/
↑ http://www.worqx.com/color/complements.htm
↑ https://www.bhg.com/decorating/color/basics/color-wheel-color-chart/
↑ https://www.bhg.com/decorating/color/basics/color-wheel-color-chart/
↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a5759/simple-ways-to-
master-color-mixing/
↑ https://www.collegefashion.net/fashion-tips/a-foolproof-guide-to-matching-
colors-in-your-outfits/
↑ https://www.collegefashion.net/fashion-tips/a-foolproof-guide-to-matching-
colors-in-your-outfits/
↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a5759/simple-ways-to-
master-color-mixing/
↑ https://www.collegefashion.net/fashion-tips/a-foolproof-guide-to-matching-
colors-in-your-outfits/

Show more... (5)

Article Info

FEATURED ARTICLE

This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who
validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Together, they cited information
from 14 references.

Categories: Featured Articles | Color Coordinating Clothes

In other languages:

Español: combinar los colores, Italiano: Coordinare i Colori, Русский: сочетать

цвета, Português: Combinar Cores de Roupa, Français: coordonner les couleurs, 中文:
搭配衣服颜色, Deutsch: Farben kombinieren, Nederlands: Kleuren in je outfit
combineren, Čeština: Jak sladit barvy, ‫ تنسيق اللوان‬:‫العربية‬, ไทย: เลลอกสสใหหเขหากกนในการแตงต ตกว

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Co-authors: 22
Updated: September 28, 2019
Views: 906,091
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