Weekly Secret Weapon: Color Mixing

Mixing colors is one of the biggest challenges when putting together an ensemble. I'm always one to take risks with color, but hey, the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. In this ensemble, I channeled my favorite style icon, Glee actress Jayma Mays . She always has the best color palette so I thought I'd give it a try.

There are four basic ways to mix colors: mixing color with neutrals, monochromatic, analogous, and complimentary.

Neutrals: This is the easiest way to inject color into your ensemble. By taking black, brown, khaki, or white, you can basically mix any color with it to give it a pop. Try spicing up a mostly neutral outfit with bright colored tights, scarf, shoes, or even a hair accessory. In my ensemble, I used a black neutral to off-set the color I had on my upper portion of my outfit.

Monochromatic: If you're going for an all-over color outfit, try using different shades of the same color. Doing this can also elongate the body as it is a steady flow of color from head to toe. Here, my broach is monochromatic with different shades on pink crystals.


Analogous: This is similar to monochromatic, but a bit more tricky, and may require you to reference a color wheel. In dressing with a analogous color scheme, you take 3 colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. Try yellow, yellow-green, and green. If you want to tone it down, substitute the yellow for a camel color and this will still have the same effect. Analogous colors tend to be less vivid and saturated so interjecting a neutral can be done here pretty easily. Here, the vest is analogous. The sequins and beading used on this vintage vest are AB, so basically, it can take on other colors by bouncing off itself with light.


Complimentary: This color scheme will definitely require a reference to a color wheel. In it's basic definition, complimentary colors are opposite from each on the color wheel. Schools tend to pick complimentary colors for their mascot such as blue and orange or yellow and purple. This can also be done with different shades of colors. In my outfit, I used lilac and mustard yellow, which are actually complimentary!

Color mixing can be really fun if you have the right tools to do it. Find a color chart online or in an old school book and start mixing!!! I found this great one online that includes different shades of colors. The 3rd tier colors are vintage inspired and even more fun to mix!