Terrific Color Trios: Mustard + Navy + Olive

Matching items of different color families can prove to be quite a task when trying to create the perfect color-blocked outfit.  Tones and shades of various colors can seem confusing when using a traditional color wheel, and the result maybe less than ideal when assembled.

1.  GAP -Linen Utility Skirt in Olive
2.  Banana Republic -Geo Print Halter Tank in True Navy
3.  Tex by Max Azria -Leather Belt in Mustard
 

Why this color combination works?

 

Choosing two out of the three primary colors (yellow, blue and red) is a great place to start when trying to combine colors.  When two primary colors combine (yellow and blue, for example), they create a secondary color (green).  Wearing a primary color such as blue, with it's secondary color, green, can be a beautiful color combination, but wearing these bright hues together can be daunting, especially when if you are not trying to make a color statement with your clothes.  One way to achieve a rich color palate, yet avoid looking like a box of crayons is to use a darker shade of each color.

Mustard, Navy and Olive, all darker shades of their respective color wheel members: yellow, blue and green, offer a sophisticated alternative when color-blocking.  Visually, the deeper tones have a warmer, less jarring appearance when juxtaposed, providing a more unified look when worn together.

How I Styled It?

Mixing colors and fabrics in today's 1, 2, 3 Styling was fun and easy after utilizing my Academichic color wheel.  The olive linen skirt (1) and the jersey print tank (2) create a beautiful pairing on their own, but the leather, mustard colored belt (3), adds a dimension of texture and color, bridging the two pieces of the ensemble. 

For my accessories, I love the stacked bracelets, and mix beaded ones in with my metallic pieces.  Instead of using a traditional watch, I love this Anne Klein charm bracelet (with a watch charm).

The sandals are by MIA in a bronze shade.  Mixing metallics isn't a fashion faux pas when the items are not worn in a close proximity.

I went with a navy satchel to round out the look.

SN

For more color swatches and to explore your color world, visit the leading authority on color at Pantone.com!

Color Chic, Terrific Color Trios: Nectarine + Lemon Zest + Emerald

A harmonious union between self-expression and balance, Pantone's Fashion Color Report for Spring 2013, offers dynamic brights in unique color combinations providing versatility and excitement.

1.  Jones New York -Pleated Lace Dress
2.  JCP -Skinny Leather Belt in Neon Yellow
3.  Cole Haan -Village Zip Satchel in Emerald
 

 "Nectarine, a bright, effervescent citrus orange with coral undertones (1), provides a tangy burst of flavor while cheerful Lemon Zest (2) brings out a piquant taste with its refreshing, spritely greenish cast. Sophisticated Emerald (3), a lively, radiant green, inspires insight and clarity while enhancing our sense of well-being."*

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

Anne Klein -Zya Pump in Dark Pink

Vivacious and spirited, I went with a fall 2013 color to add another dimension to my ensemble; bringing depth to the outfit , as well as anchoring it in this rich jewel tone.
 







How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling is fun when you're not afraid to step out of your comfort zone.  Two colors opposite one another on a color wheel, will always pair well with one another.  If you fear the stark contrast, try a lighter version of one color with a darker version of the other.  Spring and summer is the perfect time to play with color, and if like me, you have a bag in the 'it' color of the season, find separates to match the bag so that you can mix and match all season long, and always have the right colored bag to match!  SN

*Pantone Spring 2013 Color Report

Color Chic, Terrific Color Trios: Orange + Oxblood + Tan

Combining colors can be quite daunting, especially when you are unsure how to; even more confusing is referencing a color wheel to decipher computer generated colors in order to match colors which seemingly are uncoordinated. But it is easier than it looks if you follow basic tried and true pairings!

1. Wet Seal -Peplum Jacket in Orange
2.  New York & Company -Sateen Jegging in Oxblood
3.  Zara -Braided Shopper in Leather

Why It Works?

Using a color wheel as your guide (I like to use the fabric color wheel from Academichic), Analogous colors, those that neighbor each other on the color wheel (in this case, the orange jacket (1) and oxblood pant (2)), play subtly off each other.  Remember that oxblood, is a deeper, richer, red color which adds a level of sophistication to colors which complement red.  The tan bag (3), a lighter shade of brown, doesn't compete with the bold hues of the jacket or pant, and anchors the ensemble beautifully.

1, 2, 3 Chic!

 

1, 2, 3 Chic!

 

How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling can be an adventure into style if you remember to use your color wheel; red is a primary color and many things which pair with red, will also go well with with a darker version, such as oxblood, or a lighter version, such as pink. Orange is a secondary color, meaning it is a combination of two primary colors (i.e. red and yellow). And easy tip to remember, is that secondary colors match well with either of the primary colors which combine to form them. So, the orange would have paired well with red, (or oxblood) or yellow (or buttercream, the color of my tank top). The red (oxblood) pant pair with yellow (buttercream), because they make up two parts of the same color triad. The lighter yellow in the tank, when juxtapose with the oxblood , bring out the deep red undertones of the pant. SN



 

 

Color Chic, Terrific Color Trios: Navy + Red + Lavender

Combining colors can be quite daunting, especially when you are unsure how to; even more confusing is referencing a color wheel to decipher computer generated colors in order to match colors which seemingly are uncoordinated.  But it is easier than it looks if you follow basic tried and true pairings!



1.  Merona Trench Coat from Target in Navy
2.  DKNYJeans Soho Skinny Jeans with Tuxedo Stripe in Lacquer Red
3.  GAP Crew Neck T-Shirt in Lavender

Why it works?  Blue and red are both primary colors.  Along with yellow, the three collectively form a color triad.  Choose Two Colors from a color triad to pair: Red and yellow, blue and yellow or in the case pictured above blue trench coat (1) and red skinny jeans (2).

The lavender t-shirt (3) works in this trio of colors because lavender (a lighter shade of purple), is a combination of blue and red.  The eye visually draws on the lavender's blue components when next to the blue and its red components when next to the red, so when paired with both, the lavender unifies these two primary colors.

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

When exploring color combinations it is very easy to go from WOW to WTF; red and blue only seemed to pair well in my kindergarten box of crayons.  With the addition of lavender, another visual element enhances the ensemble, but I don't believe the eye could take much more.  While purple, orange or green would pair well with either blue or red, an additional color would turn this outfit into color overload, and take away from the chic-ness of this navy, red and lavender combo.  So to keep your outfit from going over the top, it needs to be anchored in a neutral color.

Sometimes, even chosing the right neutral can be difficult; I wanted each color in my outfit to mesh well together, yet stand out.  A lighter neutral like tan against the darker navy or red would have shifted the focus away from these bold colors, while a darker neutral like black have anchored the outfit too much taking away from the light, airy, alomst nautical feel of the look.   Finding inspiration in fashion doesn't have to be over thought, and I chose the color of my accessories based on the trimming on my jacket's buckle: the dark brown leather-ette trim made these brown shooties and oversized bag and easy pairing choice!



How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling is a lot of fun when you can do it with colors; and one on essential styling tool is a color wheel!  Daunting I know, when you see the colors run the length of the spokes, then you are supposed to follow T-rules or X-rules to find out which colors match best.  Here enters the color wheel by Academichic!  With a color wheel made entirely of dyed fabric, and modules to explain exactly how to combine colors, any novice color-phile can quickly turn expert in a couple of quick reads.  Why this color ensemble works, I've explained above, but I chose these pieces because I wanted a transition outfit that was warm enough for the morning's low temps, yet cool enough for the midday heat!  SN