Why Should I Use a Wardrobe Color Palette?
When I was younger (before I had the understanding of seasonal color analysis), I used to just buy whatever I saw that I liked regardless of color or how it would fit into my existing wardrobe. I ended up with a lot of pieces that could only be worn with certain other pieces. Some times, I’ve even had items that I didn’t have ANYTHING to go with, so they just sat in my closet unworn. . . beautiful, but unworn. What good are clothes if you don’t wear them? How useful is a jacket if you can only wear it with one of pants?
If you’re in the same clothing rut that I was in, I feel for you and I can help. Using a defined wardrobe color palette will help you make the most out of your clothing purchases. No longer will clothes hang lonely by themselves. Having a wardrobe color palette creates versatility in your wardrobe so that you can do more with less.
What is the Most Popular Color of 2019?
Every year, color and fashion forecasting companies such as Pantone analyze mountains of data from previous trends, runway shows and other societal cues to determine which color they think will be the most popular color for the year. For 2019, this color is called Living Coral.
Living Coral is a breath of fresh air. Its bright hue signifies an air of optimism in the overall thinking of society. Not only does it convey optimism, but it also imparts a sense of nurturing . It’s nurturing aspect is derived from its namesake– the coral reefs that line the ocean floors and sustain thousands of species of aquatic life. Living Coral is also praised for its stunning quality in both real life and in addition to digital and print media.
If you’re looking to add some vivacity to your wardrobe, what better way to do it than with fresh optimism and a playful spirit. The colors we wear often either reflect or affect how we feel. Now is a great time to incorporate more optimism in your life. I find that optimism and confidence often go hand in hand. As a wardrobe consultant, my desire is to instill you with confidence; confidence in your clothing choices and confidence in your body, which will ultimately produce confidence in yourself.
How to Incorporate Living Coral into Your Wardrobe
In order to incorporate color into your wardrobe in a manner that looks intentional and polished, you have to put in a little bit of effort. First of all, it’s important to have an understanding of how colors play together. Secondly, it’s important to discern which colors are most flattering with your complexion and your natural coloring. The best part is, all you need to know to rock Living Coral is below. Just keep reading!
What Colors Work Well Together?
While there are really unlimited numbers of pleasing wardrobe color palette combinations, there are some standard color schemes that are sure to give you bang for your buck. The 6 basic color schemes (+ one of my own favorites) are:
- Complementary- the color directly across the color wheel
- Split Complementary- the two colors on either side of the complement
- Triadic- three colors equidistant from each other on the color wheel
- Tetrad- four colors equidistant from each other on the color wheel
- Monochromatic- Shades and tints of the same hue
- Analogous- Colors next to each other on the color wheel
- Neutral with an accent
You can find info about how the color schemes are created in this post.
What is the complementary color of coral?
The complementary color of living coral is Blarney– a delightfully bright green hue. Use this green in your wardrobe color palette at full intensity with the coral or as a tint, tone or shade.
What colors should I wear?
You should create a wardrobe color palette with the colors that you are most stunning in. Finding these colors is easy when you know your season. If you’re curious about how to wear living coral in light of your season, visit this post.
What season am I?
The best way to determine your season is to have a color consultant perform a color draping. If that’s not an option, I offer a FREE Color Course. The course will not only help you determine your
What colors should springs wear?
Springs should wear living coral and its companions in all their glory– full intensity. If you wish, that is. You also have the option of wearing some deeper shade derivatives or lighter tints, but always keep your undertones warm (Find out more about undertones in this post).
Complementary
Because complementary colors are across from each other on the color wheel, their pairing creates the most contrast. Each color makes the other appear even more vibrant. Use this combination in your wardrobe color palette if you want to stand out.
Split Complementary
The split complementary color scheme is a three color combo. It contains the colors on both sides of the complementary color.
Living Coral look stunning with Scuba Blue and Classic Green. This bright combo has a very fun, enterjectic vibe.
Split Complementary with Complement
For a four color combination, you can throw in Living Coral’s complement. Below we have Living Coral, Classic Green, Blarney and Scuba Blue. Wear this combination in a ⅝ coral and ⅛ of each of the other three colors proportion for balance.
Triadic
The triadic color combination features Marina, a purplish blue hue, and Citronelle, a fresh mix of lemon-lime. While this combination would look stunning on any Spring, it’s not for the faint of heart. Only the most daring fashionistas are adventurous enough to wear this citrus hue. Do you dare? If you do, email me a snapshot and I’ll add it to this page and the Facebook page.
Triadic with complement
Add Blarney, the complementary color, for a more grounded look. It’s still quite daring depending on which proportion you wear the Citronelle.
Tetrad
A tetrad color combination is made up of 4 colors that are equally spaced on the color wheel. In addition to Living Coral, Medolark, Vibrant Green and Electric Purple complete this quartet.
Monochromatic
Monochromatic color schemes are easy on the eyes due to the gentle contrast of the shades. To the right of Living Coral, in order from lightest to darkest, we have Tiger Lily, Salsa, Red Dahlia, and Port. Such a rich, elegant color combination.
Analogous
If looking for a wardrobe color palette with the least contrast, look to the analogous scheme. A coral trio — Living Coral joined by Calypso Coral and Coral Rose.
Analogous with Complement
Adding the complementary color, Blarney, to the analogous color scheme creates a very modern look while adding some balance.
Neutral with Accent
Now this just might be one of my favorites. Leading with a soft brown beige named Cameo Brown, followed by Heavenly Pink and ending with White Asparagus. Isn’t it a sophisticated look? This combination is sure to produce and instantly effortless, elegant look.
What colors should summers wear?
Summers should wear a slightly warmer and lighter version of Living Coral called Shell Pink. Its cool undertone and high value make it a perfect color for Summers. Most of the colors in the Summer wardrobe color palette will be on the lighter side. This is especially important for the delicate summer complexions.
Complementary
Shell Pinks complementary color is Irish Green. In essence, it’s a soft green, but not a soft as a mint green. The soft youthfulness of this duo is reminiscent of vintage candy shoppes.
Split Complementary
The split complementary palette employs a slightly yellower green and a pale blue named Leaf Green and Aruba Blue respectively.
Split Complementary with Complement
By adding, the brighter complement, Irish Green, back in, we livin up the palette slightly.
Triadic
Because Summers don’t wear orange particularly well, I’ve selected cool, light brown Tapenade. Light powder, purplish blue rounds out the intricate trio.
Triadic with complement
And yet, adding the complement in addition to this trio produces a nurturing essence.
Tetrad
The tetrad palette has high contrast between the hues. Popcorn, Green Ash and Pale Iris possess a sweet, yet vibrant quality.
Monochromatic
For the monochromatic color scheme, I elected to make Shell Pink the lowest value color of the bunch. So, following Shell Pink, from lowest to highest value are Peach Bud, Candy Pink, Rosewater and Heavenly Pink.
Analogous
Shell Pink is joined by Pink Carnation and Cadmium Orange to create this fun-loving trio.
Analogous with Complement
With Irish Green added as the complement, balance is achieved.
Neutral with Accent
The neutral color palette is grounded with Ash Rose, elevated with Heavenly Pink and lightened with Sheer Pink.
What colors should autumns wear?
Autumns can wear Living Coral in its full glory, but most will enjoy it more in a slightly muted tone. Coral Quartz will play better with the more earthy colors of the Autumn’s wardrobe color palette.
Complementary
Directly across from Coral Quartz in a slightly deeper shade is Jolly Green. Lighter shade of green can be worn with Coral Quartz as well.
Split Complementary
The colors on the other side of Jolly Green are Ocean Depths and Fern Green.This set of colors are often found in nature, making it a rich selection.
Split Complementary with Complement
Add in the complement, Jolly Green, to help balance large amounts of the Coral Quarts.
Triadic
The triadic palette contains a green with a heavy yellow undertone. The name of this olive green type color is Woodbine.True Blue rounds out this group with a dose of stability.
Triadic with Complement
This color palette has an even richer feel as a result of Jolly Green being added.
Tetrad
Any yellow-toned color can be a bit of a stretch for any season except Springs. Here, the Autumns will enjoy their golden version in Mimosa combined with less controversial hues Online Lime and Tillandsia Purple.
Monochromatic
The monochromatic color palette for Coral Quartz sides down to a deep warm brown color. The colors from highest intensity to lowest displayed : Pureed Pumpkin, Merlot, Biking Red and Port Royale.
Analogous
The analogous color scheme continues the earthy theme. American Beauty and the oranger of the two, Rooibos Tea complete this mello trio.
Analogous with Complement
Incorporating Jolly Green adds a need punch to this ensemble and further develops its richness.
Neutral with Accent
For starters, a sweet warm beige begins the mix. Its name is Cameo Brown. Mix in Heavenly Pink and White Asparagus and you’ve got a winning combination.
What colors should winters wear?
Winters will look best in a cooler, deeper version of Living Coral.The one I recommend is Hibiscus. For the fact that this red has a blue undertone instead of a yellow, it will be perfect for Winters. Winters can pull of hues of regular value and intensity as well as slight tints and deep shades.
Complementary
Jelly Bean is the complementary color for Hibiscus. The bright quality of Hibiscus particularly helps this combo not look too overtly Christmasy.
Split Complementary
Next, Dynasty Green, which is the bluer of the two, and Treetop make up the split complementary color scheme. The combination of these colors has quite the modern feel.
Split Complementary with Complement
On the other hand, with this color scheme, play around with which colors you have next to each other. I like to have the “blue” next to Hibiscus, then gradually get greener creating sort of an ombre effect.
Triadic
This primary like composition packs a punch.However, the slight smokiness of the blue, Blithe, and the buttery feel of the yellow, Lemon Zest, make it a slightly more sophisticated pairing that what is usually seen.
Triadic with Complement
On the other hand, by adding Jelly Bean in, the composition becomes more reminiscent of natural surrounds.
Tetrad
The tetrad color palette is completed with a brown that leans a little to the orange side, green and dark blue; Buckhorn Brown, Jelly Bean, and Navy Peony respectively. Despite the fact that the Buckhorn Brown and Jelly Bean with Hibiscus alone has quite an earthy feel, but on the other hand, the addition of the Navy Peony polishes the mixture.
Monochromatic
The monochromatic color palette for Hibiscus portrays a very rich elegance. From lightest to darkest starting from Hibiscus, the colors are: Jalapeno Red, Chili Pepper, Sun-dried Tomato and Red Pear.
Analogous
Hibiscus’ neighboring friends on the color wheel are Fuchsia and Koi.Together, they create a cheerful disposition.
Analogous with Complement
Bringing in the complement, Jelly Bean elevates the level of contract. There’s no getting bored here with this one.
Neutral with Accent
Yet again, I believe I love our focus color with accent combination the best. This pairing features our Winter’s Living Coral, Hibiscus, with Black Beauty, Steel Gray and Nimbus Cloud. Isn’t it a striking ensemble?
The Last Thing You Need to Know About Incorporating Living Coral into Your Wardrobe
Although Living Coral is a Spring color, don’t forget that there are variations out there that are flattering for all of the seasons. Namely, there is Coral Quartz for Autumns, Shell Pink for Summers and Hibiscus for Winters.
Furthermore, trends are no good for trends’ sake. If you don’t like or don’t look radiant in this year’s most popular color, or if it doesn’t fit in with your existing wardrobe, give it a pass. It’s more important to look classically effortless, then following every trend.
I’ve created season-specific printable wardrobe color palette cards. They are so handy to print off and stick in your purse to take with you shopping. Sign up for yours below.
I’d love to know what you think of these wardrobe color palettes. Which fantastic combo are you dying to try first? Let me know in the comments below. Email me a snapshot of you wearing one of the color combos and I’ll post it on our Facebook page. You can be a style inspiration to us all!
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