Mix and Match Color

April 18, 2013

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Last week I shared with you the color trends of the season & how to find your best colors (see post here). This week I'm sharing how to mix and match colors! I went shopping with my sister over Christmas and she is always asking me to help her pick out outfits. She tried on the most fabulous cobalt blue pants and I gave her a coral shirt to pair with it. She looked at me sideways and said, "Huh? That's a little bright don't you think?" Let's just say I won, she bought it and it's in her closet. Has she worn it? Not sure, but she should because it looked gorgeous on her.

I'm not sure why some people have a love affair with black. Don't get me wrong black is great, it's a color staple and timeless. But in my opinion, EVERYONE looks better with a little color. So here's the scoop! Today we'll talk about the following:

1. A basic color wheel
2. How you can use a color wheel to mix and match colors
3. Some of my favorite color combos
4. Inspiration outfits
5. Lulu's color tips

A Basic Color Wheel

Gap, Old Navy, Nordstrom, Jack Rogers, Boden, Nine West, Francesca's, Mix and Match color, color wheel, emerald green, summer wedges, white skinny cropped jeans, polka dot pants, Tory Burch handbag, pink pants,

How a Color Wheel Can Help you Mix & Match Colors in Your Wardrobe:

Using a color wheel can help the color challenged folks in their mixing and matching (see here for more information). Here's how to combine:

1. Colors next to each other - this creates a simple harmonious effect

2. Colors that form a 90 degree angle - to find this, pick a color and skip 2 arms of the wheel (example: violet & red/orange)

3. Colors that are opposite each other - creates a bold look, a little more risk taking. However, it can create cliche color combos (red & green = Christmas... not such a great look in July)

4. 3 Colors that form a "T" - pick 2 colors opposite each other and then find the color in the middle (example: blue + orange + violet-red)

Black, gray, brown and white (or variations: khaki & cream) are considered neutral colors that typically, but not always, go well with any other color. Sometimes it can just be preference also. For instance I am not a fan of blue and black together....

My Favorite Color Combos:

I love navy! Navy goes with a lot of colors & it's preppy (which I really am at heart). Navy & pink, navy & green, navy & coral
Gray & plum
Coral & mint
Wine & black

Lulu Mix & Match Color Tips:

Afraid of mixing colors? Try mixing color with neutrals first! It's a little "safer"
Add color through accessories: a statement necklace, clutch, or scarf
Buy a shirt or dress that has the colors already mixed for you!
Want to be daring? Go for it! But I would stick to mixing no more than 3 colors together.

Outfit Inspirations:

Definitely a preppy look but with some trendy, modern touches (wedges & animal print scarf).

This outfit is simple chic: skinnies, light weight sweater & a sweater "coat". Perfect for a mom on-the-go.

Another "preppy" look. When wearing a bright color, the other colors should be more subdued. Be beautifully bright, not crazy bright.

This outfit to me is beachy and fresh. The colors are soft and the polka dots are so fun.

I'm totally into my white skinny cropped jean. I LOVE them! White jeans and chambray are just a perfect pairing.

I'll be wearing this outfit hosting a party this weekend. You'll see the snaps next week!

Because this dress has both color mixing & pattern I kept the accessories simple.

I had a lot of fun putting these outfits together. This is a great way to put together outfits each season. It also helps Dazzed Closet Syndrome (standing in your closet and thinking "I have nothing to wear"). As I was pulling outfits I got more inspired as well. You can pull out one pair of pants and develop 2 or 3 outfits around 1 piece. Have fun with it and good luck!

I hope you enjoyed today's post and got a little inspiration for bringing more color to your wardrobe and life! See more outfit inspiration through my instagram page here. It's Thursday, tomorrow's Friday, and then... the weekend :) Yeah!

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QuickEdit

Boden color wheel emerald green Francesca's Gap Jack Rogers Mix and Match color Nine West Nordstrom Old Navy pink pants polka dot pants summer wedges Tory Burch handbag white skinny cropped jeans

Lulu Soler

10 Comments

10 comments:

JuneApril 18, 2013 at 7:49 AM
Great post! I'd love it if you dropped by to my blog and if you like it maybe we could follow each other??
xx
www.JuneWantsItAll.com
BrandiApril 18, 2013 at 9:57 AM
I just found your blog and I am glad I did! Love this post. I recently bought a light mint skirt from J.Crew Factory that Lauren from the Lauren Elizabeth blog posted about a few weeks ago. I don't know what I was thinking when I bought it, I have nothing to go with it. I guess I was on a high from her cute outfit. :) Anyway ... I thought about mixing it with a coral light cardi and a white basic tee. When I told my BFF my idea, she looked at me like I had told her I was going to work topless. I am happy to see I am not alone in my mint/coral mix combo!

Brandi
ChroniclesofaThirtySomething.blogspot.com
StacyApril 18, 2013 at 4:18 PM
This was a great post! I love that you used actual examples from your closet instead of Polyvore examples. Thanks for all the great tips, I enjoy your style!
Mrs CApril 18, 2013 at 4:51 PM
This chart is exactly what I need especially when I am relatively new to colors. I think that pink white and green combo is stunning and perfect for spring! Can't wait to see on you!

GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/
Stephanie @ Shades of Color ArtApril 18, 2013 at 5:35 PM
This are really good tips! From the interior designer perspective, you talked really great about those color combos. :)
JulieApril 18, 2013 at 6:36 PM
LOVE LOVE LOVE the first and third look. I may have to go on the hunt for a lime colored wallet, it's gorgeous!

xoxo, Julie
//OBSESSED//
UnknownApril 18, 2013 at 7:09 PM
Great post and tips. Loving the outfits.

Agi:)

vodkainfusedlemonade.com
UnknownApril 18, 2013 at 7:20 PM
I am totally pinning this! Thanks for the tips :)

www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
www.daisyraeboutique.com
palmandpineblogApril 18, 2013 at 11:23 PM
Just started following you blog! Great post :)

xo, tasha
Enter to win a $40 Lorraine Tyne gift card
Emily @ LaForce Be With YouApril 25, 2013 at 11:56 AM
Brand new follower here! Where is the white and blue scarf from in the first outfit? Did you purchase it recently? It would be so perfect paired with many outfits!