When we first explored the color wheel and experimented with various color combinations, we found it to be extremely helpful in lending us new eyes with which to see our wardrobes. This was so useful the first time around, that we decided to revisit the color modules and to challenge ourselves to a review session using our summer wardrobes. In our first review session we reexamined Neutrals and Neutrals with a Pop.
This week we will review Complementary Colors and the Two-Thirds Rule. To read more about this color mix lesson, click here…
Complementary Colors:
These colors appear opposite each other on the color wheel. An example might be red and green:
Because they are complete opposites, complementary colors make each other seem more intense. To be frank, it can be difficult to wear complementary colors together and simultaneously avoid looking like a page out of a coloring book. As we played with our color wheel, we found that we gravitated towards complementary color schemes that used intermediate colors, such as red-orange and blue-green:
We also liked how using a darker hue of a color’s complement created a more sophisticated palette:
Two-Thirds:
We’ve realized that we gravitate towards color combinations that make up two-thirds of a triad. In technical terms, a triad is comprised of three hues equidistant from each other on the color wheel. If you were to draw and equilateral triangle in the middle of the color wheel, the points would touch a triad of colors such as red-yellow-blue or orange-green-purple. Triads can be tricky to wear simultaneously (though we’ll be trying to soon!), but we’ve found that picking just two colors from a triad often results in a terrific, eye-catching palette. Our mnemonic device sounds like a pizza topping special: “You pick two!”An example might be blue and yellow:
Another example might be violet and green:
But, as with the complementary color schemes, we found that we preferred to mix a bright hue with its darker, more subdued complement:
Or, like A. did while on vacation, mix a bright hue (yellow) with its lighter complement (pink).
Homework:
We are going to try these types of color combinations out this week. If you do too, drop us a comment and let us know!
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What a great way of looking at color combinations! I love the deep purple with lemony yellow that you have above. My closet lacks color in a major way, but I’m going to challenge myself to come up with an outfit that works with the two-thirds rule. I’m still trying to get caught up after the move and the lack of laptop, but already you all are inspiring me! I miss you ladies!
Great post! I’m linking to it on my blog… hope you ladies don’t mind?! (Is there an etiquette on this kind of stuff?) I’ll definitely be trying some of these combos out.
Great post, very informative! I love the combination of green and violet, in fact I love it so much that I’m wearing it to my undergraduate graduation!
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I am not much of a color person but I am getting there! I need to try your 2/3s rule… hmmm..
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