It goes without saying that the way we dress depends very much on how we feel. Embracing neutral colours will always be a good idea if you want to stay within your comfort zone when you feel tired, busy or uninspired. But there is also something magic about adding more colours to your wardrobe, as bright ones make you feel confident and powerful. And even if the weather has brought some shades of grey into the landscape, you shouldn’t eliminate colours from your outfits. There is something special about bright pigments that will offer an instant mood lifter because of their intoxicating hues.
A pop of colour can have a lasting impression and transform an outfit from forgettable to fabulous. However, many people avoid light colours, as they are a powerful styling tool and can be intimidating for some. But don’t worry, as with a few easy tips, you will surely master the power of the colour pop. Here is how you can achieve this.
Start small
If you have just started expanding your fashion game, it might be a good idea to look for inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram or in the city streets. It can be quite overwhelming to shift your style all of a sudden, so starting small can help you become more confident with stepping outside your comfort zone. For example, if your wardrobe is filled with darker colours, you can add a dark blue or red to gradually incorporate more colours. Or you can choose some colourful accessories, like a pair of shoes, a bag, a bracelet or a headwrap from AfricanFabs.
Determine the colours that complement your skin tone
When you add colours into your wardrobe, you also need to take into account your undertone. This is very important, as the wrong colours can wash you out and not complement your skin. The easiest way to figure out your undertone is to look at the veins of your arms. Are they blue or green in appearance? If green, you have a warm complexion. If blue, you have a cool one. It is as simple as that.
Now that you have figured out your undertone, it is time to understand what colours match each skin tone. Well, a cool complexion looks best in darker colours like browns, greens, reds and blues. On the other hand, a warm complexion looks amazing in brighter shades of colours, like pink, yellow and orange.
Let your shoes do the taking
Colourful shoes can be a fun way to add a touch of colour to your outfit. You can try blue sneakers, red heels and green flats. In this way, you can wear a neutral outfit, as the bright shoes will be the ones that will draw attention to the eye, making them the focal point of your outfit. Studies have even shown that the first thing people notice when making an initial impression is the shoes. And if you wear them in bright colours, you will seem happy, confident and approachable. You can even match the shoes with other accessories if you want to achieve a polished and cohesive look.
Start with a pattern statement
If you don’t think you can choose the best colours to match together, select a statement pattern that can carry the outfit. Moreover, you can pick a pattern in whatever part of the outfit you wish, whether it takes the form of a blazer, a dress, pants, skirts or anything in between. You can choose a classic pattern, such as polka dots and stripes or you can venture further into brighter colours of the floral or African print.
Whatever pattern you want to choose, don’t forget one thing: rock it with confidence.
Layer colours on top of a neutral outfit
If you want to start injecting some colours into your wardrobe, that doesn’t mean you must dump all the neutral clothing articles you own. Instead, you will need to learn the best ways to balance colours with neutrals to create a classy and cohesive look. Neutrals like white, beige, black and grey can anchor the outfit and make the colours stand out even more.
Try your luck with different shades
You can choose from plenty of shades, including neons, pastels, muted colours and everything in between. So don’t be afraid to try out more hues and shades to determine which ones speak better to your sense of style.
Mix and match colours
Once you have added some colours to your wardrobe, you don’t need to limit yourself to choosing a single hue for an outfit. Instead, you can match complementary colours or mix different shades in the same family colour. Monochrome outfits with several hues in the same colour family look stunning and very polished.
You don’t even need to follow the rules and stick to the traditional colour schemes, like red and green during Christmas and pink on Valentine’s Day. Instead, you can be bolder and try to mix and match some unexpected shades that will have an eye-catching effect on the eyes. You will see that sometimes, the most successful outfits are the ones that have the most surprising combinations. You can even try colour blocking, a creative technique that involves pairing different blocks of solid colours. If you are a fashionista, this can be the best way to show off your personality.
Step out of your comfort zone
The most essential thing to remember when trying to add more colours to your wardrobe is to have fun! Fashion doesn’t always need to follow the rules; it is also about self-expression. So, don’t be afraid to try new styles, shades and patterns and step out of your comfort zone. Ultimately, you might be surprised at what you have created from your wardrobe and might love something you didn’t expect.
