I'm sure I can't be alone in my obsession with trends of colour blocking, monochromatic looks, and achromatic ensembles; however, these limited colour schemes - whilst helpful in regards to creating a synthesised and cohesive look - can grow tedious and repetitive. Anyone else exhausted by the monotony of a restrictive colour palette? Well, let me introduce you to my trusty old pal 'colour theory' and, in true Chop Suey! fashion, see what we can do to wake up and shake up our wardrobes.
I'm no artist - a statement in which I'm sure my GCSE Art teacher, Mrs Abrahams, would more than gladly corroborate. I have no expertise nor experience in the world of colour mixing. Also, I retain little information about how colours are actually wavelengths that are in turn interpreted by our brain, so in some way colour doesn't explicitly exist at all. This said, I'm here to share my knowledge of colour theory (more specifically colour harmonies) in relation to fashion in the hopes that I can provide you some solace from the world of shade singularity.
Before we get into the ways in which we can combine colours effectively, I must bring you some primary school nostalgia. Say it with me, kiddos: The colour wheel! The colour wheel shows how we determine primary, secondary and tertiary colours. It's important to identify these terms as they come into play rather significantly later. If you take notice of the diagram above, you will see that our main/primary colours (in the world of pigment, not light - sorry in advance, scientists) are Red, Blue and Yellow - as these shades have the capacity to compose the rest of the secondary and tertiary colours. And this blog is here to illustrate and examine the relationships between said colours in regards to how they can benefit us in the name of stylistic coherence.
Complementary
Now before you start blushing - this is not in fact complimentary, but rather complementary. This is the relationship between two colours that have a direct opposition within the colour wheel (see above) and this sharp contrast creates a balanced sense of correspondence between colours. This relationship can be achieved with all primary, secondary, and tertiary colours, and is a perfect way to experiment with colours in a manner that is loud, yet still cohesive. If you want to live your Patrick Star best life, may I recommend a pink and green combo - where your complements are bound to win you compliments, especially from those residing in Bikini Bottom.
Similarly, purples in combination yellows are successful in creating a bold, yet equally romantic aesthetic. Think sunset circa La La Land's 'A Lovely Night'. Although colour theory's principles are fundamentally centred on balance (or a lack thereof), the way we incorporate colours and their relationships does not necessitate an element of balance or equivalency. An additional bag, hat, or belt could be the only addition of a second colour in your ensemble; the use of colour harmony would still be effective. See below for some more minimalistic interpretations of the complementary relationship.
Analogous
Our second form of colour relationship is the almighty Analogous. This is ideal for those who want an expansion of monochrome but would like this expansion through a more subdued form of contrast than shown in a complementary colour scheme. Analogous colour palettes are made of colours that reside next to each other on the colour wheel - red, orange, and yellow for example. This coherent colour 'family' consists of a dominating colour, followed by a supporting colour and another operating as an accent colour (optional). This is a common effect used in haute couture to give a suggestion of saturation and vividness without appearing cheapened by excessive colour use.
Here it is evident that analogous colour schemes have the capacity to add character and an interesting dynamic to an ensemble. The heterogeneity of colour allows an outfit to feel flavourful, whilst the supporting/accent colours enable the look to feel well established and natural, without bordering extremity. Whether you choose two or three colours, the analogous dynamic is the perfect extension of monochromatic outfits - canvassing brightness, effortlessness, and a natural harmony between the outfit's elements.
Triadic
The final colour relationship I will be explaining is the triadic colour dynamic. If we have learnt anything from great literature and art throughout time - extremity is the point. This colour scheme is taken from three evenly spaced colours around the colour wheel - although not in direct opposition, the equal spacing between these shades allow for a sense of concordance regardless of their unfamiliarity. The triadic pattern tends to be bright and dynamic, successful in creating a statement look with an overarching sense of confidence and finesse. There is a simultaneity of conflict and harmony within the triadic scheme - which effectively lends itself to the trend of colour blocking as seen below.
There are some drawbacks to this colour palette; the competitiveness of the three equal shades means there is a struggle to emphasise and highlight a specific item of clothing. Instead, it achieves an overall sense of vivacious spectacle, presenting the outfit as more of an amalgamation of separate pieces, rather than showcasing one particular element. The effect of the triadic style is dramatic and borderline caricature, therefore it has be come a commonality between movie posters and movie characters alike (seen below). This surrealist, cartoon feel is the perfect way to exhibit the paradoxical harmony inside incongruity, highlighting the potential saturation and visual excitement colour can create to the forefront of your outfit.
I hope this brief guide to colour theory and colour harmonies was informative and to some degree inspirational in regards to livening up your choice of colours in a way that still maintains cohesion and balance. I also hope that implementing these changes to your wardrobe can brighten up these darker times - shed some colour in a world that seems a bit grayscale at the moment. Thanks for reading, friends.
Yours truly,
Em Cav
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