How to Match Clothes With Color

Matching clothing by color may seem like an elementary thing to do, but many people get it wrong. With the numerous undertones and variations on the market for simple colors like black and gray, coordinating shades correctly can be challenging. But by following a few simple color tips, it will be easy to put together outfits that don't clash. Better yet, start when shopping to minimize your work at home.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Find the undertones of your wardrobe colors. Pick a favorite garment and hold a piece of white paper underneath it in the sun. If the clothing tone looks yellowish or ruddy after looking at the white paper, it's a warm tone. If a bluish effect comes out, then the garment is cool. Do this for all garments except for neutrals: white, black, gray and khaki.
   • 2
     Separate clothing by color temperature. The cool shades mix best with like colors, as do the warmer shades.
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   • 3
     Next, look at the neutrals in sunlight to find their true tones. Sometimes, these are also cool or warm. Black can also be deceiving because the color may actually be navy or a very deep green. Sunlight is the most reliable test for these tricky shades.
   • 4
     Coordinate colors by thinking of the color wheel. To do this while shopping, bring along a Pantone Shopping Color Guide, or use a printout of a color guide. Shoot for analogous (adjacent on the color wheel) shades or complimentary (opposite) colors.
   • 5
     Remember that one shade can come in light and dark variations. These coordinate well together, but can seem monochromatic if unbroken by a neutral.
   • 6
     When coordinating patterns, pick only one color in the pattern that you'd like to emphasize and seek to match that shade. Wearing more than one pattern can sometimes work, but may be risky. If you try to combine patterns, one should be larger than the other, and all colors must be analogous or complimentary.