Tuesday's Trendy Tip: Understanding the color wheel

When you know how to use it, the color wheel can be a wonderful tool for decorating or even putting together outfits!  Here is a quick look at the basics of the color wheel and how to accomplish stylish looks within those color harmonies.  The parts of the color wheel that we are using for each outfit is outlined in black.

Monochromatic:

 

Monochromatic colors are all the tints, tones and shades of a single hue.  You can easily accomplish a monochromatic look within this hue by pairing a pair of baby blue shorts and handbag, with a turquoise floral top and aqua colored cardigan.

Shorts: Aeropostale Sz. 0  -  Tank: Delias Sz. Small  -  Cardigan: Ann Taylor Sz. Small  -  Coach Bag

 Complimentary:

Complimentary colors are pairs of colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel.  When placed next to each other, complements make each other appear brighter which is great for the summertime.  This is one of the easiest looks to put together because it is literally two-colors!  For this outfit we paired a dress in the orange hue under a tank that was already a mixture of our compliments.

Tank: J. Crew Sz. 0  -  Dress:  Poof Sz. Small  -  Clutch: Kristine Accessories

Analogous:

Analogous colors are colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel.  Color-blocking is a great way to accomplish this look.  We paired solids from each hue to accent each other while allowing enough contrast.

Split Complimentary:

This is a color scheme that includes a main color and the two colors on each side of its complementary (opposite) color on the color wheel.  For this look we paired a monochromatic turquoise tank over a maroon dress with a peach colored sweater.

Tank: Tahari Sz. Small  -  Sweater: Guess Sz. Small  -  Dress: Lush Sz. Large  -  Marc Jacobs Wallet