The chromatic circle and its different combinations: how to achieve each one successfully

The chromatic circle and its different combinations: how to achieve each one successfully. Just as in art, in fashion, color is an essential element, since from there, we are allowed to be creative and incorporate combinations and express ourselves through it.

 

The colors we choose at a given time to dress can reflect our style, mood, and part of our personality.

 

But we know that sometimes creating combinations or introducing certain tones in our clothing is not an easy task. We want to have perfect outfits that stand out among others, but when it comes to making them, everything seems complicated, or that they do not harmonize with each other.

 

For this reason, it is necessary to learn the art of understanding and use the great and handy color wheel.

 

This colorful wheel gives us the perfect tool when looking for combinations that complement each other. So, if you are one of those people who are constantly inclined toward neutral tones, you are in luck since here we will show you what analogous and complementary colors are, and you can give your daily look a twist.

 

Chromatic Circle

 

Or also known as a color wheel, it is made up of 12 basic colors, which in turn are classified into two groups by temperature which are warm colors, with gold or golden nuances, which remind us of the sun, and cold colors, with shades of blue, which we associate with cold and calm.

 

So, a very easy formula to know which group suits us best, it is necessary to determine our skin tone, since, if it is warm, cold colors will suit us better and vice versa, if we have a cold skin tone, they will suit us better warm tones.

 

Therefore, this is the first step to beginning to understand this wheel. Of course, it is not a mandatory formula, and it does not imply that they must always stick to a single group.

 

How does the color wheel work?

 

The color wheel, in turn, presents three color classifications: primary, which are those pure colors, namely yellow, blue, and red.

 

Secondary, which are created from the union of 2 primary and tertiary colors, they come from mixing a primary and a secondary color, so you have three options to choose from and be able to put together your outfits safely.

 

 

 

Color Harmony

 

With color harmony, we refer to those techniques applied to create color combinations so that they are, as their name suggests, harmonious and look good on our clothes.

 

There are basic combinations: monochromatic, analogous, complementary, semi-complementary, and triadic.

 

 

 

Monochrome Combinations

 

In this type of combination, the aim is to unite or associate garments of the same color, a single base color, or different shades of the same color. For example, an all-orange look or mixing a light orange tone with a dark one or more strong.

 

Another example is choosing multiple shades of a base color such as red, pink, and salmon. Since they are all in the same block.

 

Also, in this classification, it is necessary to knock down the myth that monochrome combinations refer to using white, black, or gray. Because the use of this fits into what is known as achromatic since there is no presence of color.

 

Complementary Combinations

 

These combinations are born from the union of opposite colors within the chromatic circle. So, we will associate a primary color with a secondary one. An example of this is: blue with orange, yellow and purple or red with green.

 

They are very striking formulas that can also be handled through the intermediate tones of each color. To facilitate the search within the circle, the complementary colors denounce one in front of the other, there being 6 complementary colors.

 

If this does not convince you, because it is a very risky bet, you can well include the light tone of one of the two opposite colors in the combination. And thus, not use two strong colors together.

 

Analogous Combinations

 

Here we go to the sides, in the literal sense. Since by analogy, we mean combining neighboring colors that are next to each other. This formula is a safe, easy, and infallible option to apply.

 

The objective is to associate colors of the same nature. Such as, for example, only warm tones, earth tones, or cold. The analogy results in a more balanced combination than the previous ones described. For being the least striking or strident of all and being easier going for some people.

 

To quickly identify them, the analogous colors are the 3 that are next to each other within the chromatic circle. So, we have a dominant color and others that come from it, but in other tones.

 

Triadic Combination

 

We must form a triangle on the color wheel to find this combination.

 

One that will throw us the 3 colors located at the same distance, helping us prepare the outfit safely. This mixture is undoubtedly risky and striking.

 

Examples of the color triad are red, blue, and yellow, or purple, orange, and yellow.

 

And if wearing 3 strong and vibrant colors does not go with your style, you can go for the softer shades of these and try if you feel comfortable with this option.

 

Expert Tetrad

 

Let’s add one more color to the combinations we have been talking about.

 

Here, 4 colors are mixed at the same time.

 

Taking one color as a base, 2 to create contrast, and the last and fourth colors added to include accents.

 

 

 

Semi-complementary

 

This is a variation of the complementary combination.

 

You pick a color from the color wheel, locate the complementary color on it, and then pick the two colors next to the complementary color.

 

Honestly, it is not an easy thing to achieve. However, you can accomplish a simply spectacular and impactful combination with practice and mastery.

 

Neutral Colors

 

To close, let’s talk a little about neutral colors. Which we can include in practically any combination that we put together. And they serve to soften a look if you do not want to dress in a flashy way.

 

Usually, we have clothes in these colors in our closet, so it will be tough to put together outfits since these are: black, white, blue, navy, gray and brown, olive green, and plum, among others closer to these.

 

As you can see, combining colors in our clothes is an art. And following color harmony can be really fun and useful. Just take your time to calmly mix and preview those looks before using them and thus correct any errors in time.