Welcome to our special Style School bonus class: Color Mastery!
I’m thrilled to be here with Susie Bytheway, my talented art instructor and owner of Accomplished Artist Studio, to share some deep insights on color theory. Whether you’re familiar with the basics or just starting out, I guarantee you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of color and how it can enhance your Dressing Your Truth journey.
In this session, we dive into the principles of color theory, including the color wheel, the relationships between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, and how they influence your wardrobe choices. Let’s break down some key takeaways from our class and how you can use them to express your true style.
(4:45) The Basics of the Color Wheel
Color theory starts with the color wheel, which is broken down into primary colors (red, yellow, blue), secondary colors (purple, green, orange), and tertiary colors (mixes between primary and secondary, like red-orange or blue-green). When building your wardrobe, knowing these color families can help you understand what colors naturally go together, creating harmony in your outfits.
Primary Colors
Primary colors are pure colors that cannot be created by mixing other colors. In fashion, they can serve as a statement color or the base of an outfit. They’re the foundation for building a versatile wardrobe that can be mixed and matched effortlessly.
Secondary and Tertiary Colors
These colors are made by blending primary colors, providing a bridge between the pure colors. For example, pairing secondary and tertiary colors like purple with yellow-green can add depth and interest to your outfits. Learning to mix and match these colors is key to mastering style variations.
(13:20) Tint, Tone, Shade, and Hue: Adding Dimension to Your Wardrobe
Knowing how colors transform with the addition of white (tint), gray (tone), and black (shade) is crucial. Each of the four Energy Types in Dressing Your Truth looks best in each of these variations, respectively:
- Type 1: Looks best in tints, adding light, fresh movement to their outfits.
- Type 2: Looks best in tones, creating a subtle, muted effect that feels soft and calming.
- Type 3: Looks best in shades, adding depth and intensity that matches their dynamic energy.
- Type 4: Looks best in pure hues and the highest contrasts of black and white.
When putting together your wardrobe, focus on your Type’s color group. For example, Type 1s can play with a range of tints to add brightness, while Type 4s can go bold with pure hues and stark contrasts.
(18:28) Exploring Color Schemes for a Harmonious Wardrobe
Understanding color schemes can help you create cohesive looks. Here are some key schemes to explore:
- Complementary Colors: Colors directly across from each other on the color wheel, like red and green. These combinations can add a vibrant contrast to your outfit.
- Analogous Colors: Three colors side-by-side on the color wheel, like blue, blue-green, and green. They create a more calming, monochromatic look.
- Triadic Colors: Evenly spaced on the color wheel, such as the primary colors (red, yellow, blue). This scheme adds a dynamic, balanced effect to your style.
- Tetradic (Double Complementary) Colors: Two sets of complementary pairs, creating an energetic mix that’s perfect for higher movement styles.
(28:51) Understanding Color Value: Adding Depth and Contrast to Your Wardrobe
Color value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color, and it plays a crucial role in creating depth and contrast in your outfits. Each color on the color wheel can be adjusted by adding white (to create a tint), gray (to create a tone), or black (to create a shade), resulting in a range of values. Understanding color value allows you to create balanced looks that match your Energy Type. By experimenting with different values within your color palette, you can add dimension and harmony to your wardrobe.
(35:47) Color Temperature: Finding Your Perfect Balance of Warm and Cool
Color temperature refers to how warm or cool a color appears, impacting the overall feel of your outfits. Warm colors carry a vibrant, energizing quality, while cool colors have a calming, soothing effect. Every color on the wheel can lean warm or cool depending on its undertones, which is key to matching your Energy Type. Recognizing the temperature of colors in your palette helps you choose tones that harmonize with your natural movement and personal style.
(41:25) Live Q & A Begins
Applying This Knowledge to Your Dressing Your Truth Journey
Using color theory can empower you to choose outfits that resonate with your natural movement. Look at your wardrobe and arrange your clothes by gradient, noticing how your tints, tones, shades, or hues vary in intensity. Experiment with monochromatic looks or analogous color combinations to discover new ways of expressing your style.
Ready to Take Your Style to the Next Level?
If you’re feeling inspired to deepen your color knowledge, the Dressing Your Truth Style Kit is your next step! With this kit, you’ll get everything you need to build a wardrobe that fully harmonizes with your Energy Type, including personalized color palettes, style guides, and more. Grab your kit now and master the art of color in your personal style. I also recommend getting you own Color Wheel to take your learning to the next level!
Purchase your Style Kit today!
Color is a powerful tool in your wardrobe. By understanding the relationships between colors and how they resonate with your Energy Type, you can dress your truth with confidence and ease. So, what new color combinations are you excited to try?
Share your insights in the Lifestyle Facebook Group and join us for more learning as we continue on with Style School!
