Style Guide: Dressing using Colour Theory ft. Maxine Wylde
The rise of colour dressing continues this season, as vivid hues dominate both high end fashion runways and everyday street style. In all realms of the fashion scene, we see the styling of different vibrant tones and contrast combinations, often utilising colour theory principles to create striking and powerful looks. In recent fashion seasons, the commanding presence of 'Valentino Pink' and pastels have reaffirmed the prominence of colour dressing, and showcase the deliberate use of colour theory principles when styling.
KIVARI COLOUR THEORY DRESSING BY MAXINE WYLDE
Renowned for her captivating "Get Ready with Me" videos, Maxine Wylde is the embodiment of colour dressing. She masterfully uses colour theory to express various moods through her fashion choices. With an innate talent for harnessing the power of colour, she has elevated the art of colour dressing to new heights, and inspired us to embrace the vibrancy of colour and infuse that into our everyday styling. See how she styles our new Lilac Ellie Strappy Mini Dress here.
COLOUR THEORY AND DRESSING
Colour theory explores the colour wheel, colour harmonies, colour temperatures, how they can interact and the psychological and emotional effects different colours can have. Colour theory in dressing is about finding colours that resonate with you best, and how colour can be incorporated into your wardrobe to create certain types of looks, particularly when styling for different occasions or moods.
CAPTIVATING COMBINATIONS
The colour wheel is a valuable tool in the world of styling, offering three main approaches: Complementary Colours, Analogous Colours, and Monochromatic Colors. Use different colour combinations to suit your personal style and the occasion you are dressing for.
1. Complementary colours, found on opposite ends of the colour wheel, create striking, high-contrast combinations frequently seen in textile patterns like our Isha print, where pink and green are harmoniously paired. The stark contrast between these hues infuses outfits with vibrancy and visual allure, making them a favoured choice for making colourful fashion statements.
2. Analogous colours, situated adjacent to each other on the colour wheel, such as pink and purple or blue and green, come together to offer a sense of unity and coherence in your style. Analogous colour schemes provide a more subtle and balanced look, making them suitable for creating outfits with a relaxing and pleasing colour palette.
3. Monochromatic styling involves using different tones, shades, and tints of a single colour. For instance, combining light and dark shades of pink or various tones of blue. Monochromatic colour schemes are elegant and timeless, offering a sophisticated and cohesive appearance. This approach allows for creative exploration of depth and texture while preserving a consistent theme throughout your ensemble.
HUES FOR MOODS
Colour theory operates hand in hand with colour psychology, wielding the ability to evoke and influence emotions. Your choice of outfit colour can be a powerful storyteller, setting the mood depending on the occasion and the emotion you wish to convey.
For everyday, on-the-go attire, natural tones and colours such as pastel, muted tones project a laid-back, minimalist, and calming look. These hues create a sense of ease and simplicity, perfect for a busy and balanced lifestyle.
However, for exciting events, a bold infusion of colour, like blue, orange or pink, can mirror the vibrancy and energy of the occasion. These bright hues can add excitement and exuberance to your look, capturing the spirit of the event.
