How to match colors of clothes and fashion accessories

Fashion often breaks the rules of color pairing—and that’s a good thing—but understanding the basic principles can undoubtedly help you learn how to match garments and accessories with taste.

The universal rule comes from Itten’s color wheel: never pair adjacent colors. You can combine different shades of the same hue for a harmonious, balanced look, or colors directly opposite each other for a bold, vibrant effect.

This wheel considers only the primary and secondary colors, not the so-called non-colors—white and black—which are, in fact, the most chosen in everyday outfits.

Let’s see how to match colors in the most common cases, always guided by good taste to select shades that work well together—this isn’t an exhaustive list.

How to match black: black goes with almost everything, with rare exceptions such as brown and very dark blue. It pairs best with bright colors but also works beautifully with softer tones.

Recommended belt: the Classic Leather Belt for an elegant look, or the Black Braided Elastic Belt for a sporty, casual style.

How to match white: white pairs with all colors, whether pastel shades or bold hues.

How to match blue: blue works well in its various shades and with most other colors—except yellow, red, and (in the case of navy) black. (Sky blue and electric blue, however, do go well with black.)

Recommended belt: the Braided Elastic Blue Belt.

How to match red: red is a strong, vibrant color that pairs nicely with dark hues, white, and black.

How to match yellow: yellow works well with black and white, and as a very bright tone it stands out against soft or dark colors.

Recommended belt: the Perforated Grey Suede Belt.

How to match brown: brown pairs well with other brown shades, leather tones, and dark green. Avoid pairing brown—especially a deep brown—with black.

Recommended belt: the Beige Suede Belt.

How to match green: it depends on the shade. Light greens go well with blue or yellow; dark greens pair nicely with brown. Avoid red and orange.

How to match gray: gray is another non-color; it looks very elegant with black, other grays, and white.

Recommended belt: the Glossy White Leather Belt.

Colors should also be chosen based on your complexion, hair color, and body shape. White tends to highlight flaws more than black. There are no hard rules—color matching comes down to personal taste, needs, and the season, all of which can help resolve any indecision.

Here are some common mistakes when matching clothing colors:

• Overusing bright colors: Wearing too many vivid hues at once can be overwhelming. Balance bright colors with neutral or pastel tones.
• Ignoring skin tone: Everyone’s complexion is different, and certain colors will flatter your skin more than others. Choose shades that harmonize with your natural tone rather than clash or wash you out.
• Wearing too many neutrals: While neutrals are versatile, too many can make an outfit look monotonous. Add a pop of color to liven up your look.
• Pairing overly similar colors: Wearing colors that are too close together can look bland. Opt for complementary or contrasting hues to create a more dynamic ensemble.
• Forgetting the seasons: Seasonal changes affect color choices—lighter, brighter colors suit spring and summer, while darker, warmer tones work better in autumn and winter.
• Not considering the occasion: The event you’re dressing for influences appropriate color combinations. For a job interview, stick to sober, professional colors; for a casual event, feel free to experiment with bolder pairings.
• Overlooking materials: Fabric textures affect how colors appear. A hue can look different on glossy material versus matte. Always consider the fabric’s finish when coordinating colors.