Beginner’s Guide to Colour Theory
- Libbie Rogers
- Jan 1, 2026
- 5 min read
Hello style lovers! Let's take a fun, quick journey into the language of colour, a dynamic force in fashion that can totally transform how your outfits look and feel. There’s plenty to unpack, however we’re keeping it super simple so you can start playing with colour harmonies in your wardrobe straight away.
Let’s spin the wheel on this guide to colour theory!
The Colour Wheel
Think of this as your compass through the world of colour. It's the foundation for creating outfits with colour combinations that just work.
The colour wheel is divided into:
Primary colours: Red, blue, and yellow. These are pure base colours, the building blocks of the entire colour wheel start here.
Secondary colours: Green, orange, and purple. These are the result of combining equal parts of two primary colours (e.g. blue + yellow = green).
Tertiary colours: Combinations of primary + secondary colours
This forms the basis for understanding colour relationships and creating captivating colour schemes.
Undertone vs Overtone — The Simple Breakdown
When we talk about colour, we’re really looking at it in two layers: the colour we see, and the underlying quality of that colour.
Overtone is the colour you see at first glance; the obvious, surface-level colour. At this level, colours are often described as warm or cool based on how they visually appear.
Undertone is the subtle base that sits beneath the surface hue; the part that makes one blue feel icy, and another feel slightly green and warm. Undertones fall into three categories:
Cool (blue-based)
Warm (yellow-based)
Neutral (neither cool nor warm)
Almost any colour can shift warmer or cooler depending on its undertone, even colours we assume are firmly one or the other. A colour with more blue mixed in will generally feel cooler, while adding yellow will make it warmer. If the undertone is so sublte that it's hard to detect, we treat it as neutral. A great example is pure red, which sits in the middle (it's neither blue nor yellow dominant). A small shift can change it: add blue and it becomes cooler, add yellow and it warms.
The same idea applies across the colour wheel. While colours like red, orange, and yellow usually read as warm, and blue, green and purple often appear cool, undertone can still pull them in either direction.
Monochromatic Mastery
Delving into the depths of a single hue
Monochromatic dressing uses one hue from head to toe, whether that's a single solid colour or a blend of different tints, tones and shades of the same colour. The result is a look that feels put-together, modern and refined.
Because you're working within one colour family, monochrome naturally creates clean visual lines, wich helps to elongate the body and gives the illusion of length that many of us love.
To make the outfit visually interesting (and avoid the look feeling flat), play with layers, texture, fabric, silhouettes and accessories. For example, mix matte with shine, soft knits with crisp cotton, denim with silk. Small shifts like these add depth and personality while keeping everything cohesive.
Take home tip: Elevate your style by experimenting with the nuances of a colour, layering light and dark shades. Add depth and personality to your look by playing with layers, texture, fabric, and silhouettes.
Analogous Allure
Harmonising hues for natural beauty
Analogous colours are neighbours on the colour wheel, which is why they feel cohesive and easy on the eye. Instead of sharp contrast, you get a gentle blend, creating a visually pleasing and naturally balanced look.
When you're building an analogous outfit, start by choosing one key colour to anchor your look. This is the hue that does the heavy lifting. From there, bring in one or two colours that sit beside it on the wheel. For example, if blue is your anchor colour, you might pair it with blue-green, and/or blue-violet.
Tip: Keep the saturation similar. The saturation (or intensity) is like the energy of the colour; muted with muted, and bold with bold will keep things looking intentional. Once you've got that, you can create interest by mixing different depths of that colour family (light, mid and deep tones) without losing harmony.
Take home tip: Start with a dominant colour (can be either a primary or secondary colour) and then accent your outfit with a supporting colour next to it on the colour wheel.
Complementary Contrasts
Striking a balance when opposites attract
Complementary colours sit directly opposite each other on the colour wheel, which is why they feel so dynamic and high-impact. Think blue + orange, red + green, or purple + yellow.
Complementary colours enhance each other beautifully. When worn together, each shade appears more vibrant and defined, creating a striking yet balanced contrast that feels considered.
You can go full contrast for high impact, or tone it down for a more refined look:
Choose one colour to lead, and let the other support
Play with tints, tones and shades - it doesn't have to be pure saturated colour
Ground bold pairings with neutrals if you want more subtlety (i.e. blue jeans + white shirt + burnt orange blazer)
Remember, accessories are an easy entry point (i.e. a navy outfit with an orange bag)
Take home tip: Embrace boldness by pairing colours like red and green or blue and orange. This creates a dynamic interplay of opposites, injecting energy and visual interest into your outfit. If you want a standout moment, use saturated colours. If you want something softer, tone one (or both) down.
Practical Ways to Use Colour Theory in Your Wardrobe
Now that you’ve got the foundations (and a fresh set of colour ideas floating in your mind), let’s make it wearable. Colour theory isn’t just something to know, it becomes powerful when you start applying it to your everyday outfits.
Here are simple ways to bring what you’ve learned to life:
Start with colour pairings you already own: Before jumping into a new purchase, look at your wardrobe and pick one piece you love. Then decide on which colour harmony feels right (monochromatic, analogous or complementary). Pull together pieces that fit that direction and see what sparks joy. You'll often discover that some of your best outfit combinations were already there, they just haven't been paired together yet!
Choose one colour to lead, and let the others support: Try choosing one hue as the hero and use the rest as accents.
Use neutrals as your safety net: If your outfit is feeling a bit much, you can soften it with denim, white, black, grey or beige. This will break up the intensity of a bold colour combination.
Add colour through the small things first: If you're building colour confidence, accessories are your best entry point. Think: coloured earrings or hairpieces, a statement shoe, or a pop-of-colour bag. Small details = big transformation.
Play with texture, layers, and silhouettes: If your outfit feels a bit flat or like it needs something, try adding one of these as your secret weapon. By combining fabrics with different shapes, weights, finishes or tactile qualities, you can add depth and visual interest without introducing new colours.
Your Next Step!
Colour theory isn’t just about knowing what colours work together, it’s about using colour to express your personality and individual style. You’ve learned some fundamentals, now it’s time to experiment! There is definitely more to learn beyond the basics shared here, but you don't need to master it all at once. Start small, stay curious and let your style evolve as you play with colour.
Pick one outfit this week and apply one colour theory concept. Try a tonal look, pair neighbouring colours, or add a complementary pop through accessories.
Save this guide, return to it when you feel stuck, and keep exploring. Colour is personal, let it tell your story.
Want to know more? Keen to transform your wardrobe? Book a free discovery call with me and kick start your style journey.
Yours in style
Libbie x
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