Color Schemes Fashion Design, Textiles & Merchandising

What is a color scheme? A color scheme is a plan for using a color or combination of colors Six basic color schemes  Monochromatic  Analogous  Complementary  Split-Complementary  Triadic  Accented Neutral

Monochromatic Arrangement of values and intensities of one hue Ex: Very pale blue shirt, navy blue suit, and a medium blue tie

Analogous Arrangement that uses two or more colors that are side-by-side on the color wheel Analogous colors schemes blend better when colors are similar in value and intensity  Red and Red-violet blend better than pink and red-violet

Complementary A grouping of colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel  Ex: red and green, blue and orange Can create a very bold effect when colors have the same intensity A softer effect can be achieved when the colors are of different values and intensities  Ex: pink and forest green

Split-Complementary Uses one color with the two colors on either side of its direct compliment  Ex: Orange, blue-green, blue-violet More common and easier to wear because the combinations are less bold Often used in plaid or print fabric

Triadic Uses three colors that are equal distance from one another on the color wheel Ex: Primary colors Bold and bright or soft and dull depending on the intensity used

Neutrals Neutral Colors  Black  White  Gray  Navy  Beige Can be used to create dramatic effects

Neutrals Black  Worn alone = very sophisticated, “classic” evening wear White  Worn alone = associations with wealth Navy  Often the color of professionalism

Neutrals Beige  Considered a warm color  Combines well with most any other color Gray  Can be calming (low intensity, tint)  Darker shades = seriousness and businesslike  Combing tints and shades of gray contribute to an air of formality

Accented Neutrals Since neutrals have no hue, they combine well with most other colors Accented Neutral Color Scheme  Mixing a neutral with a small amount of color  Ex: Gray dress with red belt Often used to create a focal point in the outfit  Ex: bright belt accents waist, scarf accents face, etc.