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 colorsBold 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.