I’m definitely guilty of falling into a rut of outfits consisting entirely of neutrals. I have an impressive collection of white button-down shirts that I rely too much on, and I’m fairly sure I’ve worn all fifty shades of gray by now.

There’s nothing wrong with keeping it minimal, but if you’re like me, you’re taking the easy way out by neglecting all the pretty, colorful skirts and tops in your closet because it’s just too much work to figure out how to put them all together without looking like you got dressed in the dark.

Since summer’s almost over and I just know that I’ll be swathing myself in forest green, heather gray, and navy once fall rolls around, I’ve been challenging myself to wear more color.

With the help of  CF’s super-helpful A Foolproof Guide to Matching Colors in Your Outfits, I’ve found that with a little planning, there are just three simple rules (more like guidelines, anyway) to making “mix and match” a breeze.

Table of Contents

Easy Formulas for Mixing and Matching Your Colorful Clothes

Before we embark on this full-spectrum journey,  one quick reminder: outfits will look more cohesive if the textures/materials are seasonally analogous.

For instance, a wool cable-knit sweater will look “off” when paired with summer-weight chino pants, even if the colors go well together. Alternately, corduroys – traditionally a fall/winter piece – aren’t a great complement for a sheer, airy eyelet top. There are definitely exceptions, but it’s a good thing to keep in mind!

All in the Family

A monochromatic look is quick and easy to achieve: just start with a single article of clothing and match it with something else either a few shades lighter or darker. This creates a chic, polished look and is a great option for that one piece you love but can never figure out how to wear.