It happens every year: Fashion show season arrives, and the runways and streets alike are full of models, bloggers, editors and fashion insiders who manage to look both unpredictable and incredibly put-together. Their secret to putting together refreshing, not-obvious colors and patterns? The color wheel. Yep, the same rainbow circle you used in elementary school art is the key to nailing trendy color combinations that look great together. This year, keep up with the Wintours of the world with these color combination tips.
Color Combo Rule No. 1: Pair colors directly across from each other on the color wheel
Known as complementary colors, these color combos are especially dynamic because they play up one another's intensity. The Barbara Tfank fall show, inspired by classic vintage fabrics, incorporated teal and dusty pink. To replicate the look without running out to buy the latest runway collections, try recreating it with nail art.
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Please Sea Me and Pink Pong take this look from runway to real life.
Color Combo Rule No. 2: Pair colors directly next to each other
This one is sort of counterintuitive, but colors that are closely related can make a bold statement, especially if you're color-blocking. Designer Trina Turk, inspired by the Los Angeles sunset, adhered to this rule when she combined loganberry and burnt orange in her fall fashion show. Recreate this vibrant combo with
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Firey Island and All Fired Up.
Color Combo Rule No. 3: Pair colors that form a "T"
If you want to wear multiple bold colors, look for a T-shaped combo on the color wheel. Trios like blue, orange and violet-red make a pleasing palette. Designer Lela Rose used this color combo rule when she paired magenta, dusted turquoise and citrine in her fall show.
Color Combo Rule No. 4: Pair colors that form an "X"
If you're incorporating several colors in one outfit, stick to a color palette that makes an "X" on the wheel. Designer Tia Cibani did it right when she combined bright pine, ripe bergamot, pale lavender and deep pomegranate into one color palette for her fall show.
