4 Ways to Mix + Match Bright Colors
I’m sure you’ve noticed. There’s an abundance of vibrant colors coming out of brands and retailers this spring/summer season. It’s easy to wear a single color. The challenge comes when you go maximalist: mixing prints and emphasizing color blocking.
Here are four ways to pair unexpected palettes together and how to stick (most of the time) to the rule of three. Go for the sartorial saturation that speaks to you this season!
Watch the video for styling tips and shop all the video outfits and more high/low recommendations below.
Shop the Looks
1.Let a Print Lead the Way
STYLING TIP
Pull a print as your focal point in the outfit. This could be a pant, dress, or statement jacket. From there, distill 2-3 solid colors from the print for a maximalist color moment. In this case, the floral pants set the tempo while green, blue, and orange followed suit.
SHOP THE LOOK
MORE STYLES
BOTTEGA VENETA The Lido Flat Sandals
Slip into these pillow cloude-like slides as a statement summer shoe.
TRINA TURK Theodora Polka-Dot Shift Dress
Shift into summer!
MILLY Becca Brushstroke-Print Dress
Lay your print groundwork in a statement dress.
CHLOÉ Nama Stitch Walking Sneakers
Recycled, comfortable, and playful!
2. Picking Out Primaries
STYLING TIP
Follow the rule of three when pairing solids together. Whether you have a secondary print to pull from, or you block together, stick to colors that flatter and are on similar spectrums. Though yellow can lean as a warm primary, it’s a brake-balance with blue primary and secondary purple cool-tones.
SHOP THE LOOK
MORE STYLES
MANSUR GAVRIEL Cloud Mini Chain Clutch Crossbody Bag
This bag works for you - wear it as a crossbody or a clutch.
TOVE Poppy Pleated Straight-Leg Trousers
Pear a pop of color to express yourself!
DEREK LAM 10 CROSBY Casper Button-Front Bolero Sleeve Top
A two-in-one shirt, perfect for all temperatures.
THE OFFICE OF ANGELA SCOTT Mr. Georgie Bicolor Monk-Strap Loafers
Merge ideas of mens and womenswear and wear what you love.
3. Put Plaid Up Front
STYLING TIP
Designers who are creating garments, particularly a piece in plaid, are pulling colorways that make standout color statements. THey’ve already done the work for you. Pull the more subtle tones to make a plaid pop solo, or extend brighter colors from the pattern to make more of a splash.
SHOP THE LOOK
MORE STYLES
ALICE + OLIVIA Conry Pleated Pants
A wide leg should be in everyone’s closet - dress it up or wear it with a t-shirt, instant chic.
AKRIS PUNTO Fringe-Edges Tweed Jacket
Bring new life to a lady-like tweed jacket with modern colors and silhouettes.
AKRIS PUNTO Scoop-Neck Wool Tank Top
A knit instantly elevates a classic tank - the weave is two-steps up from a basic cotton.
MANOLO BLAHNIK Licensli Tricolor Leather Slingback Pumps
Green has become a standard basic color in closets everywhere - this shoe can act as a neutral or statement.
4. Stay Solid + Accessorize
STYLING TIP
Keep in the three-color rule (or less, or tonal) when wearing solid colors together. Play around with unexpected colors, but stick in the tonality - brighter tones, muted tones, gem tones, the list goes on! Let a statement accessory be the leading performer in your look.
SHOP THE LOOK
MORE STYLES
VALENTINO GARAVANI 5mm Multi Rockstud PVC Thong Sandals
Jellies have returned and they’re a lot more fun than you remember.
DEREK LAM 10 CROSBY Tora Ruched Drawstring Mini A-Line Dress
Lightweight for those high-heat evenings.
BTB LOS ANGELES Holly Multicolor Crystal Straw Crossbody Bag
Woven bags are summer styles best expression.
Affiliate Disclosure: I occasionally use affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This is at no cost to you. Thank you for continuing to support my work!
Interested in regular styling advice and shopping recommendations?
Sign up for my weekly Style / Substance newsletter…