The global fashion industry is worth a staggering 2.5 trillion dollars by last year's tally. While that number has likely taken a hit in 2020, one thing we know for sure is that demand for clothing will always be in style.
Speaking of style, as you work from home and/or try to make the most of reinventing yourself this year, you should put a focus on your clothing.
If you're wearing the same clothes you were wearing 10 years ago, you've got a problem. If you don't know how to match clothes, you've got a bigger problem.
Fortunately, this post aims to solve that!
Below, our team shares knockout tips on picking/matching your clothes that can give you an aura of sophistication that'll carry you through adulthood and toward looking your best!
1. Learn About Colors
When we think about how to match clothes, the first place that many of our minds go is towards color. That association is on point because colors are the most noteworthy consideration that makes or breaks outfits.
There's a lot of detail that can be dug into when it comes to color, matching, and outfits. Perhaps the most valuable detail is understanding what primary and complementary colors are.
If you look at any color wheel outfit tool, the color directly across from another is its complementary color. For example, if you wanted your primary outfit color to be red, its complementary color would be green.
Understanding primary and complementary colors can serve as a great jumping-off point to adding appropriate pieces to your wardrobe.
2. Neutral Colors Always Work
In fashion, just because you can doesn't mean you should. For example, just because you can pair red with green because they're complementary colors, doesn't mean it's a good idea to walk out of the house looking like an elf.
To create classic outfits that are always in style, we recommend leaning heavily on neutral colors. Neutral colors are your whites, blacks, browns, navy blues, etc. These colors are a staple in work attire and uniforms.
Sure, there's not anything particularly imaginative about neutral color but it's their simplicity that gives them their class. What's more is that by pairing neutral colors with a brighter, accent color, you can give your outfit flair that'll better capture your personality.
3. Understand the Value of Contrast
Another how-to-match clothes principle is the idea of contrast. Contrast is apparent when it comes to color but is perhaps most spotted when you're working with patterns.
If you were putting on a Hawaiian-print shirt, you wouldn't have pants that boast the same floral pattern. Some fashionistas would dare to do that to pop in public. For most of us though, you'd wear contrasting pants that draw focus to your top (ex: white shorts and a pink/white-accented Hawaiian shirt).
In general, always look to create some contrast when matching your clothes.
4. Don't Forget Your Shoes
Your matching clothes journey doesn't start and stop with a nice pair of pants and a great shirt. Shoes matter in the matching game and don't believe for a second that people won't notice if you try to sneak in an off-color pair.
We love neutral shoes (black, white, brown, etc.) because they match well with just about anything. By having a few pairs of natural-colored shoes in your closet, you'll never have to put too much thought into what you're going to slide onto your feet.
If you're trying to get more creative with matching, you might choose to invest in shoes that have colored accents that match your top. For example, a mustard top with jean shorts and mustard/white shoes is a great look!
5. Accessorizing Helps Anchor Outfits
Much like wearing color-accented shoes, accessories can also give your outfit that little colored oomph it needs to shine. Women have a lot of mobility when it comes to accessorizing (rings, necklaces, bracelets, body jewelry, etc.). Contrary to popular belief, men have that mobility as well!
If you're a more conservative guy though, don't think for a second that accessorizing is not an option for you. Throw on a nice brown or black watch. Try out an athletic-looking silver chain.
You'd be surprised by how much a little bit of accessorizing can tie an outfit together.
6. Season Matters
Seasonal matching is something that comes easily to most people because most of us are not running around in coats in the dead of winter. In case seasonal matching doesn't occur to you, let us be clear - matching summer-wear with winter-wear tends not to go well, for form and function reasons.
There's no need to be walking around in a pair of short shorts and a heavy coat.
7. Take Things Further by Assessing Materials
Remember, contrast in matching is key. You don't want to be in an all-leather outfit because that single-note outfit would look gaudy. The same goes for denim or corduroy.
We will say that if you have two pieces of the same type of material, in most cases, you'll want to make sure they're the same color.
You Now Know How to Match Clothes
Knowing the foundational rules of how to match clothes can take your outfits to new, exciting heights. Our team hopes our tips have given you plenty to think about on that front.
If you find yourself in need of more exciting tips on how to match outfits, we've got you covered! Explore additional clothing-focused content on our blog to keep fulfilling your need to know.
Leave a Reply