Mix and match colors like a pro following our 4 tricks

You are not the only one who finds a sea of neutrals and navy in your closet. Many people have trouble incorporating color into their wardrobes. Why is this? The primary reason? There’s good news. There’s a science behind colors (discovered by Sir Isaac Newton–seriously). This means that there are simple rules you can follow in your own clothes, so you won’t have to be afraid of a touch of red or an accent of orange. Here’s how.

The science behind color

The color wheel was also a gift from the man who discovered the laws and motion. Sir Isaac Newton demonstrated that light can be reflected into a rainbow spectrum by holding a prism near a window on a sunny day. The natural progression of light in a circle was then shown by Newton, which proved to be useful for artists looking to create harmonious colors. The current iteration, which includes in-between tones such as yellow orange and blue, and warm and cold versions of key colors (warm orangey, cool bluish, and red), is useful for putting together outfits. You can choose one color or combine opposing or bordering colours to create a variety of beautiful palettes.

Monochromatic

It works because light and dark versions of the same color blend well.

To get the best results, wear darks on parts that you wish to tone down and light on areas that catch your eye. To give your look depth, mix textures (e.g. satin with knits).

• All Red: The Bold Palette

To make an outfit stand out, wear one striking shade (a cayenne sheath with matching pumps)

• The Mellow Palette: Layers Of Lavender

A subtle combination of tone-on-tone combinations, such as an orchid skirt and a lilac top, can create a soothing watercolor effect, according to David Zyla, stylist and author of Color Your Style ($13 on Amazon.com).

Complementary

It works because opposites on the color wheel create such stark contrasts that they complement each other. For example, red looks brighter when it is paired with green. This is why redheads who prefer leafy tones look flatter when paired with green.

Best results are achieved when you use 75 percent of one and 25 percent the other colors. According to Kate Smith, founder of Sensational Color in Ashburn, Virginia, two colors in equal amounts can make you look like you are wearing a sports uniform.

• The Bold Palette: Tangerine and Cobalt

A blue cardigan can be paired with an orange belt. Don’t go overboard with the accents. Leatrice Eiseman (executive director of Pantone Color Institute) says that if you add a bag or shoes with flame-colored accents, “the eyes will be drawn to too much at once.” Add neutrals to the ensemble.

• The Mellow Palette: Pink & Seafoam

Eiseman says that paler complements can still be energizing, and are more manageable than bright, primary-based combinations. A mint blouse can be accentuated with baby pink bangles, instead of gold.

Analogous

It works because neighbors on the color wheel flow seamlessly together. This scheme is also stunning in nature. (Think sunset colors.)

Best results are achieved when one color takes the lead and the other colors play supporting roles. Eiseman says that asymmetry makes things more interesting. Combining bold and pastel colors (like red and orange) can make the more muted color look muddy.

• The Bold Palette: Fuchsia and Red

If you want to make heads turn, choose brightly saturated colors. A poppy-and tiger lily floral paired with hot pink flats.

• The Mellow Palette: Aqua and Pale Blue with Periwinkle

Low-key analogous Medleys look particularly ethereal. A pale purple tunic with a teal scarf can be worn over light denim.

Split free

It works because two colors that are similar (neighbors get along), are combined with one complementary color (opposites attracted) to create a group that has a nuanced, unexpected feel.

Zyla suggests that you use the adjacent colors as the dominant color and the opposite color as the surprise to get the best results. You should aim for a 75 percent-to-25 percent ratio.

• The Bold Palette: Violets, Indigos, and Orange

Most likely, your patterned clothes have a built in split-complementary scheme. Add or draw an accent. Orange earrings can liven up a blouse printed in deep purples and blues.

• The Mellow Palette: Plum, Purple Gray, and Yellow

A purple tee and a thistle sweater are dull until you add a saffron scarf.