Color Schemes
Fashion Design, Textiles
& Merchandising
What is a color scheme?
A color scheme is a plan for using a color or combination of colors
Six basic color schemes Monochromatic Analogous Complementary Split-Complementary Triadic Accented Neutral
Monochromatic
Arrangement of values and intensities of one hue
Ex: Very pale blue shirt, navy blue suit, and a medium blue tie
Analogous
Arrangement that uses two or more colors that are side-by-side on the color wheel
Analogous colors schemes blend better when colors are similar in value and intensity Red and Red-violet blend
better than pink and red-violet
Complementary
A grouping of colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel Ex: red and green, blue and orange
Can create a very bold effect when colors have the same intensity
A softer effect can be achieved when the colors are of different values and intensities Ex: pink and forest green
Split-Complementary
Uses one color with the two colors on either side of its direct compliment Ex: Orange, blue-green, blue-violet
More common and easier to wear because the combinations are less bold
Often used in plaid or
print fabric
Triadic
Uses three colors that are equal distance from one another on the color wheel
Ex: Primary colorsBold and bright or soft and dull depending
on the intensity used
Neutrals
Neutral Colors Black White Gray Navy Beige
Can be used to create dramatic effects
Neutrals
Black Worn alone = very sophisticated, “classic”
evening wear
White Worn alone = associations with wealth
Navy Often the color of professionalism
Neutrals
Beige Considered a warm color Combines well with most any other color
Gray Can be calming (low intensity, tint) Darker shades = seriousness and businesslike Combing tints and shades of gray contribute to
an air of formality
Accented Neutrals
Since neutrals have no hue, they combine well with most other colors
Accented Neutral Color Scheme Mixing a neutral with a small amount of color Ex: Gray dress with red belt
Often used to create a focal point in the outfit Ex: bright belt accents waist, scarf accents
face, etc.