So when mixing colours (not talking about mixing a neutral with colours) when dressing, use the concepts discussed yesterday- matching undertone and intensity. Below you will notice that the clear, bright colours work well together, whilst the more muted skirts would be jarred by putting a brighter accessory with them.
The value you choose is based on your own natural values, if you have dark eyes and pale skin and/or hair, go for a combination of light and dark colours.
If you have light eyes, hair and skin colours, keep the value (lightness or darkness) more similar and preferably on the lighter end of the spectrum. If you are overall darker in hair, eyes and/or skin colours and don’t have really bright teeth or whites of your eyes, then keep your value darker and more similar.
Each of the 18 colour groups in the Absolute Colour System have properties in harmony. The groups are named for the feeling of the colours, rather than seasonal (spring, summer etc) or just colour descriptors (warm, cool, light, soft etc.)
Here in the Zesty palette the colours are bright and clear, warm and overall lighter.
Here in the Spicy palette the colours are still warm and lighter, but are not as bright.
Notice how the colours blend and harmonise easily – mixing and matching works when choosing the same undertone and intensity.
You would not be able to mix the Spicy palette with the Dynamic palette (below), as both the intensity and undertone are different.
The reason why so many people feel that they have no skill in mixing and matching colours is that they are trying to mix colours that have different colour properties, and so won’t work together, instead of looking to mix colours with similar properties.
As you can see from the polyvore at the top of this post, it’s easy to mix colours when the properties are the same – the mixes may feel more outrageous or adventurous than you’d usually choose, but why not try something a little different using this colour theory to make it work for you.
Great post, Imogen! Just wondering, is the Spicy palette similar to the Exotic colour chart you gave me?
Interesting. My palette is Intriguing. I hope you cover that one too. I see I have a lot of light and a lot of dark colours. Most of the light colours mix in with my skin which is nice.
Tiffany – Exotic is the darker version of Spicy – which is why it looks familiar to you!
This is incredibly helpful, Imogen! I group these colors naturally for the most part, but it's great to see it all laid out.
Very cool. I recently saw a woman in the street who was wearing 4-5 different colours (I tend to do 2-3 so I was impressed) and it worked together – and I noted it was because they all had the same 'intensity', so there looked obvious next to each other. GLad to see this confirmed and elaborated.
Will we see the rest of the 28 palettes?
- tall & slim anon
Thanks a lot! This is really interesting! The colours are amazing!But I always wonder: I am clear skin, eyes, hair. My palette would be spicy I think, but my body shape (A) makes it dificult to wear clear colours on the lower part. I end up wearing dark pants and skirts and keep the clear colours for the upper part…then it makes too much contrast! Soooo I try to wear a mid tone top and keep the clearer brighter colour accent in an acesory( scarf, jewelery) but… Yes: Where should I put my very EVERY best colours if they are clear and bright and my body shapes makes it complicated?
It's difficult to keep your chosen colour intensity in mind when shopping, hence the colour swatches. I think another option is to bring a multi-coloured shawl of the right colours, and just check if whatever you're considering is in the right area. Of course one has to find this shawl in the first place, but that's fun
- tall & slim anon
Oooh! I love that dynamic palette! I have trouble wearing these colours in the country though – so many people wear sludgy colour clothes, which look awful on me!
Thanks Imogen – great to see that the plummy purple I combined with a chartreuse sort of colour is similar to a combination you put together – I must be getting the hang of it! You're very generous with your advice.
Love this! So helpful!!
Very cool. I have colouring close to Amy Adams. I'm guessing the Spicy would be the best palatte for me?
Tall and Slim – there are only 18 palettes and I probably won't show them all! But you may get to see some more. You are also right about having a scarf – it can work well.
Anonymous – you would find (if you had a full palette of colours – the colour swatch) that you have a range of great neutrals that work well with your colours to put on your bottom half, so that you can wear your best 'colours' on your top half.
Anonymous – without seeing your intenstity it would be hard to say – could be spicy, could be zesty.
Great post, everything so colourful