A 12 Piece Colourful Fall Capsule Wardrobe

Oftentimes, people are hesitant to dress in a colourful wardrobe many of which stem from a fear of standing out or drawing too much attention.

Wearing bold, bright colours, in a carefree way can make us feel like everyone is looking and judging which can be uncomfortable, especially for those who prefer to blend in or stick to more understated styles.

Experimenting with colour can be challenging to know how to pair hues in a way that feels cohesive and stylish.

This can give us a fear of making a “fashion mistake”. I put that in quotes because I often find that the most interesting outfits are comprised of pieces that technically don’t go together.

Some people worry that different colours won’t suit them or in the corporate world of neutrals, they think they won’t be taken seriously.

We have also grown up with the idea that dark, neutral shades like black, grey, and beige are timeless and slimming, making people more comfortable sticking with these safer choices.

So when it comes down to it, the fear of judgment or not getting it “right” can make many shy away from incorporating vibrant colours into our wardrobe, even when we secretly admire them on others.

We saw a lot of colours, colouring mixing, and colour blocking at the recent fashion shows which shows me that the pendulum is swinging from the more neutral based outfit, to something more vibrant.

Like when we went from the colourful 80s to the minimal and understated 90s.

So to prepare you for this I am going to try to break it down today in easy ways to think about colour and adding colour to your wardrobe.

You don’t need a deep understanding of colour theory to wear colour because the colour wheel, which I will explain in detail below will help you with that.

Yes, colours might take a bit more thought than the grab-and-go mentality of an all neutral wardrobe, but playing around and trying new combinations is what makes fashion fun.

Colours like rich mustard, deep burgundy, and bold jewel tones can uplift your mood, providing a sense of warmth and energy as the days grow shorter and colder.

But let’s not sleep on colours more attributed to spring like bright blues or pink.

Wearing colours isn’t about standing out, it is also great from a styling perspective because you can use it to highlight different layers and textures, which are key elements of fall fashion.

It also doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

You can still dress predominantly neutral and opt for bright footwear or accessories to brighten things up.

Just because you choose to wear a boldly colour-blocked outfit one day, doesn’t mean you can’t wear all black the next day.

I always say that style is a sliding scale depending on how you feel each day and if you fit colour onto that scale you will notice that some days will be more or less than others.

Try Using a Colour Wheel

This is something that I suggest often, but it truly is a game changer when you are trying to break out of a neutral comfort zone and aren’t sure how to actually wear more colour.

Just a cheapo version will do. Something that also shows guidance on complementary, split complementary, and triadic pairings.

We don’t need an artist’s version because we aren’t making paint colours so it wouldn’t be useful.

Amy Smilovic, the owner of Tibi has a book The Creative Pragmatist where she made her own version of the colour wheel that is based on the concept of pragmatic dressing. A term that she coined.

It is used to help guide you through your colour choices for that form of dressing.

I haven’t been able to get my hands on the book yet, but I hope to soon.

Understand the Basics of the Colour Wheel

The colour wheel is made up of three main categories:

Primary colours: Red, blue, and yellow. These colours are the foundation and can’t be created by mixing other colours.

Secondary colours: Green, orange, and purple. These are made by mixing primary colours.

Tertiary colours: These are combinations of primary and secondary colours, like red-orange or blue-green.

Complementary Colours: For Bold Contrast

Complementary colours are directly opposite on the colour wheel (like red and green or blue and orange). When paired together, they create a high-contrast, eye-catching look.

• A royal blue dress paired with an orange handbag.
• A green sweater with a deep red scarf.

These combinations can be harder to wear but they make a statement and are great when you want to stand out.

Analogous Colours: A Harmonious Look

Analogous colours are next to each other on the colour wheel (like blue, blue-green, and green). These colours are similar, so they blend well together, creating a smooth, cohesive look.

• A blue sweater with a green jacket and teal handbag.
• A purple top paired with a red skirt.

This is also known as a tonal look which uses multiple different colours that are within the same general colour family or tone, but it doesn’t focus on just one colour.

These outfits usually incorporate different colours that share a similar intensity, mood, or feel. The colours might be analogous on the colour wheel (like greens, blues, and teals), but they’re not just one hue.

A tonal look creates depth and subtle variation.

Tonal outfits are harmonious and cohesive, offering more variety in colour while maintaining a balanced and put-together appearance.

Example: A mix of earthy tones like olive green, tan, and beige, or different jewel tones like burgundy, deep purple, and navy.

This is a great approach when you want a more subtle and harmonious outfit that’s still colourful.

Triadic Colours: Balanced and Playful Combinations

Triadic colours are evenly spaced around the colour wheel, forming a triangle (like red, blue, and yellow or purple, green, and orange). These colours create a balanced yet bold look.

• A yellow top, blue jeans, and red shoes.
• A green jacket with purple pants and an orange handbag.

Triadic combinations are playful but still harmonious, as the colours balance each other out without clashing.

Tetradic Colours: For Variety and Bold Statements

A Tetradic colour scheme uses two complementary pairs (like blue and orange, with yellow and purple). This approach adds variety and offers bold combinations.

Something like a purple dress with yellow shoes and a blue jacket paired with orange accessories.

This method allows for a diverse range of colours but can be more challenging to balance. Use one colour as the dominant tone and the others as accents to make it easier otherwise it can be overwhelming.

Accent Colors: For Small Pops of Colour

If you prefer a more neutral wardrobe but want to add colour, use the colour wheel to introduce these accents. Choose one or two bold colours to add as accessories like a bag, shoes, scarf, jewellery, and even socks or gloves.

• A navy outfit with bright yellow shoes (complementary colours).
• A white dress with a blue-green necklace (analogous colours).

Using colour accents keeps your outfit sophisticated while adding visual interest.

Seasonal Adjustments

You can also adjust your use of the colour wheel based on the season:

Fall/Winter: Opt for deeper, richer colours like burgundy, mustard, and forest green. Use complementary or analogous schemes with darker tones for a cosier, autumnal feel.

Spring/Summer: Go for lighter, brighter hues like pastel pinks, yellows, and blues. Try monochromatic or triadic schemes with lighter colours for a fresh, vibrant look.

Tips for Using the Colour Wheel:

Start small: If you’re new to experimenting with colour, start by using complementary or analogous colours for accessories or small pieces, like a scarf or bag.

Balance with neutrals: When using bold colours, balance them with neutral pieces to avoid overwhelming your look.

Test with prints: Patterns and prints often mix colours from the wheel, giving you a chance to experiment with colour schemes in a single piece.

I don’t want you to be scared of colour anymore. I want you to embrace it in ways that make sense to your personal style.

Start small and before you know it you will be able to confidently mix and match items without even thinking about it.

This post contains affiliate links. By using my links to shop I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks for supporting what I do 

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Amazon
• Link