COLOR IN FASHION

LEARNING TARGETS

• Describe the impact of color on clothing choices.

• Identify primary, secondary, and intermediate colors on the color wheel.

• Describe color schemes that work well together.

• Choose colors that are flattering on you.

DO YOU KNOW?

• The human eye sees as many as 6-7 million colors!

• No wonder why color has such an impact!

WHAT IS COLOR?

Light is the source of all color All objects contain pigments, or substances

that absorb some light rays and reflect others

When light strikes an object, you see only the colors that reflect, or bounce back, to your eyes

Color is seen by the eye but interpreted by the brain

WHAT DOES COLOR HAVE TO DO WITH

FASHION?

Color is often the first thing you notice about the clothing in a store display

Color can help you choose clothing that helps you look your best

Color can help draw attention to or away from certain areas of your body

Color can create illusions in height and size

LANGUAGE OF COLOR

Hue: the name given to a specific color.Primary Colors: red, yellow, and blue.Secondary Colors: combining equal amounts

of two primary colors (blue + yellow = green). Intermediate Color: A primary color combined

with a secondary color (blue-green).Warm Colors: colors associated with the sun

(red, orange, & yellow).Cool Colors: colors that capture the essence of

the ocean (blues, violets, & greens).

THE IMPACT OF COLOR

Color as SymbolsRed, Yellow, and Green at a stoplightHolidaysCeremonies & CelebrationsGroups & Countries In Language (green with envy)

Colors and TemperatureAssociations with nature (green as grass)Warm & Cool ColorsWhy wear white in hot weather?

THE IMPACT OF COLOR

Colors and MovementWarm colors advance or move toward youWarm colors are used to attract attention

Colors and MoodCool colors have a subduing effectCool colors give a sense of calm and relaxationWarm colors express excitement and encourage

you to be cheerful

THE COLOR WHEEL

A system that places colors around a circle.

Positions on the wheel show how the colors relate to each other.

COLOR VARIATIONS

Most colors you see appear lighter, darker, or softer than the hues on the color wheel.

Value is the lightness or darkness of a color.Tint: a color that is lightened by adding white.Shade: a color darkened by the addition of black.

Intensity is the brightness or dullness of a color.High-intensity: emerald green & ruby redLow-intensity: khaki green & dusty rose

NEUTRAL COLORS

Not on the color wheelNot true colors because they do not

contain pigmentUsed to change the value and intensity of a

colorBlack, white, gray, and beiges

COLOR SCHEMES

A plan for using a color or a combination of colors to put together an outfit.

MonochromaticAnalogousComplementarySplit ComplementaryTriadicAccented Neutral

MONOCHROMATIC

• Mono means “one” Chromatic refers to color.

• Uses the values and intensities of one color.

• Ex: baby blue shirt, blue jeans, and navy blue socks.

ANALOGOUS

• Uses two or more colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.

• Ex: Yellow, Yellow-Orange, and Orange.

• Colors blend better when they are close in value and intensity.

COMPLEMENTARY

• Combines colors that are direct opposites on the color wheel.

• Ex: Red & green, blue & orange, yellow & violet.

• When complements of equal intensity are used together, a bold color scheme results.

• A softer effect can be obtained by using different values and intensities (ex: pink and forest green).

• Use one of the complementary colors as an accent (ex: yellow blouse with violet trim).

SPLIT- COMPLEMENTARY

• One color used with the two colors on each side of its direct complement.

• More common and easier to wear than a complementary color scheme.

• Often found in a plaid or print fabric.• Ex: blue-and-green plaid pant accented

with a stripe of red-orange.

TRIADIC

• Three colors equally spaced on the color wheel.

• Ex: Red, yellow, & blue.

• Bold if high-intensity colors are used.

• Would be easier to wear with softer, muted colors.

ACCENTED NEUTRAL

• A small amount of one color matched with white, black, grays, or browns.

• Since neutrals have no hue, they combine well with any color.

• Accent colors draw the eye and brighten up the neutral color.

• Often used to create a focal point, or point of interest.

• Ex: A gray suit accented with a yellow tie.