The not so boring theory

What’s the Colour Theory?

There are so many colours in this world of ours. It’s difficult to name them all, I presume, but we generally tend to categorise them according to the colour that it resembles the most, from the ones that we know. Colour theory is the study of colours which helps us define what each colour stands for, what it represents to different people and cultures, what it generally symbolises and how do we combine a different set of colours according to our preferences. Colour theory can also be used for dressing up as we can choose colours that resonate with our personality or the mood of that day or pick colour combinations that appeal to us the most. There is a lot of scientific evidence which suggests that every person has certain colour preferences since childhood, embedded in their genetic code or DNA. Once the person recognises this, they can postulate which colours or colour combinations best suit their appearances and can also find certain colours which they are attracted or repel. Colours are segregated on the basis of hues, brightness and saturation.

How are colours categorised?

There are three primary colours from which all other colours are created (except the neutral colours). They comprise of red, blue and yellow. Then there are three secondary colours which are made by combining the primary colours together. They comprise orange, green and violet. Then, there are tertiary colours which are made by combining primary and secondary colours. Distinct, ubiquitous colours are created when we experiment with them. There are certain neutral colours like black, white, grey and cream which do not originate from the primary colours and comprise a different league in the colour family. Every colour evokes a unique idea, feeling or vibe within us. We all perceive colours differently, based on our genes, preferences, family, friend circles, people or trends that we get influenced by or certain experiences of our lifetimes. Almost every aspect of our lives is influenced by colours. The products we buy, the advertisements that we engage in, and all the small and big snap decisions that we take are often dictated by the colours which we see, often unconsciously.
Colours represent us
Fashion and clothing are sectors where colour theory is inculcated deeply. Let’s look at the significance of colours or colour theory in the art of dressing up.

There are certain unspecific flexible rules, patterns and go-to subjective mechanisms which the fashion industry have orchestrated over the years to decide how to wear different colours, what goes with what, and how to bring yourself to look optimal for every occasion. Before understanding these techniques, we need to know what the colour wheel is.

The colour wheel and its applications
The colour wheel is an ensemble of colours that are put together in a wheel figure.
This is a basic model of the colour wheel. The wheel can be further nuanced by combining and creating more colours that differ in brightness, saturation or hues that they carry.
There are several dressing techniques that utilise the colour theory to create optimal colour combinations for our attires. Some of the most popular ones are as follows:
Analogous colour technique 2

We combine three neighbouring colours on the colour wheel. The saturation and brightness of the colours should be similar and the combinations are easy to create. It is easy to carry and blends well.

Complementary colour technique

This technique requires you to pair colours that are exactly opposite to each other on the colour wheel. Yellow-purple and orange-blue are some of the most widely used combinations.
Monochromatic colour technique
This combination is performed by combining colours of the same hue which differ in saturation and brightness. The style can be seen as an emblem of unity as it is kept in mind while creating uniforms. Adding accessories can work well with this technique.
Split-complementary colour technique
This can be considered as an extension of the complementary colour technique. You perform this by choosing a colour, identifying its complementary colour and then using an either colour which is adjacent to it. This technique requires a lot of thought and experimentation before one can become comfortable with it.

Triadic colour technique

This technique uses colours that are equidistant from each other on the colour palate. This combination signifies a lot of diversity and exuberates flamboyance.
Neutrals colour technique
Neutral colours can be paired well with almost every colour which is not bright. This is the most go-to outfit for casual outings and attires that are worn at home. It’s simple classy and ever-green.
Feel free to colour yourself up!
Shoes are not the only matrix on which first impressions are based. The first impression is also calibrated from the clothes that you wear, the colours that you shroud and how others perceive you in those colours. They can often indicate certain identities or personas that you want people to

associate with you. Colour theory in the domain of dressing should be seen as a fluid, dynamic practice that can help you feel comfortable in whatever you wear. Experiment with it to find what suits you best and create your own dressing code for every occasion