The Basic Color Sets You Should Have in Your Wardrobe

Colors can affect you and others, not just visually but psychologically as well. There are certain colors that have an aesthetically pleasing effect on you and then there are those that do the opposite.

Have you ever experienced being told by your friends or colleagues that “You look extra nice today!” “You’re glowing! Are you in love?” and you wonder what it is because you know you didn’t do anything special in particular for that day? It could be that you were wearing a color that complemented your skin so well that it made it lift, making you appear healthier and brighter.

I fell in love with color dressing after learning about it in finishing school many years ago. While I’ve always been a lover of bright and intense colors, there was also a period in my life when I just resorted to simple black and white because I thought, it would be a good way to just simplify my wardrobe. Sure, having to choose between two colors won’t require much time but it is very limiting. You want to be able to play around with colors and use them to your advantage because these can help you as you carve your personal brand, it helps convey your personality visually and also exudes what you’re feeling. Remember we communicate who we are even before we get the chance to say something, so it’s important to have that memorable visual impact.

Before you go on a wild shopping spree, I recommend that you do a wardrobe and lifestyle audit first to see what you already have. This also allows you to assess where you are in your life, if your current wardrobe pieces still serve you and what basics you may be lacking that you need to prioritize. As you assess your current lifestyle and wardrobe condition, it’s important to note these basic color sets that will help you get started.

Neutrals are important because they’re the easiest to mix and match with your other color groups. You can wear the same neutral-colored bottoms and mix it up with your other colored tops and accessories. Remember, it’s not about having tons of clothes in your wardrobe. You want to be able to use and re-use all the items in your closet by creating multiple looks through clever mixing and matching.

Now you might be wondering, what part of my wardrobe should be neutrals, lights and in accent colors? As you work towards a more functional wardrobe, make sure that you have the following items in neutral colors:

Work slacks or chinos
Jeans (Dark wash, navy blue or regular blue jeans)
Pencil or Pleated Skirts
Business Coat or Blazer
Cardigan
Long-sleeved button-down shirt
Basic round neck or v-neck shirt
Basic shoes like pumps, heels, flats, loafers and casual sneakers

The items in the light color group are best worn as tops (shirts, polos, blouses) and dresses, to be combined with the neutrals and the accent colors.

The accent colors add zest to an outfit that may look bland, lack interest or too safe. Depending on your lifestyle and profession, it is best to keep accent colors as focal pieces to maintain an elegant chic look. However, if you’re going for a bold look that speaks volumes, playing with color intensities can convey your creativity and adventurous style.