How to Create a Wardrobe With Three Colors

Create a three-color wardrobe to enhance your natural beauty.

Creating a wardrobe with three basic colors allows you to mix and match pieces. Because putting outfits together becomes easy, you'll save time when getting dressed, especially if you tend to be indecisive when figuring out what to wear. Each piece coordinates with the others, making it unnecessary to have a closet full of different colors and items. Versatile pieces that are comfortable and work in professional or casual situations are the best option for your base wardrobe.

Instructions

1. Settle on three colors that work together and flatter you. Two of the colors should be neutral, and the third can be brighter. For example, select black, white and red or chocolate brown, cream and yellow.

2. Go through your closet and dresser drawers. Retain the clothing items that you have worn in the past year and that are in one of the three chosen colors. Give the rest of the items to a charity or to a friend.

3. Determine what pieces are needed for your wardrobe, such as pants, shorts, shirts, blouses, blazers, sweaters, sweats or dresses. The pieces will differ according to your lifestyle and personal preferences. For example, a stay-at-home mom may not need a skirt suit, and a professional woman may not see the need for shorts. You may need a mixture of professional and casual clothing. Choose only items that you will wear.

4. Purchase clothing needed to complete your wardrobe. Choose dresses and tops in solid colors or in prints featuring one, two or all three of your chosen colors. Select different styles of tops, such as blazers, sweaters and blouses for a professional look or camp and T-shirts for a casual look. Depending on your size, shape and personal preference, you may decide to choose solid colors for pants, skirts, and other bottom pieces. Opt for solid-colored articles of clothing for a part of your body that you do not want to emphasize.

5. Keep the number of each type of clothing to a minimum. Each piece should go with any other piece within your wardrobe so that you can create multiple outfits with a few of the same basic pieces. For example, all of your tops will coordinate with all of your bottoms, so fewer bottoms are required to fulfill your wardrobe requirements.

6. Accessorize your outfits with jewelry, belts, scarves and other small details that enhance your outfits. Accessories can be bright and include extra colors and patterns if you want bold options that provide visual interest and variety. Patterns should contain one or two colors from your base colors.

Tips & Warnings

• Add other pieces, such as fancier tops or bottoms, for special occasions as needed.

References

• New Mexico State University: Determining Personal Colors
• Pier 55: How to Build a Solid Wardrobe – Women
• Minimalist Beauty: Chic Minimalism For Your Wardrobe; Dawn Michelle; January 2010