Choose accent colors that complement your existing wardrobe and add them through carefully selected accessories.
When building a cohesive wardrobe, your accent colors are the cherry on top. They’re the final step in crafting your color palette and the key to injecting personality and flair into your style.
Whether you love a minimalist aesthetic or embrace bold hues, accent colors offer flexibility and fun, allowing you to explore trends or seasonal variations without overhauling your entire wardrobe.
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What Are Accent Colors?
Accent colors are those small, vibrant pops of color that complement your core palette. Think scarves, earrings, or even a fun pair of shoes. These colors aren’t meant to dominate your wardrobe. They’re the sprinkles that add a little extra flavor to your style.
If you prefer a minimalist wardrobe, you might skip accent colors altogether or use them sparingly in one-off pieces. But even minimalists can benefit from a small selection of accents to add variety without disrupting their streamlined aesthetic.
Choosing Your Accent Colors
Selecting the right accent colors doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step approach to make it simple and stress-free:
- Reflect on Your Core Palette
Your accent colors should harmonize with your existing wardrobe. Think of them as an extension of your signature colors. For example, if your palette leans toward cool blues, try adding complementary shades like a teal or a soft lavender. - Keep It Seasonal
A great way to organize your accent colors is by season. Think lighter, brighter tones for spring and summer, and deeper, richer hues for fall and winter. For instance, a blush pink might feel perfect for summer, while a mustard yellow adds warmth in the fall. - Use the French Five-Piece Wardrobe Concept
Consider adopting the French five-piece wardrobe rule: add five new items twice a year, one set for spring/summer and another for fall/winter. This approach works beautifully with accent colors, allowing you to incorporate fresh trends without overcommitting. Your five items can be as big as a beautiful winter coat or as small as a pair of earrings. You decide! - Stay Budget-Friendly
Since accent colors can change with trends or moods, it’s best to invest in affordable pieces. Accessories like scarves or earrings are perfect for this, as they allow you to experiment without breaking the bank.
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Putting It All Together
Let’s take a closer look at how accent colors can be tailored to different wardrobe color palettes:
- Bright and Bold
If your core colors include vibrant shades like red or cobalt blue, try expanding the color family. Add variations like coral, plum, or turquoise for a cohesive yet playful look. - Warm and Deep
For those with a richer palette, choose accents that align with seasonal shifts. A deep mustard or teal can bring autumn vibes, while blush pink or soft lavender lightens things up for spring. - Soft and Subtle
If your wardrobe features lighter, muted tones, focus on accent colors that feel authentic to the seasons. A sage green or dusty rose can add warmth to fall outfits, while a pale yellow might brighten your spring wardrobe.
Make It Your Own
Accent colors are deeply personal. You can stick to a logical system —like four colors for four seasons— or simply pick hues that speak to you. Don’t overthink it; this step is meant to add freedom, creativity, and fun to your wardrobe.
If you’re unsure, start small. Choose one or two colors that resonate with you and build from there. And remember, you can always adjust as your preferences or the seasons change.
Final Thoughts on Using Accent Colors in Your Closet
Ready to take the plunge? Grab your seasonal color palette and choose up to four accent colors.
And if this feels like too much, don’t sweat it. You can always skip this step and stick with your core colors. The beauty of your wardrobe is that it’s yours: designed to fit your lifestyle, preferences, and unique sense of style.
With your accent colors in place, you’re now ready to experiment, accessorize, and elevate your look with ease. Have fun with it!
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Add accent colors strategically with scarves, jewelry, and shoes to bring life to your everyday outfits.
Stacey is the owner and creator behind Radiantly Dressed. She is a certified image consultant and AICI member focusing on creating simplicity in wardrobes via color and style.
