Matching vs. Coordinating

I had a friend tell me last month that she wanted to wear Red with Pink, and she did not want to conform to regular color matching standards. My response, "That's fine! Things just have go, they don't have to match." It then occurred to me that perhaps there are some out there that don't understand the difference between coordinating vs. matching. I am going to break it down into three easy steps: Complementary Colors, Opposites Attract, and finally Neutrals Go with ANYTHING Even Each Other.


First, lets look at a color wheel.

Complementary Colors: Find colors that are in the same family. If you want to wear red and pink that's ok, but make sure they are a complementary red and pink. mixing your warms and cools can often result in a crazy appearance.

Opposites Attract: We know this is true with couples it is also true with colors. Look at that same color wheel and then understand that the opposite side can match. Blue and Orange, Red and Green, Yellow and Purple...the list goes on. Don't be afraid to pair colors and even prints. Feel free to choose a simple understated pattern with a bold pattern. Don't worry they still go.

Neutrals go with EVERYTHING: Its true! Don't be afraid to pair your neutrals up. Where black with brown, the leopard does it and SO CAN YOU! You CAN mix your metallic, they are neutral. there are no rules with neutrals.

Mommy and Me

As a new mommy of one adorable baby girl I find myself wanting to coordinate my baby to my outfit. I realize of course that a baby is not supposed to be an accessories but, honestly? If you had a baby this adorable wouldn't you want to put her on wear her?

However, I feel that we must clarify; it is not ok for grown women to wear rompers or tutu's but you can color coordinate and wear similar accessories.

Here are a couple of examples:

This adorable dress is from Gymboree

This dress comes from Down East Basics

This little outfit comes from Childrens Place

This dress is found at Anthropolie

These are just a few ways that mom and baby can coordinate.

Another FUN trend is in headbands. Both mom and baby can enjoy a fashion head band.

Simply Memzelle is a brand that has an adorable line of coordinating head bands.