Color Theory and the Psychology of Color in Fashion Design

We see the world in different shades of every color. Our eyes have developed over time to be able to perceive those red roses, that green grass, and that blue, blue sky. 

Color is an essential element in fashion design. It can evoke emotions, set the tone for a collection, and even influence the overall look and feel of a design. As a fashion designer, understanding the power of color is crucial for creating an impactful and evocative collection.

In this article, we will look into: 

• Color theory
• The psychology of color
• Color trends
• Historical fashion
• Contemporary fashion and sustainable design

Color Theory

Color theory is a system of understanding how colors interact with each other and how they can be used to elicit emotions and feelings. There are several color theory models, but the most commonly used in fashion design is the color wheel. 

What is the color wheel?

The color wheel is a circle that is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Primary colors are red, blue, and yellow, and they cannot be created by mixing other colors. 

Secondary colors are orange, green, and purple, and they are created by mixing primary colors. Tertiary colors are created by mixing primary with secondary colors. 

By understanding the relationships between different colors on the color wheel, designers can use color combinations to create a specific mood or feeling in their collection.

Contemporary vs contrasting colors

One example of using color theory in fashion design is the use of complementary colors. Complementary colors are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as blue and yellow or red and green. These complementary colors create a high level of contrast and are tried and tested combinations. 

Many contrasting colors have become synonymous with brands and seasons where red and green is typically winter and has echoes of Christmas where blue and yellow are like spring daffodils against the blue sky.  Another example is the use of monochromatic colors, where a designer uses different shades and tones of the same color to create a harmonious look. The result can be an eye-catching, arresting style that works especially well in tailoring.

Psychology of color

The psychology of color relates to how different colors (and hues) influence emotions, perceptions and in some cases, even decision making. We can probably all think of a color, our favorite color. Many of us associate colors with certain meanings or effects: 

• Red = passion, energy, maybe danger
• Blue = trust, calmness, reliability
• Green = balance, growth, nature

In fashion design, understanding the emotions that different colors can evoke can help a designer express their intentions through their designs and create a specific mood or feeling in their collection. However, it is also useful to remember context matters; personal experience and cultural norms may also shape how people respond to different colors. 

Color Trends: From Saint Laurent to Victoria Beckham and sustainable fashion

Throughout history, color has been used in fashion in a variety of ways. In the 1920s, for example, the Art Deco movement had a great influence on fashion and so-called flapper girls of that era were donning rich colors and beading. 

In the 1960s Yves Saint Laurent heralded the birth of bold solid colors which was considered revolutionary at the time. In the 1980s, the use of neon colors in fashion was popular, and in the 1990s, minimalism and neutral colors were en vogue. Each decade has its own unique use of color, and understanding these historical uses can help designers create collections that are both modern and timeless.

Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent (1936–2008) was a French fashion designer who transformed 20th-century style by blending elegance with modernity. After beginning his career at Dior, he founded his own label in 1961 and went on to revolutionize women’s fashion with iconic creations like Le Smoking tuxedo, which challenged gender norms and empowered women through tailored, masculine-inspired clothing. He also pioneered the concept of designer ready-to-wear with his Rive Gauche line, making high fashion more accessible to the public. Drawing inspiration from art, global cultures, and everyday life, Saint Laurent’s bold, innovative designs helped democratize fashion and cemented his legacy as one of the most influential designers of all time.

Color trends today

Today fashion is not afraid to play around with color and it is used in more and more interesting ways in a variety of fashion houses and styles. Some designers are using bold and bright colors to make a daring fashion statement, while others are using soft, neutral colors to create a more understated, gentle look. An increasingly popular use of color is color blocking, where a single color or shades of one color are used in one outfit creating a striking visual impact.

One fashion trend that is resurfacing on catwalks and high-streets is the use of pastels. These soft, muted shades are perfect for creating a feminine and delicate look. Designers like J.W. Anderson and Victoria Beckham have been incorporating pastel shades into their collections to great effect.

Sustainable fashion

Manufacturers and designers are also beginning to lean into producing colors using more sustainable methods. Fashion brands are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their production processes, and are beginning to incorporate sustainable dye methods and natural dyes. This not only reduces the negative environmental impact of the fashion industry but also creates unique and interesting color palettes. 

For example, the use of natural dyes like indigo, madder, and cochineal can create beautiful and unique shades of blue, red, and pink. These natural dyes are not only environmentally friendly but also have a long history in textile dyeing.

The power of color

The power of color in fashion design is undeniable. Understanding the psychology of color, the historical use of color, and current color trends can help designers create impactful collections with cohesion of style and expression.

As a designer, it's important to experiment with different colors, and pay attention to the emotions and feelings that different colors can evoke. Additionally, the sustainable aspect of color in fashion is becoming more relevant. By being mindful of the environmental impact of color choices, designers can not only create unique and interesting collections but also contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. 

We encourage you to experiment with color in your own fashion designs and be mindful of the impact that their choices have on the environment.

Become a Fashion Designer at the Institute of Creative Design

Color is one of the most powerful tools in fashion design. From the principles of color theory to the psychology of how different shades influence emotion, designers can use color to set the mood, tell a story, and create collections that stand out. 

Looking at history, trends, and the move toward sustainable practices, it is clear that color choices shape not only the style of a garment but also the message it communicates. By understanding and experimenting with color, designers can craft work that feels cohesive, expressive, and impactful while also being mindful of its environmental footprint.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced designer, our courses will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to create cohesive and impactful collections. Sign up for one of our courses today and start your journey to mastering fashion design.

FAQs

What is color theory in simple terms

Color theory is the study of how colors work together. It explains how colors mix, match, and contrast, and how they can be used to create balance, harmony, or impact in design.

What is Goldstein's color theory

Goldstein’s color theory says colors affect our emotions and nervous system: warm colors (red, yellow) excite and energize, while cool colors (blue, green) calm and soothe.

What are the 7 types of color theory

The 7 types of color theory (color schemes) are: monochromatic, analogous, complementary, split-complementary, triadic, tetradic, and square.