Clothing worn in contrasting colours combinations can appear very strong and sometimes hard on the eyes. An example of this would be dressing in a wardrobe combination of true violet and true yellow. Although this example contains complementary colours which are across from each other on a colour wheel, contrasting colour schemes are a combination of 2 or more colours that are on opposing sides of the colour wheel.

When wearing contrasting colours they tend to look best when worn in different intensities and example of this would be dressing in one dark; one light and one bright colour. This will draw attention to the brightest colour and the rest will complement that colour in the background.

A less dramatic version of this colour scheme is when the colours are all muted. Muted colours are more restful to the eye and appear more harmonious. In these wardrobe combinations they are also easier for most of us to wear and feel confident in.