Pink and Red: Color Clash or Amazing Analogy?

Since receiving my September 2011 issue of Marie Claire magazine, I’ve been quite fascinated with the seemingly odd pairing of pink and red. So, when Sarah Jessica Parker appeared in NYC a week ago sporting a bright red and pink ensemble, I absolutely fell head over heels for the combination. I started seeing all kinds of possibilities actually. I mean, this fall is about stretching out, isn’t it?

Source: Celebuzz

You’ve probably heard many fashion gurus talk about color theory and how the color wheel could be used as a guide for mixing colors in your wardrobe. Starting with the basic 12-color wheel, color harmonies can be created; for example, complementary colors are those that are opposite each other on the color wheel.

Source

Thinking about the color wheel, then, SJP’s attention-grabbing color blocked outfit last week is not that unimaginable. Analogous color mixing, that is, pairing colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, is another technique for producing color harmonies. And, guess what sits next to each other on the color wheel? Pink and red!

I’ve been making small steps towards attempting this color combination. Last week, I started subtly by wearing my pink agate earrings with a red cardigan. Next, I wore my red pumps with a pink jacket. Today, just for show (I’m not actually wearing this today), I thought I would step things up a notch by pairing my bright pink blazer with my boldest red skirt. Et voila!

Tee—H&M
Blazer—H&M
Skirt—The Limited
Shoes—Ellen Tracy via Marshalls
Brooch—Stella & Dot

Would you try it? Have you tried it?

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15 Comments

  1. September 15, 2011 / 1:45 pm

    i need to visit h&m. that blazer is awesome. although i am not a huge fan of the pink/red combo, the colors look very good with your skin tone!

  2. September 15, 2011 / 2:16 pm

    I like the combo and your fit is lovely.

  3. September 15, 2011 / 5:03 pm

    Victoria's Secret has been using the new pink and red bags..I love the look.

  4. September 15, 2011 / 5:04 pm

    Victoria's secret has been using the pink and red bags, I love this look..

  5. September 15, 2011 / 6:18 pm

    I simply LOVE red + pink and have worn it a few times. Love your outfit and that skirt!!!! GAHH, so amazing!

  6. September 16, 2011 / 1:24 am

    I think this is an awesome combination! And you are right, taking small steps to infuse a colour scheme you would not normally wear is a great idea! Very well done 🙂

  7. September 16, 2011 / 11:35 am

    I'm more of a fan of fuschia and orange, but this looks fabulous on you. (Funnily, I wore a variation of it myself on Wednesday!)

  8. September 16, 2011 / 2:27 pm

    Love the color blocking combo. You pulled it off nicely! Again, love that yummy shoes!

  9. September 17, 2011 / 12:34 pm

    OH DEAR!!!! You look so stylish!!!!
    You pull that colour block soooooo well. I love it!!!
    I haven't yet gotten courage to try this combo, but I guess I must do it.

    xoxoxoxoxox

  10. September 17, 2011 / 3:01 pm

    I can't believe this!!! I just recently bought a pair of pencil leg red pants from the Goodwill. I want to pair them with a long sleeve sheer hot pink blouse I have in my closet. The problem is I was just to scared, especially to be daring enough to wear it to work. Well after seeing your post with the extra added bonus of SJP, "I'm ready" Thanks for being a daring fashionista:)

  11. September 18, 2011 / 2:34 am

    I like the pink and red – it's bright and interesting!

  12. September 19, 2011 / 3:00 am

    I like it on your more-so than on SJP…but that be because I prefer lighter colors on top and darker on the bottom…

  13. September 19, 2011 / 6:23 pm

    I meant to comment on this earlier, but you know how that story goes. I absolutely love this colour combo. I was planning on getting this red jacket from piperlime, but the reviews sort of swayed me from it. I had to give up my favourite hot pink skirt. In any case, rock the colours!

  14. September 22, 2011 / 2:00 pm

    I love this combo! I even love pink and orange or red and orange together! You can totally wear this outfit out… it looks great on you! 🙂

    p.s first time at your blog!