5 ways to push muted colors to a higher level

Muted colors are colors that are mixed with grey tones or with the complementary color in the color wheel. These colors have a softer appearance and a muted brightness. Colors may appear slightly paler but represent a rich and timeless feeling. Examples include greyish green and greyish blue, softer pastel colors and toned-down red and orange hues like rusty tones.   

Balance = key 

Muted colors ask for a balanced styling – think of tonal muted combinations for depth and contrast in a look or combine different materials within the muted, soft color palette. Read on quickly, discover our tips and elevate your look. 

Combining muted colors within the same color group - in other words a tonal color palette - creates depth and adds a stylish contrast to a look. Tonal colors emphasize each other as well as the main color itself. Example: various light and dark shades of greyish blue in one outfit emphasize each other and create a powerful blue look, even though the used shades of blue are all muted. 

The non-colors white, black and all shades of grey are perfect for creating contrasts. White, grey and black are a perfect canvas to combine endlessly with any color and they strengthen and emphasize muted colors. White adds a fresh feeling, grey neutralizes and blacks represents an edgy touch. Besides adding a white, grey or black garment you can also choose to add accessories or shoes in these colors for a more subtle effect. 

A print in a muted color palette creates a serene feeling with a timeless approach, because a muted color palette doesn’t contain predominant colors. Want to soften a muted print? Combine the print with a uni-colored piece within the tonal color palette to emphasize the main color. Want to accentuate a print? Go for an item in a contrasting color as a striking counterpart. 

Rich materials add luxury and character to an outfit. Rich materials combined with a tonal, muted color palette represent a modern contrast and depth within a look - for a surprising twist. A muted piece in a rich material combined with bright colored styles elevates the look for a more luxurious feeling. Examples of rich materials are materials with texture; like chunky knits or a boucle knit. Also silk, leather and cashmere represent the rich materials selection. Rich materials in an earth tone add a warm touch to muted colors. 

Blue denim is a classic and clean base to combine endlessly with any color within our color spectrum. Muted colors are emphasized by blue denim, which enhances the muted color. Denim also adds a casual touch. Not only jeans, but also a denim shirt or denim jacket are a perfect blue denim choice. Go for deep dark blue denim if you want to wear denim and muted colors to the office.