How many colours a wardrobe needs

Short answer: Five is enough: two dark neutrals, one light neutral and two accents. More colours give you fewer combinations, not more.

Why fewer colours give more outfits

Each garment can only be worn with the garments it matches. If every piece shares a small colour universe, each one combines with almost all the others. With fifteen colours, each piece combines with only a couple.

How the five break down

Two dark neutrals carry bottoms and outer layers. One light neutral carries the tops. Two accents provide variation. See bamboo clothing for women.

How to find your five

Look at what you wear most right now and count the colours. The three that recur are your base colours. Build from there rather than starting over. See bamboo clothing for men and bamboo t-shirts for men.

Frequently asked questions

Do black and white count as colours

They count as neutrals and combine with everything. They are therefore the most valuable.

Can the accents be swapped out

Yes, that is the idea. The base colours stay, the accents change with season and taste.

What about patterns

A pattern counts as all the colours it contains. Keep them within your five.