Bought a Hanfu but Don’t Know How to Style It? Check Out This Guide!

You’ve snagged that dream Hanfu piece, but now you’re stuck figuring out how to turn it into a full set! Struggling with color combos? Lots of folks have asked, but few get a solid answer.

Today, we’re spilling easy Hanfu color-matching tricks!

1. How to Use “Similar Colors” for Your Hanfu?

Similar Colors: Same hue, different shades—like deep red and pink.

Perk: Smooth transitions, layered looks, unified yet natural vibe.

Inner layer in light mint green, outer in slightly deeper grass green—super natural with a gradient feel.

Top in soft cherry blossom pink, skirt in light water red—vibrant, with clear layers.

Outer shirt in super pale taro purple, inner in light purple—adds a pop, making the whole look lively and standout.

2. How to Use “Adjacent Colors” for Your Hanfu?

Adjacent Colors: Neighbors on the color wheel—like red and orange, orange and yellow, yellow and green, blue and purple.

Perk: Harmony with a twist, balanced yet playful.

Inner in illusion purple, outer in wine red—harmonious with a bold pop.

Blue top, purple skirt—feels like a gradient, super cohesive.

3. How to Use “Complementary Colors” for Your Hanfu?

Complementary Colors: Opposite hues—like red and green, yellow and blue.

Cold-warm contrast hits hard.

Perk: Bold, lively, full of personality and tension.

Pink jacket, sapphire skirt—strong contrast, super fun and full of life.

Light pink top, sky-blue skirt—sharp contrast, fresh and energetic.

Purple top, light orange skirt—rich and eye-catching.

4. How to Use “Contrasting Colors” for Your Hanfu?

Contrasting Colors: A type of complementary, 180-degree opposites on the color wheel—like yellow and purple, red and green, blue and orange.

Perk: Max contrast, super unique with a striking visual clash.

Tip: Balance with one dominant color and a smaller splash of its complement. Equal proportions can feel too intense—aim for 3:7 or 2:8 ratios.

Light green outfit with a red shawl—the shawl adds a lively touch.

Emerald sleeves with a hint of pink trim—lifts the mood, no stiffness.

5. How to Use “Neutral Colors” for Your Hanfu?

Neutral Colors: Black, white, gray are the go-tos, plus gold and silver—not cold or warm.

Perk: Easy on the eyes, avoids fatigue, steady, classy, and versatile. Neutrals balance combos, highlighting other hues (especially complements).

Classic neutral use—gray tones in many above looks.

Red top, black or white skirt—black-red or red-white are timeless. Red’s so bold, only neutrals or blue can handle it well.

Beige cloak, gray-blue skirt—elegant and chill with great texture.

White inner, gray outer—steady and bold.