Colors Your Wardrobe Might Be Missing: Tibi Ring 3 Colors
Amy Smilovic, founder of Tibi, a contemporary brand based in New York, created a unique and innovative Color Wheel for her design team to use when developing collections. The idea behind it is that different color combinations evoke different emotions; it’s what she calls a giant mood ring in her book The Creative Pragmatism.
What started as a design tool for her team soon became a powerful way for women to bring more dimension to their wardrobes. The most transformative shades come from Ring 3 colors, those that aren’t neutral or bright, but somewhere in between.
These are the colors that are often hard to name. They usually have gray or brown undertones, which makes them feel softer and more sophisticated.
To help you visualize the Tibi Color Wheel:
Ring 1: Black.
Ring 2: True neutrals.
Ring 3: The in-between, subtle, complex tones.
Ring 4: Saturated, expressive colors — some bold, some softer.
How Ring 3 Colors Add Something Special to Your Wardrobe
You might have a closet full of black, and you love it, feeling confident in it. Sometimes you want to mix things up with a white shirt or red shoes. That combination feels bold and sharp.
But if you add a Ring 3 color, the mood shifts in a completely different and very interesting way.
Adding a Ring 3 color, like a muted mustard/camel, changes everything. The look feels more refined and interesting — still elegant, but softer and more dimensional.
The same base outfit paired with a saturated color coat feels sharp and bold. It creates a strong contrast and stands out; though personally, I prefer using this pop of color in smaller details, such as shoes or a bag.
Or maybe your wardrobe leans on neutrals like navy and gray. You love them, but sometimes you want to create new outfit combinations that feel fresh and modern. A Ring 3 color can do exactly that.
These tones are also perfect for those who love saturated colors (Ring 4) but sometimes find them a bit too strong. Ring 3 colors soften that contrast while keeping personality and depth.
For a bright dress like this one (red — Ring 4), sandals in an olive green (Ring 3) and a metallic clutch soften the look in a chic and interesting way.
If the accessories were black, the message would be much bolder and sharper.
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A quick note: I wish we had more colors in stores to give you more examples, but I promise to come back in the Spring for a Part II. Stay tuned!
Why This Matters
Color is such an incredible way to express personality and add interest to your wardrobe. Often, we don’t need new pieces to create new possibilities; we just need to look at color differently and try new combinations.
When I do a Color Analysis, I don’t just show you your best colors. I teach you how to incorporate them into your life in a way that aligns with your personal style and lifestyle. It’s never about rules; it’s about understanding yourself and learning how to make your wardrobe work for your life.
You can learn more about Color Analysis here.
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Hi, I’m Marcia Crivorot, a Personal Stylist based in NY. Once a month, I send newsletters featuring style tips, recommended brands, and a shopping guide. Unlock previous editions of my newsletters and receive my emails firsthand by subscribing.
Disclosure: Remember that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience, and my professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you buy something is entirely up to you.