Two fabulous uses for complementary colors:
1) Substitution. For example, instead of shopping for a blazer (or sweater or coat) the color of your hair, as I often suggest, try the complement (the color opposite on a color wheel). Keeping the same color value (light or dark) moderates the level of contrast.
Dark brown = navy blue
Auburn = teal
Yellow-blonde = lavender
Black = white
2) Contrast. Bring out the rosy color in your skin by wearing a color that is the complement of your hemoglobin (the reds, purples, and oranges visible in the skin and lips). For example, peach skin is flattered by blue and pink skin by green.
Two more tools for making your face the focal point of every outfit. Remember Rule Number 1?
This explains why I ten to go for navy as my neutral.
Navy is a great neutral for alot of reasons, not the least of which is that it is more colorful. 🙂 I also think there is a personality tie-in, but I haven’t figured out what it is yet.