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As men, we can often glance enviously at women who can nonchalantly pull off colours, especially in the warmer months. Our trepidation towards more vibrant hues comes from a lack of understanding of how colours work together. Alongside the fear of buying something only to get it home and realise it doesn't work with any other garments you already own.
But playing it safe can only get you so far. So, it is time to cast off those blinkers and look beyond your comfort zone. Introducing colour into your daily rotations can be a great way to update your current looks while adding a dash of personality.
However, before you find yourself reaching for the hot pink, there are some rules men should follow to ensure no sartorial mistakes are made.
If you want to introduce some colour into your wardrobe, it should mean something other than an overhaul of everything you own. By adding an accent of colour here or there, you are testing the water without jumping in headfirst.
We recommend looking at your socks or a winter accessory like a beanie or scarf to start adding colour. They can deliver that injection of bright hues without invading your whole outfit. Plus, they can be relatively inexpensive. So, you can experiment without spending a fortune. Remember, it is a marathon, not a sprint, and we want you to move at a comfortable pace.
Should deciding on one main colour be a step too far, to begin with. Why not investigate how patterns can be used subtly to introduce colour?
The blue secondary stripe in a check suit, or the red in a floral tie. It can all be evidence of bringing colour into play without making it draw too much attention.
The fear men quite rightly have, is that when they start to wear colour, it will clash with what they already own. One way to combat this is to build the right foundations.
We don't expect every guy to be an expert in the colour wheel. Though, even at an intermediate level, we know that some colours often look better with others. These are the whites, navy, blacks, beiges and greys of this world. They should become the foundational colours of your wardrobe. For example, take a white dress shirt. It is the perfect backdrop for pretty much every colour of suit or tie.
When purchased correctly, items in these foundational colours deliver better value for money. They are timeless in style and have the ability to be worn more regularly with different pieces.
Not every colour is going to look nice on every guy. I can attest to that after some bad choices in the past. So, rather than letting yourself be swayed by the fashion world thrusting this season's "must-have" colour into your face. Stick to what works best for you. It may be a little trial and error, but remember, once you find what clicks, it will be forever in your arsenal.
First, start with a colour you genuinely like. This is a good jumping-off point and gives you something to work with. Then, factor in a few considerations, most notably, your complexion, hair colour and eye colour. As a rule of thumb, brighter colours can wash out pale skin, while darker skin tones can absorb a richer array of vibrant hues. However, this is only a guideline.
As a rule of thumb, men should know that business dress shouldn't stray too far into the experimental field. Keep it simple. Stick with the blue, white and grey hues you are accustomed to. However, you can play with colours in a less formal setting. As previously mentioned, suit fabrics, ties and other accessories can all be a great way to include colour with suits.
Aside from these two environments, men can let loose and embrace what they feel works.
