Choosing the right colors for him can greatly enhance his style and appearance. The colors he wears convey aspects of his personality and preferences to the world. Most men tend to stick to basic colors when getting dressed, but venturing outside the ordinary palette can help him put together outfits that really express his individuality. Learning how to effectively utilize color in fashion allows men to elevate their look. This guide will provide tips and advice on selecting colors that complement him and create stylish color combinations.
Consider His Natural Coloring
When picking colors for clothing and accessories, it’s important to take his natural hair, eye and skin coloring into account. The right hues will enhance his complexion and features, while the wrong shades can clash or wash him out. Here are some general guidelines for choosing colors based on common hair and complexion pairings:
| Your Hair/Eye Color | Recommended Colors | Colors to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Blond hair, blue eyes | Blue, gray, tan, pink | Brown, yellow, orange |
| Red hair, blue/green eyes | Blue, green, plum, pink, camel | Orange, yellow |
| Dark hair, dark eyes | Black, charcoal, deep jewel tones | Light pastels, muted colors |
| Light brown hair, hazel eyes | Purple, green, blue, pink | Orange, yellow |
Having his colors professionally analyzed can provide more personalized recommendations for the most flattering shades. But these guidelines give a rough starting point for choosing hues tailored to his natural look.
Use Color to Emphasize His Best Features
Color can be used strategically to play up his strongest facial and physical attributes. Certain hues naturally draw the eye. Using them near his best features helps emphasize those areas.
| If you want to highlight… | Try wearing these colors… |
|---|---|
| Eyes | Blues, greens, purples |
| Hair | Colors that match your hair color |
| Skin tone | Hues that complement your complexion |
| Smile, teeth | Whites, reds, pinks |
| Broad shoulders | Bold, dark colors on top |
| Lean frame | Bold colors on bottom, neutral tones on top |
Strategic use of color draws attention to his most striking features. For example, a pale blue shirt enhances blue eyes. A bold red tie draws the gaze up to the face. Keep these tips in mind when getting dressed to highlight your best assets.
Choose an Accent Color
An accent color is a hue that contrasts with the rest of your outfit, providing visual interest. This color is used sparingly to make certain pieces stand out. Typical accent colors include:
- Necktie
- Pocket square
- Socks
- Belt
- Hat band
When selecting an accent color, stick to just one hue rather than mixing several so the look doesn’t become overly busy. Make sure the shade complements your clothing colors but offers enough contrast to draw attention. For example, a maroon tie can accent a navy suit. Or red socks pop against a neutral outfit. Use accent colors strategically to add flair.
Create Color Harmonies
Pairing colors in harmonious combinations gives outfits a polished, pulled-together aesthetic. There are several types of harmonious color schemes to try:
Monochromatic – Shades of one color, ranging from light to dark
Analogous – Colors next to each other on the color wheel, like blue, blue-green, green
Complementary – Opposite colors on the wheel, like blue and orange
Triadic – Three colors equally spaced around the wheel, like red, yellow, blue
Split Complementary – A color plus the two adjacent to its complement, like orange, blue-green, purple
Sticking to a color harmony ensures all the shades you wear work together seamlessly. The effect is classy and refined. Be bold in mixing different patterns and textures within the color scheme for added visual impact.
Use Color to Convey Your Personality
Beyond just making you look good, color can communicate aspects of your personality and mood. Use it to project the image you want. Here are some color associations to keep in mind:
- Black – Sophisticated, mysterious
- Blue – Stable, professional, calm
- Green – Balanced, growth, nature-lover
- Purple – Creative, spiritual, compassionate
- Red – Powerful, energetic, bold
- Orange – Friendly, cheerful, confident
- Yellow – Optimistic, youthful, bright
Incorporate hues that express your core values and attributes. For example, an extrovert may favor attention-getting shades like red. Someone who wants to exude professionalism sticks to navy suits. Use color as a tool to broadcast the messages you want about your personality.
Pair Neutrals With Pops of Color
Neutral basics like black, white, gray and tan provide versatile starting points for outfits. Anchoring your look in neutrals allows bolder accent colors to really stand out. A white button-down shirt acts as a neutral canvas for a vibrantly colored tie or jacket. Charcoal trousers let a bright pocket square take center stage. Grounding an outfit in muted neutrals lets you layer on pops of color with confidence.
Match Accessories to Your Outfit
Accessories present easy ways to incorporate color into your wardrobe. Ties, pocket squares, socks and other accents can introduce color without requiring you to wear bold hues head-to-toe. Match these accessories to the existing colors in your clothing. Some examples:
- Burgundy tie with a navy suit
- Striped socks in the same hues as your shirt
- Green pocket square to match an olive jacket
- Shoes that pick up one color from a patterned shirt
When mixing patterns, repeating a color from one piece to another pulls the look together. The accessories become a unifying element. Use this trick to add pops of color that tie your whole outfit together.
Conclusion
Color can elevate men’s style when used effectively. Take your natural coloring into account and choose hues that flatter. Use color strategically to highlight your best features. Stick to color harmonies for foolproof combinations. Allow your clothing to communicate your personality. Pair neutrals with bold accent colors for maximum impact. And don’t forget to match accessories to your outfit for a pulled-together look. With these tips, you can use color like a pro to always put your best face forward.