Best Clothing Colour Combinations for Men
When it comes to being stylish, colour often plays an underrated but key role - even for men. While women have their own colour-based staples (for example, the “little black dress”), we don’t hear much about universally flattering colours (or colour combinations) for men. But why? Aside from the shades that go best with your skin tone and hair (we’ll get onto that in a minute), there are some classic shade combos that pretty much anyone can pull off. So what are they? Let’s dive in and take a look.
Understanding Colour Theory
Before we get into the specifics of pairing different colours, it’s good for us to first understand the basics of colour theory. At its core, colour theory involves knowing how certain colours interact with each other to create either contrast or harmony. While this might sound like something best left to artists and designers, it’s actually a practical tool for anyone building a wardrobe.
For example, one key aspect of colour theory is understanding which colours go best (or “complement”) your complexion the most. For instance, warm-toned skin tends to look great with earthy shades like olive and tan, while cooler undertones pair better with colours like navy and grey. This concept, originating in South Korea, is increasingly popular thanks to social media, with some even making the trip abroad for a personalised colour reading.
But before you go looking for flights, a personalised colour reading isn’t at all that necessary; all you really need is your undertone. To identify yours, look at your veins on your arm; are they blue? Then you have a cool complexion. Green? Warm complexion. And if they’re a mix of the two, you have a neutral complexion.
Dressing for Your Skin Tone
So, with your undertone identified, how do you dress for it? Put simply, all colour theory does is focus on how specific colours can either enhance or detract from your appearance. Here’s a quick guide to figuring out what works best for your skin tone:
Cool Skin Tones: If you have a cool undertone, opt for shades like navy, grey, white, and pastels; these colours will enhance your natural features and provide a polished look, without washing you out.
Warm Skin Tones: Rich, earthy colours such as olive, tan, cream, and burgundy work beautifully for warmer skin tones, as they add depth and vibrancy to your outfits.
Neutral Skin Tones: Lucky you! With a neutral undertone, you can pull off almost any colour. From bold, bright hues to subtle, muted tones, the possibilities are endless.
Universal Colour Combinations for Men
Now onto some universal combos! As we mentioned above, certain colour pairings are timeless and work well for most men, regardless of your skin tone or even your personal style. Here are some classic options to consider:
Navy and White
A navy shirt paired with white trousers is a fresh, clean combination that exudes sophistication. Perfect for summer events or casual Fridays at the office, this duo is versatile and timeless.
Grey and Black
For a sleek and modern look, you can’t go wrong with grey and black. Pair a light grey shirt with black trousers for an effortlessly cool vibe, and add a black belt and shoes to tie the look together.
Beige and Olive
Looking for something earthy yet stylish? Beige and olive are your go-to colours. An olive shirt with beige chinos strikes the perfect balance between casual and chic.
Blue and Brown
Blue shirts and brown trousers are a match made in fashion heaven; whether you choose a light blue dress shirt or a navy polo, the combination always looks polished. Add brown leather shoes to complete the outfit.Monochrome Looks
For those days when you’re unsure, a monochromatic outfit is a safe choice. Stick to varying shades of the same colour, such as a light grey shirt with darker grey trousers, to create a cohesive yet dynamic look.
Want more tips? Check out this guide to pairing shirts and trousers to learn how to style these combinations effortlessly.
Final Styling Tips
Before we conclude, here are just a few more tips so you can get the best out of your wardrobe:
Invest in Quality Pieces: Your clothes shouldn’t only look good, they should feel good too! Choose well-made garments, and opt for investment pieces like our
quality shirts for men, or a timeless fleece.
Balance Your Look:When experimenting with colours, remember to balance your outfit. If your shirt is bold and vibrant, you might want to opt for neutral trousers to keep the look grounded, especially if you’re dressing for a professional context.
Accessorise Wisely: Belts, shoes, and watches can tie your outfit together. Stick to neutral tones for formal events and feel free to get creative for casual settings.
Final Thoughts
While we might associate men’s wardrobes with more muted tones (and to be honest, who doesn’t love a good neutral combo?) that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with brighter or bolder colours - just find the ones that match perfectly with your complexion!
And do remember, these are just general guidelines - at the end of the day, your best outfits are going to be the ones that make you feel the most confident, and the most authentically you.