In this world, color is meant to be embraced. Color is finally returning to fashion’s cheeks after years of monotone minimalism sucking the vibrancy out of men’s style.
Color coordination, like any other form of fashion experimentation, is difficult. However, it distinguishes the stylish gent from the all-black fashion boy. The key is to use tried-and-true combinations that work in any season and at any time.
Embracing different colors of the rainbow (though not all at once), here are five tried-and-true color combinations to rock right now with ease and style.
Black and white
Separately, black and white are considered the rock stars of men’s fashion. And they are unbreakable when they work together. Monochrome has never been more prominent in fashion, especially in casual and streetwear, thanks to the athletic accent.
Black should be your foundation color, and it should also look great – either as jersey cotton sweatpants (cuffed at the ankle) or waxed denim for super sleek jeans. Then add a white tee (longline to mimic Justin Bieber’s proportions) and a leather perfecto or neoprene matte black jacket to complete the athleisure look.
To sex it up, wear a thick cotton blazer and a mandarin collared shirt with tailored pleat trousers on flat-front chinos, and finish with stark white sneakers to define all your black-and-white ensembles.
Navy and maroon
In this world, color is meant to be embraced. Color is finally returning to fashion’s cheeks after years of monotone minimalism sucking the vibrancy out of men’s style.
Color coordination, like any other form of fashion experimentation, is difficult. However, it distinguishes the stylish gent from the all-black fashion boy. The key is to use tried-and-true combinations that work in any season and at any time.
Embracing different colors of the rainbow (though not all at once), here are five tried-and-true color combinations to rock right now with ease and class.
Don’t be put off by the dirtiness of maroon. As the season’s color, browny purple pairs perfectly with navy, replacing traditional red for a two-color ensemble devoid of any American flag references – or British royals.
Wear navy chinos or raw denim jeans (in a trouser-slim fit) with a perfect fit v-neck sweater and a light cotton shirt underneath – cuff and unbuttoned collar neatly exposed.
Summer separates see burgundy lighten (just a little) to form a quasi-royal red under a brass-buttoned double-breasted jacket with a mod paisley tie and Clubmaster sunnies.
Greyscale
While contrasting color combinations are hot for the new season, tonal ensembles are a more subtle way to stand out. Choose grey for that, combining a fluid wave of the smoky hue, especially for smart tailored looks.
Choose a mid-grey herringbone fabric for a full-length suit, and layer the perfect fit jacket over a lighter grey marl tee. The speckled marl will not detract from the ruggedness of the wool, and white sneakers will complement the shirt’s casual attitude.
For a more sophisticated look, pair a light grey mini-check blazer (with a more structured shoulder) with charcoal pants – pleated or flat-front depending on your preference. A dark grey shirt is ideal for nights, while a smokey tee is ideal for summer. Keep your accessories black to add points of strength to your outfit, whether it’s a watch band, belt, sunglasses, or shoes.
Khaki and white
White is a color associated with warmer weather. And with khaki, the combination is a great option for both cooler and hotter climates – the earthy hue is a more understated color than pastel and far from the navy’s nautical references.
To keep it casually sharp, pair a khaki blazer in cotton or heavy linen with a relaxed-fit white t-shirt and slim-fitting trousers. Then, complement the organic with a thin brown leather belt and tassel loafers in your favorite chocolate shade – milk or dark.
Meanwhile, the trench coat is the best fashion item. If you can’t decide between khaki and white, wear the iconic jacket with a white top – button-up, roll neck, or tee. Choose your poison.
Blue and green
“Neither blue nor green should be seen…” Not. While it is said that the atlas colors are forbidden in the same space, the new season has other plans.
Think sky blues and sea greens for summer, paired in bold color blocks from top to bottom – for example, cotton button shirting in muted emerald and dusty navy, paired with camel suede shoes or (again) white sneakers.
Bring some print into the mix for cooler weather layering, working with a plaid or Breton stripe shirt (and optional navy undershirt) under a khaki green military shacket – ideal for sundown evenings. Rich tan brogues without socks, heightening the disheveled layered look.
