Hey brother! Colour matching is as important as finding the perfect fit. So, here’s what you need to know to pop up some colours around you.
Most men tend to look lost whenever someone starts talking about hues and shades and complementary colors – fuchsia, turquoise or maroon are not words men would use to describe the shirt he is wearing.
What you should understand is that colour is a powerful visual stimulator that can send a message without saying a word. Gone are the days when men just wore dark pants and a matching white shirt.
Take this piece as your basic introduction to colors in menswear and men’s fashion.
Note the colour wheel.
Analogue Colours
The analogue colours are placed directly adjacent on the wheel of colours. This creates a safe, minimal contrast perfect for when your clothes are of similar colours. This scheme is most useful for a fancy-formalwear combination where guests are not restricted by a black tie attire.
Triad Colours
Visually, this creates the most balanced form of contrast. The triad combo is best when you intend to layer your outfit, wear a three-piece suit, or a few accessories and want to keep a pleasant balance.
Complementary Colours for Clothes
These are colours that are directly opposite of each other on the colour wheel. They create a bold contrast and are catchy. As mentioned above, the best way to complement colours is by having a dominant clothing piece in one colour and smaller details or accessories in the other.
Primary Colours (Red, Yello, Blue)
These are the only colours that cannot be made by mixing any other colours together. They are the strongest hues and without tinting or shading, they come across very harsh on the eye. As they are bright and intense, they are eye-catching – and not always in a good way.
Secondary Colours (Green, Orange, Violet)
Each of the three secondary colours is the result of combining two primary hues. The secondary hues are direct opposites of the primary ones, therefore, they are complementary colours.
You can match a green pair of shoes to red shoe laces. If you have a blue blazer, get an orange pocket square, or purchase a violet shirt with yellow buttons. All these options might sound too adventurous but if you keep the rest of the outfit plain, it will work wonders, and you’ll get noticed in the best way possible.
Intermediate Colours
(Red-Violet, Red-Orange, Yellow-Orange, Yellow-Green, Blue-Green, Blue-Viole)
These hues are not tints or shades of the primary and secondary hues, but colours in their own right. These hues are not as strong as their brighter sisters, they are easier to incorporate into your wardrobe and pull them off with no effort. Knowing the tertiary hues will also teach you to stay away from yellow-green and red-orange.
Work Colour Combinations
Mens’ dress combinations don’t have to be boring muted tones when it comes to dressing for work. Try wearing a grey suit and pair it with burgundy or blue accessories.
On a final note, the key to a successful outfit is finding a balance between all the hues, tints, and shades. In case you are ever in doubt, stick to consult the wheel, colour up, and see yourself dazzle onlookers.
