I don't know why, but everyone knows that men's clothing has a strange relation to color. While it is easy for women to wear the whole rainbow on top, the men's wardrobe is built around a more neutral trident: navy blue, gray and black. But everything is changing.
At a time when "everything is going" (and we've
even seen shorts with striped blazers), it's finally time to explore new color
palettes.
I don't want you to be intimidated into thinking that you
will look like Paquito Clavel, all the combinations we are about to propose
require a subtle application of color theory, as well as careful selection of
the ideal items, textures and environments to ensure a pleasant fit.
Let's see what you think.
Men's clothing has a strange relationship with color.
While women's clothing combines flamboyance and beauty, most men's wardrobes
are built around three neutral elements: navy, gray, and black. But everything
is changing. This stylish moment, as striped side joggers and blazers morphed
into perfectly chic workwear, also opened up an opportunity, not a duty, to
explore new areas of the color wheel.
We will now assume that you have mastered the neutral
plus color formula. So it's time to move on to more complex color equations.
All of these combinations require a subtle application of color theory, as well
as careful selection of the perfect details, textures, and settings to ensure
they don't hold up.
Luckily, we have two-speed typing experts who have broken
down the what, why, and where of six amazing or often overlooked color
combinations that actually work.
Red and pink
Color theory says that shades that are too close to each
other should be avoided, especially when both are very bright. However, many
stylists tell us the opposite, as we've seen in the latest collections from
designers like Raf Simons.
Of course, since the shades are very close, you need to
choose the contrast between them. For rosés, try something pale, like a
millennial rose, and for reds, try something that borders on the color of the
wine.
Where to get it: at the festival
There are no neutral colors here, so it is best to
minimize the amount of fabric exposed. In a place where you and flashy outfits
are the norm, with a pink tee and red shorts, you'll look great without
worrying about details.
Red and pink
Color theory advises avoiding shades that are too close
to each other, especially when both of them attract a lot of attention.
However, many stylists disagree. Pink and red are a surprisingly light summer
combination. This is something forward-thinking designers like Raf Simons love
to include in their collections.
However, since the tones are so close, you must contrast
with your tones. For pink, try something lighter, like a rose. So red is better
if it is almost scarlet, bordering on the wine color.
Use Tt To: Festival
There are no neutral shades here, so it is best to
minimize the amount of fabric on display, ideally in an area where bright skin
and clothing are the norm. "In a pink T-shirt and red shorts, you will
look amazing without worrying about prints or details."
Pink and green
If nature itself combines them at will and some kind of
park, then, most likely, you will also succeed, what do you think? Pink and
green are ubiquitous in parks, although bringing them into suits requires a
slight hue change.
Stylists love to pair pale pink with soft army green. The
result may surprise you for the better.
Where to get it: for a barbecue.
Think of it as your new color scheme when you are with
friends on a barbecue or just drinking beer in the park or garden. Forget the
ubiquitous white T-shirts and go for pink or pale pink. Add green pants or
jacket and you're done.
Pink and green
Nature is like a color-matched crib sheet: if you see a
certain combination in your local park, it will probably work for your wardrobe
too. Pink and green are ubiquitous in flower beds, although a slight change in
tone is required to bring it into ensembles.
I love the pale pink with soft army green. Combine the
hue and saturation of pink with other elements of your look for a sophisticated
interpretation of color.
Use Tt for: Beer Garden
Think of it as your new
combination outside of work. A green cotton work-style jacket over a faded pink
tee or light pink shirt is a great alternative to a classic white tee. This is
a great color combination for the transition from summer to fall.
Green and yellow
Another outdoor classic, this
combination works because they are neighbors on the color wheel. But these
similarities have their own problems.
Since green and yellow are
very close to each other, it is important to label them clearly. Therefore, if
you prefer a muted yellow, use a rich green. If you choose a lighter green
herb, you will need yellow to maintain a fresh mustard hue.
Where to get it: at a wedding
Narcissus daffodil makes us
more festive, which is exactly what you are looking for at a summer wedding.
This combination is especially good if you want to draw attention to yourself.
Add a yellow tie and green handkerchief and it will cast a shadow on the groom.
Green and yellow
Another outdoor classic, this
combination works because they are neighbors on the color wheel. But their
similarities give rise to their own problems.
Since green and yellow are
very close to each other, it is important to label them clearly. So if you go
for a muted yellow, go for a rich green. If you choose a lighter green for the
herb, you want the yellow to retain its rich mustard hue.
Use for: wedding
Narcissus daffodil will make
any outfit more elegant, and this is exactly what you need for a summer
wedding. This combination is especially good if you want to get more out of
your work suit: just add a yellow tie and a green pocket square.
Yellow and purple
Interestingly, the color
wheel is technically a mix of yellow and purple, although in general you'll see
more of it in slogans or sportswear than in men's wardrobe (perhaps that's why
it's the Los Angeles Lakers colors).
This is a next-level
combination that requires texture consideration as both shades, even in their
dimmest state, are vibrant colors that easily overlap. If you want to combine
them, both garments are made from cotton.
Where to get it: at lunchtime
with relatives.
These vibrant colors blend
easily with soft fabrics. Do what Italian designer Massimo Alba did and use
materials like corduroy, cashmere or linen to soften and lighten the intensity.
Yellow and purple
Looking at each other on the
color wheel, the combination of yellow and magenta works technically, although
it tends to be more suitable for murals than capsule cabinets. Perhaps that's
why it is favored by attention-loving organizations like the LA Lakers, which
means it's better to use it as an accent than head to toe.
This is the next step in the
level, and it really requires you to take texture into account, as both colors,
even in their dimmest form, are vibrant colors that are easy to digest. Testing
them with plain cotton will be very difficult.
Use Tt for: Dinner with the
Family
Wild colors are usually
easier to wear than casual colors because they can be complemented with more
interesting fabrics. Do what Italian designer Massimo Alba did and use fabrics
like corduroy, cashmere or linen to soften and lighten the intensity.