Color Coordination Theory

One of the most basic elements that carries the greatest power in creating the mood of an outfit is color. Though playing with color combinations can add major flair to a look, many men tend to stick with the standard black, brown, navy, and white, rarely venturing into bolder and brighter hues. To increase the potency of your look, start experimenting. The following tips will help you maximize your style using winning colors and color combinations.

Try something new

The easiest way to freshen up your look, especially for summer, is to add some color. A bright t-shirt or polo can hugely increase the appeal of a standard jeans-and-top outfit. Most people look great in blues and reds. Experiment with other colors, too, including orange, green, yellow, and purple, till you find the hues that suit you best. Striped shirts are big right now, and they can be found in every color of the rainbow. For a more gradual transition into the world of color, try vivid details, such as ties or t-shirts under button-up shirts. A neutral ensemble with a small splash of color can have big impact. Don’t be afraid to be loud. Most people look great when they venture beyond neutrals.

Complement yourself

Try to find colors that suit your skin tone and hair and eye color as well as your personality. In general, you want to choose colors that contrast with your complexion. While men with medium skin tones look good in just about anything, including dark and light colors, men with darker complexions look better in light colors such as baby blue. Those with fair skin and light hair normally look best in bold blues. These rules are hardly set in stone, however. To choose colors that work best on you, stand in front of a mirror, hold the piece of clothing in front of you, and take a look at whether the color is harmonious with your features. Incorporate details in colors that match your eyes to bring out the sparkle.

Match, don’t match

Certain color combinations almost always work. Complementary colors, such as blue and orange, create high contrast and draw attention to the wearer. A good strategy for pairing complementary colors is to wear a lot of one and a little of the other. For instance, a blue shirt with orange racing stripe or blue button-up shirt with pumpkin tie creates a punchy, vibrant look. Blending values close to each other on the color wheel makes for an elegant, harmonious look. Blue and green or blue and purple patterned shirts are hot right now. Resist the temptation to match colors exactly. While a monochromatic look comprised of various shades of the same color, such as blue or purple, can work very well, matching exactly affords no dynamics and makes the wearer blend into the background and look dull. Focus on contrast.

If used well, these simple tips will help you build a look that incorporates color and flair, contrast and life, and maximum style.