The Men’s Guide: How To Wear & Style Colour

By Charlie Colville

2 months ago


Does the thought of a lime green jumper leave you stressed? Or perhaps the thought of a pair of red trainers makes you shiver? Whatever the item, wearing a bold colour can be quite intimidating. And while some make it look easy, the reality is that working an outfit around vivid hues can be quite tricky – especially if you’re not used to them. But fear not, we’ve got just the thing for you: here’s our guide for men on how to wear and style colour.

How To Wear & Style Colour For Men

Colour Accents

If you’re only just beginning to incorporate colour into your wardrobe, start with the finer details. You can wear vibrant colours through accessories like ties, pocket squares or shoes, before moving on to bigger items like shirts and trousers. A navy suit, for example, can be enhanced with a bright-coloured tie or a patterned pocket square, adding personality without overwhelming the outfit.

 

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Complementary Pairings

From there, you can branch out to include colour across your wardrobe. One way to do so is to pick out colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel. ‘Colours thrive through complementary pairings,’ says Michael Searle, Head of Retail at Turnbull & Asser.

The brand, which has over 130 years of experience dressing British men, has also earned a reputation for bold colour combinations and exuberant patterns, which means they know just how to help men wear and style colour. ‘Start with a light base layer, like a pastel Oxford shirt, then add a mid-tone knitwear piece, such as a merino wool sweater that echoes the shirt’s hue,’ Michael recommends. ‘Finish with a darker outer layer, a few shades deeper than the sweater. This tonal progression using our versatile product range creates a harmonious and eye-catching ensemble.’

Natural Combinations

Another rule to go by is natural combinations – aka, seeing what works well in nature. Colours found in natural settings, such as earthy tones or ocean hues, often complement each other well. You can pair olive green with brown or beige, for example, and easily create a balanced look.

 

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Experiment With Contrasts

And, when you’re ready to be a little more experimental, you can play with colour clashes. Pairing contrasting colours can work just as well as teaming up complementary hues. A light shirt, for example, can be paired with darker trousers to create a striking balance. Using complementary colours from opposite ends of the colour wheel, like orange and blue, can also create more dynamic outfits.

Introduce Patterns & Textures

As they say, it’s all in the detail – especially when it comes to colour. Opt for colourful patterned shirts, such as florals or stripes, to add depth to your outfit. Or try mixing textures, like a knitted sweater in a bold colour paired with tailored trousers. This approach allows for creativity while keeping the overall look sophisticated and stylish.


The Edit: Colourful Picks For Men

The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide

Blue jacket

Issey Miyake

Navy Homme Plisse Pleated Shirt Jacket (Size L), ÂŁ236.25

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Blue scarf

Mulberry

Small Solid Merino Wool Scarf, ÂŁ125

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Mint green jumper

Tom Ford

Green Crewneck Sweatshirt (Size 48), ÂŁ280

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Yellow tie with navy dots

Turnbull & Asser

Navy & Yellow Micro Dot Silk Tie, ÂŁ185

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Red t-shirt | how to wear colour men

Sunspel

Classic T-Shirt, ÂŁ90

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Red slippers | how to wear colour men

New & Lingwood

Wine Skull & Crossbones Velvet Slippers, ÂŁ350

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Green sweater vest | how to wear colour men

Turnbull & Asser

Lime Green Fine Merino V-Neck Sleeveless Cardigan, ÂŁ375

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Black and green check coat

Holland Cooper

The Cheltenham Coat, ÂŁ849

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Orange knit jumper

House of Bruar

Men’s Lambswool Cable Crew Neck, £69.95

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Striped shirt

Turnbull & Asser

Purple Multi Track Stripe Chelsea Shirt, ÂŁ395

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Featured image: Turnbull & Asser