When it comes to fashion, one of the best skills you can have is a strong grasp of color theory. Knowing which colors clash and which go together to create the perfect outfit will help you dress confidently for any occasion.
Good color coordination relies on more than just the right colors, though. It also helps to learn more about the emotions behind colors, tips for creating visual contrast, and the best ways to pair accessories with any outfit. If you don’t feel comfortable experimenting with color in your outfits, don’t worry! Practice makes perfect, and there’s no better time than now to start learning. Check out these color coordination tips and tricks for men and learn how to take your style to the next level no matter what occasion you’re dressing for.
Learn the Color Wheel
It might have been a while since you took an art class, but there’s no wrong time to brush up on the color wheel. This handy tool helps you navigate basic colors and how they go together.
The color wheel consists of both warm and cool colors. Warm colors, which range from yellow to red-violet, are full of energy and positivity. Lighter warm colors like yellow and orange create a cheerful, sunshine-y look that’s perfect for summer, while redder tones evoke a sense of coziness that everyone loves around fall.
Cool colors range from violet to yellow-green. These colors give off a sense of peace and serenity. Though they don’t tend to pop as much as warmer tones, they’re still just as versatile. From deep gem tones in the winter to lively shades of green in the spring, cool colors look great in a wide variety of settings.
You can use the color wheel to find color combinations that look great together. Learning about the different types of color pairings gives you a solid repertoire of combinations you can create with your wardrobe.
Analogous Colors
Analogous pairings refer to colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, like green and blue or blue and purple. You can never go wrong with analogous colors. They mix well together and create visual interest without causing overwhelming contrast. Analogous colors are a great way to start experimenting with mixing and matching colors.
Triadic Colors
If you want to branch out further, try triadic combinations. Triadic colors consist of shades that create a triangle within the color wheel. The three primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—are triadic colors. So are the secondary colors orange, purple, and green. Making combinations with triadic colors adds a fun and interesting contrast to your look with hues that blend well together.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors sit at opposite ends of the color wheel. Think blue and orange, green and red, or yellow and violet. These colors create the most contrast. When you pair them together successfully, you get a look that’s vibrant and eye-catching.
However, you have to be careful with the shades of complementary colors. Combining two colors that are both bright and vibrant can create a busy look that ultimately clashes. Keep in mind the occasion, too. Complementary colors look better with streetwear or party outfits than with more formal looks.
Focus on Contrast
No matter what kind of color pairings you use, it’s important to create contrast with your look. Even monochrome outfits create contrast through different textures, fits, or accessories. Without contrast, an outfit can quickly become bland and boring.
The easiest way to create visual interest with your look is to mix different colors. If you’re not sure about which color combinations to use, you can also pair light and dark shades to keep things interesting.
Be careful not to overdo it, though. As with all fashion tips, balance is key. You want a color combination that is interesting and appealing to the eye without looking overwhelming.
Try a Monochrome Look
Monochrome looks are a great way to introduce different colors into your wardrobe without having to delve into bold combinations. As mentioned above, the biggest tip for pulling off a monochrome outfit is to create visual interest.
You can add contrast by pairing pieces of different shades. A light shirt on darker pants helps define your outfit and draws the eye. You can also break the mold with your shoes or subtle accessories like pins or tie bars. These understated add-ons help add visual interest without breaking up the sleek look of your outfit.
Mix Up Your Neutral Look
Neutrals are always a solid choice; you can do a lot with grays, creams, tans, and browns. For example, navy and white are a popular combination that creates a classy outfit with strong contrast. You can also combine cream and brown for a friendly, summery look.
Alternatively, you can mix things up by pairing a neutral base with colors like military green, burgundy, or pale pink. These touches of color create a richer, more memorable look without straying too far from your elegant neutral style.
Try a Statement Piece
A statement piece is a single part of your outfit—like a jacket, shirt, or tie—that draws the eye. A colorful shirt, floral tie, or another type of statement piece is a great way to branch out and try new colors without moving too far out of your comfort zone. Try wearing a brightly colored shirt with a monochrome jacket and pants combo. Alternatively, combine two different neutral colors for your top and bottom and pull them together with a vibrant tie.
Don’t Be Afraid To Experiment
Learning key color coordination tips and tricks for men is important, but you’ll never truly know what works for you until you try something new. Everyone’s sense of style is unique, and fashion rules are meant to be bent a little. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color combinations to see what you do and do not like. Trying new looks will help you feel more comfortable—and when you feel good, you look good, too.
Look Your Best With DAZI Ties
At DAZI, we want to help you create an outfit you feel great in. Our collection of men’s ties includes dozens of different colors for you to mix and match with your pants, shirts, and jackets. Find the perfect tie to bring your look to the next level when you visit DAZI today.
When it comes to men’s fashion, the tie is a versatile accessory that can instantly elevate any outfit. Whether you’re dressing up for a wedding, heading to a business meeting, or going for a casual day out, knowing how to style your tie for the occasion is key. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 ways to style a tie for different events, ensuring you always look your best.
Are you looking for the perfect gift for your husband, father, or friend? Check out these ideas for essential suit accessories to gift any man in your life.
A floral tie is a great addition to your formal outfit, but only if you know how to wear it. Learn how to appropriately wear your floral tie with this guide.