Color Mixing, Matching, and Power Clashing
Episode #10 of the course Men’s guide to grooming and style by Eddy Larkson
Today, you’ll learn how to mix and match colors and how to figure out what colors go well together.
Mixing/Matching Colors
One of the first things you should do is identify what colors you wear most often and which colors you prefer to wear if you could only wear one color ever. This helps you figure out what your personal style choices are, since there is no one-size-fits-all guide for what colors or types of clothes are best for 100% of people.
When you mix colors together, you want them to complement each other, not distract or get messy. So, it may be helpful to look at a color wheel (see below), where you can compare what colors look best together. Under the general rule, the closer the colors are on the color wheel, the easier it is to have them coordinated in your outfit.
For example, I gravitate toward navy and grey, and when I want to add a pop of color, I choose red, since that goes well with them both.
When it comes to matching your colors, there are a few tips that are easy to remember:
• A safe bet is wearing one item of color and having the rest of your outfit neutral. For example, wear a light blue shirt if that is one of your favorite colors, along with khaki pants and grey sneakers. This puts some of your personality and character into your outfit without risking looking unorganized or like a rainbow. This technique is best if you like many colors that may be harder to match with, like salmon, yellows, or lighter blues.
• Avoid power clashing, i.e. a situation when you take two items of clothing that both have a bold color accent.
• If you wear an item of clothing that is striped or has a unique pattern, try to not clash it with another item that has a bold pattern. For example, if you are wearing a navy shirt with white stripes, it may look odd to wear pants that are white with blue stripes. In other words, try to keep your colors simple if you prefer to have bolder items with noticeable stripes, dots, or other patterns.
• Never worry about what white matches with—it goes with almost anything!
• When it comes to shoes, anything grey, black, brown, or even burgundy usually goes well, no matter what.
Tip: Try to match your clothes according to your skin type. Lighter skin individuals tend to gravitate and look great in navy, burgundy, and different shades of grey, while darker skin tones can be complemented with brighter colors.
Seasons and Colors
Looking at what season it is can help you pick your outfits and color schemes. In particular:
• In the winter, try to wear darker colors, where you can match grey with navy or dark green.
• In the summer, try to match brighter colors, such as red, white, and blue items together.
• In the spring, you can experiment with salmon, yellow, or other light shirts, contrasted with navy shorts or khaki to complement shirt colors.
• In the fall, try introducing darker, leather-brown items, matched with navy or white items.
Conclusion
I hope you’ll be able to apply all these tips and tricks to your own life. I believe that as a result, you will become more confident in your appearance and style, and people will definitely notice that, because confidence is contagious!
Good luck,
Eddy
Recommended reading
The Color Wheel: Color Coordination for Men
Recommended book
Details Men’s Style Manual: The Ultimate Guide for Making Your Clothes Work for You by Daniel Peres
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