Well-coordinated colours in a man's outfit can make a strong impression without looking overdone. Whether it's everyday wear for the city or a casual meeting, a basic knowledge of colour combinations will help you create a look that is cohesive and tasteful.
Let's start with neutral tones – grey, dark blue, white, black or beige form the basic building blocks of any wardrobe. They mix well with each other and at the same time give space for more distinctive shades. If you are just learning about colours, stick to one richer tone (such as dark green or burgundy) in combination with neutral pieces.
Another useful tool is the colour wheel. Colours that are opposite each other (known as complementary colours) create a contrast that attracts attention, but should not be overdone. For example, dark orange and blue can look energetic. On the other hand, colours that are next to each other (e.g. green and blue-green) create a calmer, more fluid impression.
Shades and tones play a key role. Dark tones appear more serious and formal, while light colours add lightness and airiness. A good choice is to combine a dark bottom piece (e.g. dark blue jeans) with a lighter shirt or T-shirt.
Don't forget the rule of balance: less is often more. It's best to stick to two or three colours in one outfit so that the whole look doesn't appear chaotic. If you're unsure, go for tried-and-tested combinations such as grey with burgundy, beige with dark green or navy blue with white.
With a little practice, everything will start to make sense. And colours will cease to be a mystery – they will become a tool for giving your outfit the right tone.
