Men’s Fashion – Embrace Colour This Spring

Spring has Sprung!

As the doom and gloom of a treacherous winter is left behind, expectations for a beautiful summertime are high. This unprecedented hunger for better weather could be matched only by the need for exciting spring/summer clothing. After the designers set the standard, the high-street stores were passed the “fashion baton”. I must say, they have delivered extremely well.

In this article, I’d like to discuss a topic that is always on the lips of male fashion followers. Something, that is so often done so wrongly and is paralleled by the ease of which it can be pulled off perfectly… Colour. That’s right. Colour. It’s OK. Definitely no need to retreat behind the couch, hide and tremble behind a cushion. Colour is nothing to fear. The next few paragraphs will show you how to use colour to your advantage and make it work in tandem with your existing wardrobe. I will also include the odd bit of advice regarding what to avoid and why.

Treat Colour as a best friend who has holidayed for the winter. Welcome its return. Embrace it… and love it.

The most frequently made mistake when wearing colour is possibly the most important thing that needs to be correct. DON’T overdo it. As more and more designer and high street stores are including colour in their collections, one may be tempted to purchase a full spectrum of items. Resist this poison apple. No one wants to sit with a man whose clothing outshines the sun.

Colour Basics

I find that the best way to make the transition from a typical winter outfit to a typical spring outfit is small changes. For example:

• Wear a coloured polo shirt underneath a blazer or cardigan.
• Spice up an outfit with a pair of brightly coloured shoes. As the weather gets warmer and more reliable, swap for espadrilles or flip-flops.
• It may even be chance to swap that scarf you received at Christmas for a more vibrant, lightweight type. Zara seem to be particularly brilliant at providing alternative neckwear this season.
• At work, take one day a week where a tired winter-worn shirt is swapped for a more illuminating option.

Another key thing to remember about colour is that it has to compliment your skin tone. Light skinned folks like myself are unfortunate in this aspect, as there are colours we must strictly avoid. Pale colours such as orange, lemon and soft greens will make one look washed out and drained. Stronger colours such as navy or a vivid pink will work well. Olive toned and darker skinned men are lucky due to the fact that any colour will suit.

Seeing as the sun is only just emerging from a deep slumber, take this article as a starting point. The firing gun, if you may, which sets you off on a six-month marathon. I suppose what I am trying to emphasise is that just because the month of March is now in full swing, don’t automatically think that spring and summer wear is suitable everyday. Wake up, look outside and plan your outfit accordingly.

More importantly… enjoy it.

Colour Pieces

Topman

New Look

Topman

Oki-Ni

ASOS

MyWardrobe