• Men's Fashion Guides

5 Ways To Add Colour To Your SS14 Wardrobe

Summer Colour

With summer now on the horizon, refreshing your wardrobe should be at the top of your sartorial to-do list. And the quickest way of doing this? Embrace colour. Yes, after seeing out winter in our dull thick knits and heavy outerwear, we have more than earned the right to don something more vibrant. So, in celebration of the warmer months ahead, take a look at five key ways you can inject some eye-catching hues into your personal style this year…

1. Coloured Legwear

Coloured legwear is bold, unapologetic and designed to make a statement. Whether you fully embrace the season with a striking yellow pair or prefer subtle pastel shades, coloured chinos/trousers will breathe life into any tired wardrobe. Colour-blocking is the easiest and most efficient way to pull off this look. Simply combine with a neutral coloured shirt (white is the default option) and let your trousers do all the talking. For those who prefer their outfits to be more trend-orientated, consider tonal dressing: team your new purchase with a shirt, tee or polo in the same colour family – remembering to alter both the texture and shade to create definition – and watch the compliments roll in. If you’re a predominantly casual dresser, chinos look great in strong primary colours as they naturally give off a more relaxed vibe and can be paired with other off-duty staples such as tees, sweatshirts and even vests during high summer. At the smarter end of the spectrum, lightweight tailored trousers in linen- and cotton-blends make a superb, seasonally-appropriate addition to a formal wardrobe. These styles often look best in timeless white or lighter pastel shades, which are much more subtle and ooze Riviera chic. For those that work in more relaxed office environments, these trousers can easily be mixed and matched with your existing separates collection to produce sharp, contemporary workday looks throughout spring/summer. To create an ensemble, team coloured trousers with a white button-down shirt, blazer and tasselled loafers for an evening out, or coloured chinos with a printed shirt and espadrilles for a day spent in the beer garden. Finally, to avoid unnecessary colour clashing, and fully embrace the warm weather, try going sockless.

Lookbook Inspiration

Key Styles

• Asos Skinny Chinos
• Topman Bright Blue Skinny Chinos
• Farah Vintage Drake Trousers In Honey
• He By Mango Slim-fit Textured Chinos
• Topman Purple Percy Skinny Chinos
• He By Mango Straight-fit Cotton Chinos
• Band Of Outsiders Slim-fit Cotton-twill Chinos
• Reiss Concorde Diamond Print Shirt White
• Our Legacy Lightning-print Linen And Cotton-blend Shirt

5. Summer Accessories

If you’re looking to build up your confidence with colour, or simply want a quick and easy way of adding a focal point to an outfit, try a colourful accessory. Whether you opt for a bright pair of socks or a statement belt, there’s no better way to show you pay attention to the smallest of details. There are, of course, countless accessories to choose from, so pick those that will slot seamlessly into your personal style. Spectacles wearer? Try a coloured frame. Fan of headwear? Add a coloured hat to your collection. Work in a corporate environment? A brightly coloured pocket square will give your monochrome tailoring a creative, summer twist. Here are a few quick tips:

• Bold Coloured Belts: Are for casual or smart-casual outfits only. Nothing looks worse than a perfectly tailored three-piece with a brightly coloured belt.
• Pocket Squares: Feel free to go wild. Remember, it shouldn’t match your tie, so as long as the colours don’t clash you can pick anything from pastel shades to polka dots. Pop it in the top pocket of your blazer when you head out into the evening sans tie to give your outfit a shot of personality.
• Lightweight Scarves: Whether patterned or coloured, the fabric you decide on gives the scarf its character. A silk take is smart, flamboyant and has modish undertones. On the other hand, a cotton or linen version conjures images of the Riviera and has a slightly more relaxed feel. Tie it, drape it or wrap it, they help add a touch of flair to any look.
• Sunglasses: Coloured frames have become popular over recent years due to the influx of acetate styles, meaning there is now a shade or pattern for every type of gent. Alternatively, if you would prefer something slightly more versatile, pick a classic frame with subtly coloured lenses and/or detailing.
• Bold Socks: When teaming with formal attire, be sensible. A light pink pair, for example, would complement a navy suit perfectly, yet choose something too colourful and you’ll risk ruining the balance and sacrificing your sense of professionalism.
• Bags: Casual silhouettes such as totes, barrel bags, satchels or messengers often look best in bright colours. Your bag can contrast (creating a statement) or complement (helping tie a look together) your outfit.

Lookbook Inspiration

Billy Webb