You've got style, right? You're current and up-to-date, and the basics are already covered: you dare to wear color, prints are your friend, you're the king of layers, and you understand the merits of a blazer and dark jeans. But now it's time to raise the bar - to 'level up', so to speak, in your style game.
What's the next step? Here's a clue: it's all about colors, prints, and accessories….
COLOR PLAY
You understand a pop of color - one burst of an attention-getting hue that adds interest to your look. But how about two bursts, or maybe three? Combining multiple colors into one look isn't all that difficult, once you know the basics. Here are a few tips:
- Keep it cool - focus on colors in the cool part of the color spectrum, i.e. blues and greens. You may not be ready to wear a cobalt blue shirt and bright green pants - but how about a green and white striped button-down with a cobalt tie?
- Warm it up - stay in the warm part of the spectrum with reds, yellows and oranges. So go ahead and pair a red sweater with a striped orange belt and jeans - and tuck just the front of your sweater behind your belt buckle to show it off.
- Opposites attract - wearing contrasting colors shows off your true spirit. Don't be afraid to put your yellow slicker over a purple v-neck sweater - you'll definitely stand out in the rain!
photos (clockwise from left): pinterest.com/damee1, menstylefashion.com, caribbeanprep.tumblr.com, thetrad.blogspot.com
PATTERN PLAY
Show off your sartorial know-how by pairing patterns - and don't just stop at two. Combining three patterns into one look is all about the scale: one small scale print, one medium scale, and one large. The best place to get your feet wet executing a triple pattern play is when you're wearing a tie. Here are a couple of ideas:
- A mini-check gingham shirt, wide striped tie, and herringbone blazer
- A medium scale plaid jacket, mini-dot tie, and a large-scaled paisley pocket square
And speaking of pocket squares....
photos (clockwise from top left): complex.com, parisiangentleman.co.uk, stayclassicblog.com, tetinotete.tumblr.com
BE SQUARE
So you already know what a blazer can do for you - it gives your body that manly shape and finishes off a casual outfit. But did you know that you have an empty pocket in your blazer, dying to be filled? So make your pocket happy and try a pocket square! It's another chance to show some personality, and is the perfect place to add pizazz to a sedate (but stylish) look.
If you're concerned about adding another piece to your look - start with a solid or tipped pocket square. Then once you're comfortable, go with paisley, polka dots, checks and bright colors. A pocket square looks especially dashing when you're not wearing a tie - it's a little unexpected.
photos (clockwise from left): photoopusa.tumblr.com, parisiangentleman.co.uk, silkregimental.tumblr.com
CINCH IT
Yes, brown and black belts are the mainstay of your waist-cinching wardrobe. But how about a little color or pattern? It's an easy way to perk up a classic look - add a bright striped belt to khakis and a button-down and suddenly it no longer looks like a uniform.
photos (clockwise from top left): 26.media.tumblr.com, mengostyle.com, fancy.com
LIGHTEN UP
Dark brown and black shoes are easier to keep clean, go with almost everything, and take longer to show wear and tear. But is that reason enough to ignore lighter colors? We think not. Lighter shoes can be a bit more interesting, and catch the eye off dark pants or jeans. There are plenty of choices - camel brogues, khaki desert boots, light brown lace-ups, even grey suede slip-ons. So once you have your basics covered, opt for a paler shade as you fill out your shoe wardrobe.
photos (clockwise from top left): tetinotete.tumblr.com, murraymitchell.com, jetterlife.tumblr.com, urbsuburbstyle.com
So now you’re all inspired to continue upping your style game, right? If you want more inspiration, check out some looks we love on our ‘His style’ board on Pinterest.
