4 Key Menswear colour palettes
Because the secret to nailing colour is knowing which ones go together
Along with fabric and cut – the cornerstones of any stylish man’s wardrobe – colour plays an integral role in creating a commendable look. And yet it’s one of the most difficult aspects to ace. Which hues work for which season? Which shades suit your skin tone? And which colours complement one another? The challenges, gentleman, are myriad.
With this in mind, we’re set to break down four fail-safe palettes that should form the core of your wardrobe.
1. Earth Tones
Taking its name from naturally occurring materials like soil, moss, trees and rocks, the earth tones palette consists of shades of brown, tan, green and warmer greys.
Although on first glance these might seem like colours you’d wear on a survival weekend in the wild, earth tones are rich, timeless and especially versatile.
Owing to their relatively muted appearance, these hues aren’t just for autumn, but year-round, with head-to-toe tonal looks made up of lighter shades (think beige and stone mixed with tan) working well for warmer weather, and darker, more intense tones such as khaki green, chocolate brown and cement grey ideal for cloudier, colder days.
Given their versatility, earth tones team well with all skin tones, though you’ll want to take a little care if you have an olive or dark complexion, making sure that the shades you choose don’t sink into your skin – that’s, of course, unless you’re consciously (and courageously) going for the all-nude look.
If you want to give this palette a lift, try working in some white/off-white pieces, or richer hues like burnt orange, mustard and burgundy – all of which will brighten the palette for a perfect late summer/early autumn look.
