Triston Brewer
Mastering the art of neutral colors for your wardrobe is a talent just around the corner after this comprehensive tutorial!
The debate in men’s fashion regarding color continues to rage on, with some men basking in the full spectrum of hues while others gravitate towards a more understated approach to their wardrobe. There has been a slight move in recent years towards more neutral shades, however, as the go-to classics like black, white, grey, and beige have gained significant attention.
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As a fundamental component of every man’s wardrobe, it is highly likely that you already have a collection of neutral colors. And we are here to make it easier for you by to decipher the most straightforward paths to dressing in neutral tones. When it comes to this trend, there's no reason to be left in the dark!
Neutral Colors: A Definition
Neutral colors complement and enhance bolder, contrasting colors without grabbing attention for themselves. Sticking to these hues simplifies the process of building a versatile wardrobe, offering a solid foundation to introduce splashes of color.
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Don't be misled into thinking that neutrals are limited to variations of off-white. A neutral color encompasses any ‘non-color’, meaning any shade not found on the color wheel. This includes black, grey, white, and earthy tones like beige and khaki. Once you grasp the full spectrum of what a neutral color entails, you will have access to all the capabilities of the hues within.
There's always a neutral shade and combination that suits everyone. Even on affordable materials, they tend to convey the appearance of more expensive, natural fabrics.
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Neutrals have the ability to accentuate other shades and is typically categorized into two groups. There are ‘warm neutrals’ that encompass tones like beige, ivory, khaki, and various shades of brown. Then you have ‘cool neutrals’ that include a spectrum of black, gray, and white shades.
When it comes to neutral shades, however, there are some caveats to take note of, however. Denim and its blue hue is so standardized now that many would classify it as a neutral color.
Getting the Most Out of Neutral Colors
Before you really get started? First things first!
Select a color that closely matches your natural skin tone, and then once you've identified the appropriate colors, proceed to blend them together. The objective is to maintain a specific level of contrast between your clothing pieces. Otherwise, the end result is a monotonous and uninteresting appearance.
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Contrasting Neutrals
Contrasting neutrals refer to assembling outfits with complementary colors. Also known as color blocking, it can be applied whether you opt for vibrant hues or neutrals. For men that want to create a bold outfit, this is an approach that hits it out the park.
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Tonal Neutrals
Tonal neutrals involve selecting a single color and incorporating items of varying shades from that color family into a single outfit or opting for similar tones. This results in a more understated color palette with minimal distinction between the colors, creating a subdued and less visually striking effect.
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A Few Approaches to Wearing Neutrals
Menswear offers numerous ways for harnessing the adaptability of neutral colors. Regardless of the path you take, neutrals serve as an enduring and refined cornerstone for an array of fashionable men's ensembles, delivering a sleek and polished look suitable for any event. Here, we cover a few popular approaches to neutral hues that men can incorporate into their wardrobe.
All Black
The old adage that black goes with everything is one of the golden rules of fashion and therefore remains a staple in every man’s closet for a few reasons: its slimming effect, the powerful aesthetic, and the versatility it provides.
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To venture into the realm of darker attire, try layering a black leather jacket over slim-fit jeans and a dark grey crew neck tee. Once you've mastered the fundamentals, you can introduce more daring elements like black joggers or a suede bomber jacket.
You can also create more polished looks by pairing a black dress shirt with a black suit or a black Oxford shirt with a charcoal suit. If the complete absence of color feels overwhelming, incorporate patterns to introduce a touch of contrast to your style.
Beyond Beige
Beige is anything but dull and when paired with expertly tailored clothing, it transforms into anything but ordinary. To maintain the right balance, opt for complementary solid colors like blue, burgundy, or darker shades of grey.
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Light Neutral Separates
Men intrigued by the concept of lighter-toned suiting but lean more towards a casual aesthetic can tone down the formality by making a few adjustments. Swap the traditional shirt for a crew neck tee, replace brogues with sneakers, and experiment with tonal outfits by combining chinos, trousers, and blazers in shades like tan, white, and beige.
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Earth Tones
Ranging from understated moss and khaki to sandy hues and russet tones, an earth tone palette offers arguably one of the most versatile options available. Lighter shades of brown, green, and orange effortlessly strike a balance between smart and casual, making them suitable for various occasions, from office wear to a night out on the town.
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For a variation that veers away from the desert-inspired look, introduce some richer colors like burnt orange, mustard, and different shades of blue. Consider pairing a brown lightweight cardigan with a navy blazer, offering a contemporary twist on the traditional three-piece suit. Alternatively, opt for a chambray shirt paired with oatmeal-colored trousers for a relaxed and stylish everyday outfit.
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All White
Exploring all-white outfits is a more advanced move in the realm of men's fashion, and there are several factors to bear in mind, the first and foremost being skin tone to avoid a washed out appearance.
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To maintain a stylish all-white look, it's essential to diversify not only the textures of your fabrics but also the shades of white. Just keep in mind that this style requires a healthy dose of confidence!
Key Pieces in Neutral Colors
Neutral colors play a pivotal role in men's fashion, and key pieces in these versatile shades are essential for a well-rounded wardrobe that is impactful. A classic white shirt is a timeless staple, an absolute must, and easily dressed up or down.
Pair it with beige chinos for a polished, semi-formal look. Neutral-colored sneakers are a must for their adaptability, and a black leather jacket adds an edge to any outfit. Here are other recommendations for men to consider for their wardrobes.
White Jeans
White jeans are a fashion choice that every man must make, but know that with the appropriate styling, you can achieve a classic aesthetic that elevates your style. Replace ripped styles and overly snug fits with a classic slim fit and you are well on your way.
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Brown Outerwear
Neutrals have taken the spotlight as the modern equivalent of black, especially when it comes to outerwear. Embrace the contemporary men's wardrobe essentials such as the timeless camel coat, rich chocolate suede or brown leather bomber jacket.
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Gray Trousers
A thoughtfully curated wardrobe should invariably feature a set of gray trousers, whether they are repurposed from a suit or a standalone pair designed for a more relaxed look. Gray trousers effortlessly complement minimalist sneakers, and they also pair elegantly with soft suede shoes.
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Neutral Knitwear
Neutral knitwear, whether it's a cashmere V-neck sweater or a zip-up polo shirt, plays a crucial role in the art of layering for a men's wardrobe. Utilize these pieces to craft a blend of high and low fashion aesthetics, whether that involves pairing them with gray trousers and understated sneakers or combining them with casual denim jeans and an overcoat.
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White (or Black) Sneakers
Unadorned white or black sneakers truly shine when it comes to understated outfits that convey style in a subtle manner. Opt for high-quality leather and minimal stitching (which tends to maintain their appearance longer) to consistently possess a dependable base for your fashion pursuits.
Olive Overshirt
Though originating from workwear, when presented in an army green hue, an olive overshirt can be seen as the ideal transitional garment. It provides the comfort of a flannel shirt combined with the refined structure of a field jacket.
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Incorporating Essential Style Components
Incorporating essential style components into a neutral color palette is a key strategy for a versatile wardrobe. The following are some components to ensure that your neutral-centric outfits are timeless, sophisticated, and adaptable to various occasions.
Add Textures
To elevate your neutral-colored look, be open to exploring diverse fabric textures. Mixing materials such as leather, cashmere, tweed, and denim can introduce depth and richness to a neutral-colored outfit and elevate it.
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For men aiming to introduce texture to their suit fabric, linen stands out as a luxurious choice. Conversely, corduroy provides a suitable option for a winter-inspired look. If versatility is your top priority, a cotton suit is a reliable choice that always adds a nice touch.
Finding the Perfect Balance
No look is ever perfect right out the gate and even an entirely neutral outfit can occasionally appear untidy when the appearance lacks structure. When creating a neutral look, it's crucial to strike a balance among the various elements. If the garment you wish to wear is on the looser side, complement it with a well-structured blazer or employ a belt to define your waist. Conversely, if your ensemble centers around a relaxed, slouchy sweater, pair it with tailored pants for a refined contrast.
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Mastery of Neutral Colors is Within Your Grasp
Mastering the art of wearing neutral colors is an endeavor in men's fashion worth investing in. The key is to strike a balance between muted elegance and bold statement, allowing neutrals to adapt seamlessly from casual to formal occasions. With the right approach, neutral colors become a timeless and powerful tool in a modern man's style arsenal, offering a refined, adaptable, and always-on-trend wardrobe.
And that's a wrap for this one. We hope that you have enjoyed reading this as much as we have writing it!
