Although men’s outfits tend to involve a lot less work than women’s, there’s no denying the fact that putting together a suit can be a challenge for many men. It doesn’t matter if you’re dressing for work, attending a fancy dinner party, or going to a job interview, you want to look your best. That your clothes do not match is not a laughing matter. It may cost you a job or make you the subject in the water cooler. Follow this simple advice and soon every man will be asking you for fashion advice.
The general rule is to choose a suit first, then a shirt, and finally a tie. You can go in reverse, but some may find it more difficult. When pairing suits with dress shirts and ties, never make all three the same pattern. There is nothing worse than a pinstripe suit with a striped shirt and a striped tie. The same can be said for marked patterns. Also, don’t have all three items the same color. Monochrome is not a good look for anyone. Remember that opposites attract. Match patterns to the small patterns and no pattern to the large patterns.
How do I combine the colors? The goal is that all the colors harmonize, but that they contrast well. There always has to be a balance. Too much of the same color is boring, but clashing colors will make you look like you just came from the carnival. Almost any tie color goes with a blue suit and a light blue shirt. If you wear a blue suit with a white shirt, avoid flashy colors as blue and white already provide contrast. Grey, blue and black suits always look great with red ties. Black ties look best with white, grey, light blue, pink or red shirts. Pink looks exceptional with grey/silver, black, light blue and white. Remember, dark shirts with light colored ties or light button down dress shirts with dark colored ties.
Threesomes may look terrible, but threesomes are all the rage. You can wear striped ties with striped designer dress shirts as long as the stripes are not the same size. The same rule applies to pinstripe suits and pinstripe dress shirts. Checkered and patterned fabrics also follow the rule. The checks need to be very different in size and shape in order for them to stand out. A patterned shirt and tie can look great together, as long as they’re not the same. Similar patterns must have very different sizes. However, if the patterns are completely opposite, the sizes should be similar. A bit confusing? Yes, but fashion is never easy.
How about three different styles? It may work, but it’s not an easy feat to accomplish. I would not recommend trying this. When in doubt, keep it simple. A solid tie can never go wrong and neither can a solid shirt. If you’re on a budget, buy mostly solid button-down dress shirts and pair them with bolder patterned ties. Have a little faith in yourself. If you think the outfit looks good, chances are it’s good. When you feel safe, you look safe!
