Contrary to popular belief, classic elegance isn’t about dressing in monotones- it’s about understanding cuts and fits (no super slim lapels, no super short jackets) that are timeless. While it is true that gents in Downton Abbey tended to dress in funereal tones, that’s more an issue with conservatism rather than style. I’m here to provide a guide to dressing with colour.
Visual Guide to Dressing with Colour
I won’t rehash “CAMO AW 2012: how to wear colour“, but rather focus on layering and the use of colours in Paul Stuart’s classic rather than trendy looks, starting from the least adventurous (and possibly- business acceptable) to the sartorially brave.
Colour Level 1: Business Safe
Wool Flannel Plaid Phillip Suit With Deco
If you’re beginning to experiment with colour or are otherwise testing work attire in a corporate environment that worships its black and grey suits, this Phineas Cole from Paul Stuart in grey plaid with silver deco is made eye-catching with use of a fuchsia-green paisley pocket square. [Shop this Paul Stuart look]
Colour Level 2: Walk on the wild side
Wool Houndstooth Check Phillip Sport Jacket With Deco
The base colour here is brown accented by purple. A purple bold striped shirt matches the accents within the wool houndstooth checks while purple flannel tie anchors the look, this is colour level 2 before pushing boundaries further. [Shop this Paul Stuart look]
Colour Level 3: Danger Zone
Shetland Wool Plaid Phillip Sport Jacket With Deco
Green and blue plaid with light blue deco, this is a venture colour danger zone but believe me, it’s only a foot in. The pocket square blends in the suit leaving the necktie as the point of focus. Wearing a plain shirt here would provide to match contrast and thus the stylist here has paired down the look with a glenurquhart check (aka glen plaid) shirt. [Shop this look]
Colour Level 4: Sartorially Adventurous
Shetland Wool Phillip Sport Jacket
Beautifully tailored in Rust mélange English Shetland wool, this Phillip model with welted seams and peak lapels sits at the top of sartorial peacockery. Purple is a complementary colour to red (or rust) as discussed before and the splashes of white, blue and green ensure that your eye knows where to go as viewers cast their gaze over your ensemble. [Shop this look]
The Monsieur 
May 31st, 2015 → 9:45 am
[…] Begin with understanding what colours suit your skin tone best. The same style rules which govern how your coordinate your sartorial palette apply to your body as well – it’s the foundational canvas on which you will dress up later. Remember: You wear the clothes, the clothes don’t wear you. A jacket may look smashing on a mannequin but if it ever looks like it’s overpowering you or washing you out, it’s not for you. Once you get a feel for colours that work for you, it’s time to level up and figure out how to colour match your clothing. […]