If you know what kind of clothing you like, and what suits you, and you don’t have problems shopping for it – good for you! You’re already halfway to looking sharp at all times. However, many people struggle to make the next step, that is – to match different pieces well. The good news is that it’s not at all difficult! All you need to do is get to know some basic guidelines and follow them whenever you take clothes out of your wardrobe.
Of course, the rules aren’t universal, and you shouldn’t follow them blindly. Once you get your head around what goes well together and what is to be avoided, you will be able to experiment successfully. But for the time being, keep it cautious and simple.
Below, you will find the tips we have just mentioned. They include such things as, for instance, making friends with neutral colors and using the color wheel, complimenting outfits with the right shoes, or matching closely with leathers as well as metals – among other things.
Always Pick the Right Shoes
Shoes are a great way to add some flair to an otherwise simple outfit. However, if you’re not careful, you can easily ruin everything by choosing shoes that don’t match the rest of your clothing.
In order to avoid this, you should always pick a shoe color that is similar, or almost the same, as the color of the clothing. Another rule is to match leathers and metals as closely as possible. For example, you can wear a belt in brown with a pair of shoes in the same color, while a black belt would work well with black shoes. It’s all about matching colors!
However, don’t refrain from experimenting. For example, matching a classic suit with a pair of Air Jordan 1 (which are, in some way, also a classic) will give you a bolder, dapper look – and can perfectly suit some occasions.
Neutral Colors
When it comes to color, there is no such thing as absolute neutrality. However, some colors don’t stand out and can be paired with virtually anything. They include black, grey, white, khaki, and navy blue – and even brown and tan, though they might be a bit more tricky to match.
If you want to make sure your outfit won’t clash no matter what you put on, try to include at least one piece in a neutral color. This way, you will always have something to fall back on.
What makes these colors so great when it comes to matching is the fact that they look good with almost anything. Add a pair of pants in a neutral shade to a shirt in a brighter hue, or wear a jacket in a neutral color with a pair of jeans. You can pick anything you want – everything will look good!
The Color Wheel And Complementary Colors
The color wheel is a circular diagram showing all possible colors – from the darkest shades of red and blue to the lightest ones of yellow and green. Each color can be matched with another one located directly opposite it on the wheel – creating a combination called a complementary color scheme. For instance, red and green make for a great match, as do blue and orange or yellow and purple.
Why is this? Because the colors opposite each other on the wheel are those whose wavelengths are opposite to each other as well. This means that they create a striking contrast – and such contrasts look very good! If you want to experiment with color matching, try combining two complementary colors. You’ll see that they also work great to balance out your outfit and make it more visually appealing.
Match Metals as Closely as Possible
It is essential to match metals as closely as possible – and, if possible, use the same metal for different pieces of your outfit. For example, you can wear a pair of gold cufflinks with a watch, a belt in the same color, and even a tie pin or a tie bar. You can even go as far as to match your watch with some earrings. The only thing that matters is the color of the metal.
This rule applies to all metals you can find in watches, jewelry, belts, and other accessories you’re going to wear at once. It also works well when you want to match a belt with a pair of shoes – just go for the same metal!
Don’t Mix Colored Leathers
When it comes to wearing leather, there is a very specific set of rules you should follow. First of all, don’t mix colored leathers – especially if they are red and black or brown and black. Such combinations look pretty bad, and you shouldn’t try them out. Instead, go for brown leather with a red shirt or jacket, or blue with a pair of brown shoes.
Another thing you shouldn’t do is mix different kinds of leather. Matching, say, a smooth leather belt with a rough one looks quite odd – so avoid it. In cases like these, you have to match the texture of the leather as closely as possible.
Don’t Forget Accessories But Don’t Overdo
Accessories can make all the difference when it comes to your outfit. A nice pair of cufflinks, a cool tie, or a stylish watch are all you need to upgrade your look in an instant.
The problem is that accessories don’t always work great with the rest of the outfit. A belt might clash with a particular pair of shoes, or a tie pin just won’t look good with your shirt – and so on. To avoid looking bad, you have to be careful when it comes to choosing accessories. The best thing you can do is to try to mimic the colors present in your outfit. If you do this, you will look great every time!
Conclusion
There is a wide range of things you can do to ensure that all your outfits match well. Start with what you already have and try to experiment. The more you go out, the easier it will be for you to figure out what’s appropriate and what is not. Soon, you will be able to create new outfits on your own – and that’s when you’ll really see your image improving! It will take a bit of practice, but it’s worth it.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try out some new combinations!
