Let's get one article clear: you don't have to be obsessed
with color. No one will judge you for wearing last season's red shade instead
of this season's smoky topaz shade. If they do, they deserve to be slapped with
a 2021 shade of Marsala red.
As long as you follow the obvious advice: dress for the
occasion, stick to the shades that suit your skin tone, and choose shades that
don't conflict, it's gold. Sorry, Pantone Nugget Haze 16-0952.
That said, a tweak to your usual color wheel is the easiest
way to brighten up boring outfits, especially in winter, a time when the
temptation is to stay in the warm cocoon of navy, black, and gray. "With
any shade that is outside the safe spectrum (black, navy, gray and white), it's
easier to add a touch to an outfit while keeping a bright piece in its
appearance," says Matt Braun, River Island's chief designer. .
Don't you like baggy pants? Do you think sweatshirts and
joggers should stay in the gym? So let a new shade be the trick to refresh your
wardrobe. Here's the whole thing you need to know to wear color this winter.
HOW TO USE COLOR IN WINTER: KEY TIPS
KNOW YOUR SKIN TONE
Finding the right color for your skin tone is all about
understanding your skin tone. First, look at your forearm. It's right? Then
stick to the darker colors and avoid anything that is too light. Olive? Remove
anything that is yellow or green too close to your skin, but if not, go crazy.
Dark? Well, dear friend, the world is your oyster (chromatically speaking).
“The darker your skin tone, the easier it will be to achieve
vivid colors,” says Rich Simmons, styling team supervisor for the online styling service Stitch Fix. “But remember, none of these rules are hard and
fast. I would always advise trying rooms that are out of your comfort zone in
the relative safety of your home, where the lighting is more natural.
COORDINATE WITH CARE
Generally, brighter colors tend to stand out the most when
placed alongside black or white, which means you may want to think twice about
donning your everyday black jeans.
Instead, try a pair of navy or gray pants or dark selvage
denim, which will create a softer contrast with brighter tones. "The
darker the hue, the more the brighter color options will stand out," says
Simmons.
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MATERIAL QUESTIONS
Getting the color right is as much about substance as it is
about appearance. "Synthetics [like polyester or acrylic] pick up color,
print better, and look more vivid," says Nick Eley, men's clothing design
manager at ASOS.
But stronger is not always better. Natural fibers like
cotton and wool appear less harsh when dyed, especially those with a textured
finish, which can add depth and soften the overall effect.
SEASONAL DRESS
We don't just mean storing shorts in winter. As the nights
grow dark, so should your wardrobe. Of course, advanced sideboards can get away
with sunny yellow in September, but a much easier entry-level move is to go for
a more understated palette.
“The deepest, richest shades of your favorite colors are a
great fall / winter choice,” says Promise Bakare, John Lewis menswear stylist.
"For example, if red is one of your summer favorites, burgundy is a great
transition color."
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“As a fan of the 'all black, all' style, I can understand
the challenge of bringing color into a monochrome wardrobe,” says Simmons.
"If you want to kick-start your palette, add pops of color to your shoes,
accessories, or outer layers."
While khaki or mustard isn't for everyone, a medium brown or
camel coat is universally stylish, while colorful sneakers can enhance any
outfit without affecting your overall skin tone.
3 WAYS TO USE COLOR IN WINTER
INTELLIGENT
Between office Christmas parties, winter weddings, and overpriced New Years Eve, there's no shortage of colder months to dress up. What if you could dust off the old Faithful Two-Room, isn't it boring enough on the outside anymore?