If you want to add some color to your wardrobe, It’s the small details that make all the difference. Below you will find 12 tips on how to stand out from the rest.
I hope that you find some inspiration below, but please remember: As with everything in fashion, too much can easily become just that – too much.
12 ways to add some color to your wardrobe
As a man, your choices in how you can add some color to your wardrobe may seem very limited. Women can play around with different colors in purses, shoes, scarfs, hats, and jewelry. Although it is becoming more acceptable to for men to play around with colors, there is only so much you can do with men’s attire.
1. Shoes
Shoes are one of those details that a lot of people underestimates. At the same time, it is one of the first things any fashion-conscious person will notice. Therefore, make sure that you wear clean and well-shined shoes that fit with the rest of your attire. Know that you have other options than black or brown, but no matter what the color, make sure that your shoes match your belt and other leather items like your watch strap and gloves.
Learn How to care for leather shoes – All you need to know.
Picture: unsplash.com
2. Shoelaces
Contrasting shoelaces can take a pair of shoes to the next level. I have written a separate blog post about this: Make your shoe laces stand out.
3. Socks
Socks are a fun thing to play around with. Most of the day they go unnoticed. It is when you are sitting down with other people that your socks will show. At the same time as this is a perfect opportunity for other people to notice them.
Socks can be a great conversation starter. I have had people approach me after meetings, saying that they noticed my socks and was intrigued.
Always make sure that the colors in the socks match some other color in your attire. This way it’s apparent that you took your time selecting the perfect pair in the morning.
4. Belts
For starters, always make sure that your belt matches your shoes and that your belt does not look worn or scuffed. Wearing a belt with elaborate stitching or a discreetly decorated belt buckle is a good way to stand out in the crown. However, don’t overdo this. I would not recommend multi-colored belts with a suit, but this is great for a more relaxed attire.
5. Cufflinks
As with lapel pins, you have the option between something discreet or something more elaborate. Here, I would advise going for cool details more than bright colors.
6. Pocket squares
I could have written a separate blog post on pocket squares alone. This timeless and classy accessory is a safe bet and the perfect starting point for freshening up your outfit.
You can go all the way from crisp white cotton that barely shows above your breast pocket to multicolored silk in contrasting colors that flows out of your chest pocket.
Pocket squares are probably the most acceptable manly fashion accessory, making it a fool-proof way to add color to your wardrobe. The only rule here should be never to match your tie.
7. Lapel pins
Lapel pins are starting to become a thing in men’s fashion. You have the choice between the discreet pin or a bigger, more colorful flower type of pin. The latter is the perfect accessory that you can use for enhancing a color in your attire.
8. Scarfs
Besides keeping you warm, scarfs are a chance to show some color in the cold and dark season. Do not forget to play around with different lengths and knots.
9. Bow ties – not ties
If you must wear a tie, choose high quality and relatively conservative colors and patterns. If you want to add some flare, go for a bow tie. Loud colors and patterns are absolutely acceptable. What is not acceptable, unless you are in your early teens, is to wear a pre-tied bow tie. See my blog post How to tie a bow tie, for instructions on how to easily tie your own bow tie.
10. Watches and watch straps
An elegant wristwatch is a must-have accessory. There is a ton of dedicated watch blogs out there, so I will not venture out in the potential minefield of trying to recommend any particular styles or brands. Personally, after spending more than two years looking for the right watch, I realized that what I needed was a smart watch. You can read all about that in my blog post; Choosing the right watch.
What I have now is a watch that I effortlessly can match with my attire by changing the color of the watch dial and the strap. The strap is easily changed due to the spring mechanism that holds the strap in place.
11. Hats
I’m going to write a separate blog post about hats. Until them, all I’m going to say is this: If you are currently not wearing a hat, find yourself a decent hat-store and get help to find your style. A good tip is to wear the same type of attire that you are going to wear when using a hat. Find your style and leave that store wearing your new hat with pride.
Be prepared to receive a bunch of compliments and don’t be surprised if other hat-wearers give you a discreet nod when you meet them. Enjoy!
12. Jewelry
This is a difficult one. Rings are safe. Bracelets are getting increasingly acceptable. Just make sure that it’s good quality.
For more fashion tips, read How to look stylish – 13 tips.
Disclosure: Links marked with * are affiliate links. This means that if you buy a product using this link, I may get a small commission. I would never recommend a product without trying it and liking it myself.