Unleash your inner fashionista as we embark on a vibrant journey through the world of shirt and pants color combinations. Whether you’re a trendsetter or a style enthusiast looking for a fresh sartorial makeover, this article will act as your guiding light towards creating artistic ensembles that effortlessly blend hues and shades. As we explore the harmonious interplay of colors, we’ll help you master the art of pairing shirts and pants with a touch of creativity, leaving you brimming with inspiration for your next outfit. So, get ready to dive into a kaleidoscope of possibilities that will have you strutting your stuff with confidence and finesse!
FIGURING OUT WHAT COLOR CLOTHES GO TOGETHER
So here’s the basic idea. I’m keeping this as simple as possible. Four things to keep in mind.
- #menswearneutrals. Menswear neutrals are the KEY to outfits that ALWAYS “match” and never clash. Learn these, memorize them, use them. Watch the video above to see what I mean.
- Contrast is key. Light top, dark bottom, light shoes. Dark top, light bottom, dark shoes. You want a good amount of contrast among the three.
- Stay away from tonal outfits (all three pieces being the same color, or close in value). It can be pulled off successfully, but also has the possibility of looking kind of terrible. It’s a more advanced style concept which we’ll cover in a different article.
- Avoid tops that are too close to your skin tone. It makes you appear pale and washed out. Read this article for a more in-depth explanation.
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How To Match Clothing Well: 5 Easy Tips For Matching Colors In Your Outfit
HERE’S THE COLOR MATCHING CHART FOR MEN’S CLOTHES (SAVE IT FOR REFERENCE LATER)
The whole idea is to show you how easy it is to pair shirts and pants, and how to finish off the outfit with shoes. Now you won’t have to constantly ask yourself what color clothes go together… just use this chart and you’ll have (practically) endless possibilities.
HOW TO READ THE COLOR MATCHING CHART
- Top Section: You have your pants, shirts, and shoes. This makes up your base outfit, with every color I’m using in this example. I labeled shoes A, pants B, and shirts C. (You’ll see why in a minute.)
- Pants Out! For every outfit example, I started each outfit with the pants as the base. I think most of us choose a pair of pants first, then the shirt, then the mid-layer, shoes, jacket, etc.
- Bottom Section: Each column = one pair of pants. Look at each column from top to bottom to see the different options for each pair of pants. I labeled each column B1-B5, one pair of pants per column.
- A small selection of what’s possible: The choices that don’t make the list could still work, though I’m trying to keep this simple. In reality, there are many more possible combinations! But try these first.
- Interchangeable and versatile: Almost every shirt / pants / shoes combo within each group of three is interchangeable, so don’t feel stuck with these exact match-ups.
Got it? Here it is:
USING THE COLOR MATCHING CHART
Yes it’s simplistic, but that’s a good thing. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
START WITH THE 3 OUTFITS FOR EACH PAIR OF PANTS
In the graphic above, you’ll see these are basic solids, and technically, all combinations can work. But, to make it easy when you’re starting out, focus on the top three choices I put together for you (basically the entire bottom section, 3 outfits per pant color).
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll no longer need this article and you’ll be able to figure out how to put together any color combination, not just the basics.
THESE ARE SYMBOLS (SO FOCUS ON THE COLORS)
We’re discussing color, not illustration accuracy or level of formality. This visual guide contains symbols representing tops, bottoms, and shoes. These are not necessarily representative of any specific type of shirt, pair of pants, or shoes.
WHY ONLY BASIC COLORS?
It’s good to keep it simple, and to master the easy stuff before you move onto the more advanced color combinations. Simplicity is best! And also because if you’re following the Lean Wardrobe philosophy, you’ll have all these colors in your closet.
Additionally, if you’re adding mid- and top-level items based off the Lean Wardrobe pyramid, you don’t have to worry about matching those things (because it’s all about complementing, not matching).
TRUST THAT THESE COMBOS WILL LOOK GOOD, AND…
Use your imagination. If you can’t, and visualizing all this is too difficult for you, maybe you should consider my seasonal guide, Effortless Outfits. It’s 10 items for the season, 10 outfit ideas, all laid out for you. No thinking required, just purchase and put on 😉
EXPERIMENT!
Go to your closet, pull similar items, and put them together for yourself so you can see how they look together. It’s a lot easier than you think.
START WITH YOUR PANTS (THEN SHIRT, THEN SHOES)
I’ve started building these combos with the pants, but you can start with any item you want.
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IT WON’T BE EXACTLY THE SAME (AND THAT’S OK)
There will be varying degrees of darkness and lightness in your clothing’s colors, so use your best judgement. You may be dealing with a darker neutral, or a shade of blue that is lighter than the representative symbol you see here. Just keep in mind that contrast is key.
What about patterned or multi-color shirts? Multi-color shirts—anything from a basic contrast collar shirt to a tartan or multi-colored gingham—are best handled by asking yourself what the overall hue of the shirt is.
Hang your shirt against a blank white wall and walk to the other side of the room. Does it “read” blue? More red / pink? Neutral? What’s the major color that shows? Base the rest of your selections on how the shirt reads.
Khaki chinos, gray chinos (or trousers), and dark blue denim are safe bets, no matter the color of your shirt or shoes.
MATCHING TIPS AND TRICKS IN THIS VIDEO
In this vid I discuss a few matching tips and tricks that aren’t in this article. You’ll find more videos on EG’s YouTube channel, so make sure to subscribe!
WHEN FIGURING OUT WHAT COLOR CLOTHES GO TOGETHER, KEEP THESE THINGS IN MIND
- Experiment (everything will be OK)
- There are no hard-and-fast rules (so you can’t really mess up)
- Have fun trying out new combos (once you feel comfortable)
If you remember the four points from the beginning of this post (stick to menswear neutrals, go for contrast, no tops too close to your skin tone, avoid tonal outfits for now), putting together combos from these basic colors is super easy.
1. Harmonizing Hues: Unleashing the Magic of Shirt and Pants Pairings
Let’s embark on a mesmerizing journey through the world of color coordination, where the harmony of hues can unlock the true magic of shirt and pants pairings. By understanding the art of combining different shades, we can effortlessly elevate our outfits and express our unique sense of style.
Unleashing the Magic of Complementary Colors:
One of the most enchanting ways to create a striking shirt and pants combination is by pairing complementary colors together. These colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel, creating a captivating contrast. For instance, an elegant navy blue shirt can be perfectly complemented by a pair of khaki pants, highlighting the richness of both colors. Similarly, a vibrant red shirt can be balanced by pairing it with sleek black pants, resulting in a visually captivating ensemble.
Exploring the Power of Monochromatic Pairings:
In the realm of fashion alchemy, monochromatic pairings hold a special allure. Playing with different shades of the same color adds depth and sophistication to an outfit. Opt for a light blue shirt with darker navy blue pants for a refined and polished look. Alternatively, make a bold statement with a fiery red shirt paired with deep burgundy pants. Monochromatic pairings provide a seamless flow of
2. Dress to Impress: Exploring Genius Color Combinations for Shirts and Pants
How To Choose The Perfect Shirts And Pants Color Combinations?
- Know Your Ideal Skin Tone
The combination of shirts and pants depends primarily on your skin tone. Whether you’re darker, medium skin tone, or fair, can create a stark difference in the fashion combination. Most people have the wrong notion that darker people must wear lighter shades, but nothing such yet exists! Instead, darker people must wear darker contrasts, and fairer people must go for lighter pastel shades, while the medium skin tone people can play around with a few color variations.
- Be Sure About The Checks And Patterns
Just like solid-solid can ruin the fashion game, checks-patterns, if worn together, can do the same too! So, if you’re wearing a check shirt, then make sure not to pair bottom wear with patterns on it. Do the vice-versa if you’re opting for checkered pants. Otherwise, too many patterns might repel each other, thus ruining the look.
- Pick The Perfect Contrasting Colors
When you are up to finding the perfect shirt and pants color combinations, maintaining the ideal contrast is very important. It takes a bit of research and some fashion sense to pair lighter-colored top wear, with a dark-colored bottom and a neutral pair of shoes. However, there is no such limitation when it comes to your choice of color palettes.
- Go For The Evergreen Pairs
If you have no clue about contrasts, patterns, and cannot make the fabric choice, then you must play it safe to save yourself from looking like a clown. There are certain evergreen shirt and pants pairs and combinations that never goes out of style, and can be paired anytime. Go for blacks and whites, pinks and greys, blue and beige, as these pairs can never really go wrong anywhere.
- Choose The Right Fabrics
Fabrics can make a huge difference, especially when you are looking forward to the right shirt and pant combinations for men. Whether it is a cotton shirt with cotton pants or a rayon shirt with polyester pants, it is the fabric that determines your look. So, get a fabric testing session before you choose your material.
Now that you know how to pick the right formal shirts and pants combinations for yourself, it is time for some specially curated suggestions from our end. Take a look!
Best Shirt And Pant Combinations For Men
1. Grey Pants With Black Shirt
Most men love to keep it neutral and do not want a stark contrast. For those, such a shirt and pant combination of neutral shades can work great. Though many might object the combination, the contrast of grey and black can complement each other very well. The incredibly dapper formal look, paired with a pair of brown shoes, can create an instant appeal to the onlookers.
2. Black Pants With Blue Shirt
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If you’re up to a polished and elegant look, wearing a blue shirt with black pants can work like wonders. Especially those who prefer comfort dressing, injecting a bit of class along with outfit satisfaction, is a great idea. Do not forget to ensemble a pair of dark brown leather shoes with it for the extra fashion pinch. The outfit has the perfect modernized casual touch to it.
3. Khaki Pants With White Shirt
The Khaki Pants with White Shirt is the new cool, and those who want to get a fresh and crisp look can choose this attire. Button up a white shirt with a pair of khaki chinos pants for the perfect relaxed, and casual look. Those who prefer light-colored contrasts can ensemble it with a pair of tan brown or white shoes for the classic summer look. The best part about the particular shirt and pant combination is that it would ideally match any skin tone.
4. White Shirt With Black Pants
Among all the combinations that exist, it stands out to be one of the most classic combinations of all time. If you do not possess ample knowledge about fashion, then the particular combination is going to be an easy game for you. Just put on the crisp white shirt and pair it up with a fine pair of black chinos pants. It is the perfect combo to wear if you’re heading for a corporate meeting. You can even shroud on a blazer to amp up the look.
5. Blue Pants With Pink Shirt
Who said pinks aren’t for men? Nobody. Thus, if you have the right sense of colors and fashion, then even you can rock a pink shirt with blue pants. The particular shirts and pants combination can give you a quirky fashion twist and can add a fresh essence to your outfit. If you’re wearing a bright pink color shirt, then pair light blue pants with it, and if the to wear is of a lighter shade, then pairing up a navy blue pants would be great. Those who want to keep it more casual, a pastel pink shade, would be fabulous.
6. Light Blue Shirt With Dark Blue Pants
Blue and blue, when paired together, can contrast each other very well and looks quite amazing. If you love the monotone color palette way too much, then pairing a light blue shirt with a pair of dark blue pants can level up your fashion game. Wear dark blue cotton pants and pair up your sky blue shirt for the perfect summer outfit. For someone who has a medium to darker skin tone, the combination is going to work well.
7. White Shirt With Grey Pants
No matter what age group you are, and to what type of style you follow, the white and grey are one of the most popular combinations to follow. The best part about wearing a solid white shirt with a pair of charcoal grey pants is that it doesn’t put you into any barrier of color palettes, and thus, anybody can carry it in their own way. Though white and grey belong from a similar color palette when paired rightly, they can create sharp contrasts with each other.
8. White Pants With Dark Blue Shirt
If you love to do a bit of experiment with fashion and outfits, then bossing up a white pair of pants would be fabulous. Not often do the people see a man flaunting a crisp white pair of pants with the right dark blue contrasting shirt. So, you’re going to attract a lot of gazers. To add more dimension to your look, you can go for white checkered pants, which elongates till above the ankle with a body-fit dark blue solid buttoned shirt. Complete the look with a pair of black shoes for the extra amp.
9. Green Pants With White Shirt
Though you cannot wear a particular combination while going to your office, but it can definitely be worn at a party or a club without giving a second thought. Choose a sap green spare pair of pants and pair a short white shirt with it. Also, do not forget to wear a rust-brown pair of shoes with it. Whether you are heading for a party, or for a holiday, this look can cater to every purpose.
10. Maroon Shirt With Black Pants
Maroon, even though a darker shade, can look incredibly cool if paired with black pants. Black, being a neutral color, can be paired with any colored shirt, but when paired with maroon, it expresses a richness to the look. If you’re concerned about your body shape, then wearing darker neutrals like maroons and blacks, can make you look a lot more slender. Lastly, it is essential to judge the fabric of the shirt and the pants to ensure a clean look.