Fit, care and budget
Colour matching for men: a simple cheat sheet
By sneakersInn team · Updated
The simplest colour rule for men: build every outfit from neutrals (navy, grey, white, black, stone, olive and brown) and add no more than one accent colour. Neutrals all go together, so you can't go wrong; the accent adds personality. Use the cheat sheet below to pair trousers with tops and shoes.
The cheat sheet
| Trousers | Tops that work | Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Navy | White, light blue, grey, pink, olive, cream | Brown, white, black |
| Grey | White, navy, black, pink, burgundy | Black, brown, white |
| Stone or khaki | Navy, white, olive, black, light blue | Brown, white |
| Olive | White, cream, navy, black, grey | Brown, white, black |
| Black | White, grey, black, olive, burgundy | Black, white |
| Dark jeans | Almost anything | Brown, white, black |
| White | Navy, light blue, olive, black | Brown, white |
- Navy trousersWhiteLight blueGreyPinkOlive
- Grey trousersWhiteNavyBlackPinkBurgundy
- Stone trousersNavyWhiteOliveBlackLight blue
- Olive trousersWhiteCreamNavyBlackGrey
- Black trousersWhiteGreyOliveBurgundyBlack
What are neutrals?
Colours that are low in colour intensity: navy, grey, white, black, stone, khaki, olive, brown and cream. They work with each other and with almost any accent.
Three ways to put colours together
- Tonal: shades of one colour, such as light blue shirt, navy chinos, navy sneakers. Calm and sleek.
- Contrast: light with dark, such as white shirt, black trousers. Sharp and clear.
- Complementary accent: a neutral outfit plus one colour from the opposite side of the colour wheel, such as a navy suit with a rust tie. Lively but controlled.
How many colours in one outfit?
Two or three, counting neutrals. More than that looks busy unless you're wearing a print, where the print supplies the colours.
How do I match shoes and belts?
Brown with brown, black with black. White sneakers go with almost everything. See belts and leather goods.
How do I wear prints?
One print per outfit, and pick plain pieces in a colour from the print. See Friday wear.
What colours suit dark skin?
Almost all; contrast is the key. See best colours for dark skin.
Questions
Can I wear black and navy together?
Yes, if the shades are clearly different, such as black trousers and a mid-navy knit.
Brown and black?
Avoid brown shoes with a black belt. Brown and black clothing can work, but keep them clearly different.