Welcome back to the Gentleman's Gazette! In today's video, we'll be talking about
unconventional suit colors. Now, you may be wondering what exactly I'm talking
about when I say the word "unconventional". Now, we typically see a certain array of
colors worn by most men whether it's a professional or a casual setting. Now,
this would include shades of blue, gray, or brown, also black. We've also got some
separate thoughts on black which you can find in the video here. Then there are
some color options that are much more whimsical, especially in comparison to
their more classic counterparts. Now, despite that these colors might be
considered unconventional, at the right time or place they can be accepted. So
what exactly are unconventional suit colors? Well, let's look at the word
"unconventional" The definition of unconventional is not based on or
conforming to what is generally done or believed. Now, over history, we have seen
men time and time again tend to gravitate towards neutral and dark tones
for suits but there is an array of color options which some might also like to
wear. For example, some might be yellow, green, purple, bright red, even orange. Some
trendy brands would like to use some of these loud colors when developing a
whimsical pattern or a unique fabric. Now you might be wondering how exactly you
can differ between classic and more modern styles when it comes to color
palette for your suits. Now, let's first talk about classic color options. Think
blues, grays, browns, these tend to stand well over the test of time. These colors
work well with a variety of skin tones and for a variety of different occasions
for men. Now, landing on the more modern style of color options, instead of a navy
suit perhaps somebody is wearing a bright blue colored suit and instead of
a black maybe they're choosing for something more punchy like a red or an
orange color. These styles probably will not last long during the test of time
but because they're popular, they're often quickly adopted by fashion
enthusiasts. Now, although we are talking about two different sides of the
spectrum in terms of classic and modern style, there are some ways you can marry
both of these styles together properly. First, wearing a dark colored suit and
then also trying to infuse that option with brighter colors in your accessories,
for example, for a more modern approach. And also, you could try wearing a more bright
colored and modern suit but toning it down a little bit
with some darker elements, maybe with your shoes or the tie option you choose.
So let's say, for example, you're just starting out with suiting, what are some
good foundational colors which give you a lot of options? First option would be a
charcoal gray colored suit. The reason, it's a very neutral color and it works
for a variety of different skin tones and different occasions. The warmer tone
of the charcoal color keeps it versatile year-round as opposed to its cousin, the
light gray colored suit. Both options actually provide a lot of versatility
year round but charcoal would give you more options than the light gray. Also,
while a navy suit would make a young man look younger, charcoal would have the
opposite effect. The next color option would be the classic navy suit. Reason, it's
also equally as versatile as the charcoal but adds a little bit more
color. Also, the suit color is able to be dressed up or dressed down quite easily.
There are an endless number of the combinations which make this an
extremely versatile option to which you should probably have in your wardrobe.
Now, you can find more information on how to find shirts and tie combinations for
a blue suit or a gray suit here. Now, your third option for color for a suit would
be brown. Now, the reason is the brown color allows you to break up the
monotony of the blue and the gray options you have but still remains
classic and understated. Now, historically, we see that medium to lighter brown
shades for suits are much less formal. Typically something you want to refrain
from wearing while in town ,maybe just while you're out hunting in the
countryside. Darker browns or more of a chocolate brown could actually be worn in
the same setting as a charcoal suit or a navy suit. Overall, we find that brown is
quite an underrated color but you can find more information about it here. Next,
we have the classic black suit. It's a more serious color, typically reserved
for celebratory occasions or a business setting. Now, while we find black and in
particular, black suits, quite overrated, it would not hurt to have at least one
in your wardrobe for those certain occasions,
perhaps a funeral. So now you've got a little more information on what good
colors to have foundationally. Now, let's go over how to find the best
unconventional colors for yourself. One of the first things you want to
consider when you're picking your colors is where are you going? Now for an
example, let's say you're out dining with friends, this is a great time to have
your suit color choice be more moderately colorful. Having a
warm touch of color or having a neutral base with some color woven
for your overall suit. Next, let's consider a possible wedding for former
classmate of yours. Now, some wedding parties can have a very strict dress code
for their attendants. Now, if this is not the rule for the wedding you are attending,
consider wearing something more traditional leaning for your outfit
choice. Meaning, instead of wearing a traditional navy, you could try a more
bright blue or instead of a charcoal, try wearing a light gray. Next example, let's
consider your getting ready for a job interview.
Depending on the type of job you are interviewing for, it might be helpful for
you to try to incorporate some of the company colors into your outfit. I'll be
careful not to go completely overboard with this concept. Now, the key here is to
make sure that the interviewer takes note that you are aware of the company in
which you are applying for. Also, you don't want to have your interviewer
assume that you're trying too hard or that you may be trying to get your job
simply off of your color choices and not your merit. You want them to pay
attention to what you are saying, not on what your clothes are saying. You also
want to pay attention to seasonality when you're selecting your different
colors and the fabric weight. Now, if you're anything like me and you get warm
quite easily in the warmer months, you probably are going to prefer a lighter
weight fabric and something that breathes a little bit better. There are
often a lot of great bold and bright color options available in these warmer
months. Now, in the cooler months, it might be more advantageous for you to try to opt
for a darker color of suit in contrast to the lack of colors you're going to be
seeing outside. Now in addition to black, gray, or navy, try adding in camel or
burgundy or an olive and for some fun, the classic black watch pattern is
always a great option. Now, you might be wondering, why exactly is it important to
pay attention to seasonality when selecting your colors? Certain color
options are going to look completely out of place in certain parts of the year.
Knowing when and where to properly wear something ensures that your
unconventional suit color will make sense. Now that we've got a better understanding of
when to wear certain suit fabrics depending on the season and depending on
the occasion, now, let's try to figure out how do we find the best suit color for
your skin tone? First, let's go over the medium skin tone. If you have a moderate
amount of melanin in your skin, you have quite a few different options for suit
fabrics in which you can wear. This is because the faint undertones in your
skin easily compliment a variety of different colors. Try wearing different
suit colors like cream, egg shell, different shades of brown, or
even a bright red. Next, let's go over those of us who have a darker skin tone.
Now, although the higher amount of pigmentation in our skin offers a great
amount of versatility for different unconventional suit colors, it's
important to note that not every color should be considered an option. Try
colors like burgundy, camel, mustard, even olive green. Individuals with a more fair
skin tone or a lighter amount of melanin in their skin are going to be able to wear
colors like bold shades of blue, various shades of gray, even pastels in the
summer months. Okay, so now you figured out how to find what color looks best on
your skintone, now, how do you find which ones you want to incorporate well into
your wardrobe? Now, the first thing that you're going to want to do is find a suit
or sport coat that incorporates even a minor amount of the color in question
into the pattern on the fabric itself. Then you could try to find a tie or a
pocket square that incorporates that same color in a different scale size
and use that to complement what you're going to be wearing on your outfit. Now, if
you choose to wear a bold bright color unconventional suit, you can tone
things down a little bit by trying to wear dark warm neutrals. You could try
wearing a dark sweater or dark overcoat in the cooler months and a darker tie
or pocket square when it is a little bit warmer outside. Now, let's say you have
your mind set on a particular bold color you want to wear but you're not quite
sure if it's going to mesh too well with where you are going. One thing you can do
is break up the suit. Try wearing the jacket with a different pair of pants.
Now, if your jacket is more of a bold color, make sure your pants are more of a
neutral color, make sure the bold color does the talking while everything else
falls to the background and complements that. Now, one thing you want to make sure
you stay away from is wearing too many unconventional colors together at one
time. For example, wearing a very bold tie with a very busy patterned shirt along
with your suit fabric, this could be seen as visually confusing and begins to look as
though you may have gotten dressed in the dark. A better way to do this would be to
choose one to two bold colors and letting everything else fall to the
backdrop by wearing more neutral tones, perhaps wearing a more neutral colored
shirt and tie to prevent competition with the unconventional suit color. Now,
you might be wondering where exactly do you find these unicorns of
unconventional suit colors? Many suit stores will offer basic color options
but not all of these different stores are going to offer those out-of-the-box
unconventional color options. Now, brands which offer a nice variety of colors and
patterns would be SuitSupply, Paul Stuart, Ralph Lauren, and Brooks Brothers. Now,
many might be extremely surprised to hear us list Brooks Brothers on this
list but their made to measure program offers a wide array of various color
options for you to choose from. Just to recap, it ultimately would be
easier to wear neutral, more classically styled suits. On those occasions when you
want to add a little bit more flavor to your outfit, it is ideal to know how to
properly incorporate unconventional suit colors. Now, when in doubt, consider mixing
classic neutrals into your outfit. Taking an unconventional suit jacket and
pairing it with a more neutral bottom. Always an option to consider mixing
classic styling with more modern elements, it's important to keep in mind
the season, your skin tone, and the location of where you're going to be
wearing your suit when selecting your unconventional suit colors. Today I'm
wearing a plum purple tone suit it has some blue and black flecks woven inside
of the fabric I chose to wear that because I loved how the dark richness of
the color pops wonderfully against this great Fort Belvedere tie now this Fort
Belvedere tie has purple petrol blue and light grey stripes woven in
I'm also accenting the overall outfit with a great linen white pocket square
now I'm finishing off the look with a classic black dress belt and some black
leather dress boots as well now the richness of the tie and also the
suit fabric look wonderfully in contrast to the crisp white dress shirt I chose
to wear as well