Wearing neutrals is a timeless choice that always works no matter where you’re going or the required attire. It’s easy, reliable, and, let’s be honest, what most men default to. Black pants, white shirts, grey hoodies–it’s simple and gets the job done.
But if you’re tired of the usual blacks, greys, whites, creams, or beiges and think it’s time to explore more color in your wardrobe, you’re in luck. You don’t need a fashion degree or a complete style overhaul; just a few intentional steps can take your look from basic to bold (without crossing into circus territory). Here are 15 ways you can incorporate more color into your wardrobe without overdoing it.
1. Get Into Color Analysis
This is a good first step. In simple terms, color analysis is a method that identifies the colors that best complement a person’s natural features, such as skin tone, hair color, and eye color. The seasonal colors are divided into the four seasons with three sub-categories in each, meaning there’s a lot of nuance. Knowing whether you’re a Deep Autumn or a Cool Summer can help you narrow down which colors will make your features pop versus which ones will wash you out. It’s not about rules; it’s about working smarter with your natural features to create harmonious looks that bring out the best in you.
2. Start Small
You don’t have to do too much too soon. Start with one colored piece at a time–a tee, a hoodie, maybe even socks. This isn’t a sprint. It’s more like a soft nudge into a new direction. If bold hues scare you, try muted versions first: dusty pinks, olive greens, or burgundy instead of bright red. You’ll slowly figure out what feels authentic to you.
3. Shop Your Stash
If you want to incorporate more color into your style, start by looking into the pieces you already own. Chances are, there’s a random mustard tee or forest green flannel in the back of your closet that you forgot about. Pull those out, try them on, and see how they make you feel. You might be surprised at what still works and what can be styled in new ways.
4. Try Statement Pieces
Getting into more color doesn’t mean choosing bright colors for every single piece you wear; one statement piece can carry the whole outfit. A colorful bomber, a patterned shirt, or even a bold pair of trousers can do the heavy lifting. Keep the rest of your look neutral, and let that one item take the spotlight. It’s simple, impactful, and easy to pull off.
5. Add Colorful Layers
Layers are another way to experiment without overcommitting. A hoodie peeking out of a jacket, a colorful shirt under a neutral sweater, or even a bright beanie can add a pop without overwhelming your outfit. The best part? You can remove a layer if you’re not feeling it later in the day. It’s color but without the need to commit to it for the entire day.
6. Play with Accessories
If you’re opting to start small, accessories are also a good doorway into more color. Think watches with colorful straps, beanies, scarves, tote bags, or even jewelry. These accents can add interest without taking over the whole look. It’s an easy way to show personality without making it feel like a “look.”
7. Experiment with Footwear
If wearing things on your body is intimidating, start with footwear.
8. Mix Brights with Neutrals
The best way to bring out the color in your wardrobe is by pairing it with what you already know works: Neutrals. A bright orange hoodie with beige pants, or a cobalt tee under a black jacket. The contrast makes both pieces pop, and it keeps the outfit grounded. You don’t need a full Crayola palette–just a well-thought out balance.
9. Learn Your Undertone
Similar to color analysis, learning your skin’s undertone is crucial to finding the colors that suit you best. Are you warm, cool, or neutral? Warm undertones tend to look better in earthy tones like olive, rust, and mustard, while cool undertones lean into jewel tones like navy, emerald, or plum. Understanding this one detail can save you from a lot of trial and error.
10. Consider Color Blocking
Color blocking need not be intimidating–there is always a classy way to do it. Stick to two or three contrasting or complementary shades and keep the lines clean. Think a navy jacket over a burnt orange sweater, paired with cream trousers. It’s bold, sure–but in a deliberate, structured way. And when done well, it reads confident and adventurous, not chaotic.
11. Update Your Outerwear
If you’ve always been looking for an excuse to invest in more outerwear like coats, jackets, or overshirts, let this be it. A colorful overcoat or varsity jacket can completely change the energy of your outfit, even if you’re just wearing basics underneath. Plus, you can wear it open, closed, layered, or solo. It’s a statement without saying a word.
12. Use Prints Strategically
When done thoughtfully and strategically, prints can help you incorporate more color in a less intimidating way. Start with smaller, more subtle prints like stripes, checks, or micro florals. Stick to classic color pairings or go monochrome with a twist. Prints also allow you to test out color combos without fully committing to big blocks of solid color.
13. Explore Seasonal Palettes
Here’s another way to do color organically: by choosing pieces according to season. Fall tones like rust, camel, and moss green. Winter with deep navy, charcoal, and burgundy. Spring brings in lilac, sage, and sky blue. Summer? Think pastels and crisp whites. Matching the mood of the season keeps things fresh without trying too hard.
14. Invest in Versatile Colors
Versatile colors will allow you to mix and match your pieces across seasons and outfits. Think forest green, burgundy, navy, or mustard–colors that aren’t as loud as neons but still give you a break from all-black-everything. These are workhorse shades that still give personality without making your outfit feel like a costume.
15. Be Confident in Your Choices
And last but not least, if you know that you chose your colors thoughtfully, be confident in those choices! Nothing looks worse than someone fidgeting with an outfit they’re unsure of. The color works when you work it–so stand tall, own it, and let your style do the talking. Confidence is the final accessory that ties it all together.
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