Help me understand my color choices

[tdellaringa]

Hi there, I'm new here, and frankly new to good men's fashion even though I just turned 50. In the past, I didn't care that much, or I was overweight and uncomfortable choosing clothing that never fit. However, I am back in shape now and wanting to dress well.

I've been doing a lot of reading on blogs like Real Men, Real Style, Alpha M, etc. etc. I ditched nearly my entire wardrobe and have begun building a lean wardrobe. But am having a lot of trouble picking out dress shirts that are right for me.

If I understand correctly, contrast is a good thing, and you should avoid colors that have a similar value as your skin tone. I have what I think is a light olive complexion and salt and pepper hair. Here is a pic of me taken a week ago - the lighting is not great and artificial, but you get the idea.



So far I have purchased 6 dress shirts:

Black
Blue
White
Gray
Gunmetal Blue
Dark Purple

I have 2 pair of dress trousers (Gray and dark brown) and 2 chinos (both shades of brown).

I stayed away from patterns on purpose for the base shirts, and I have actually grown not to like patterns much unless they are tight or vertical.

But choosing some colored shirts, or even tight patterns with what is the dominant hue has become very difficult. I could use some advice on what things might work well for me.

Thanks!

 

[starro]

Also keep in mind the intended formality of your wardrobe. If you want to wear your dress shirts to formal or business formal functions, then colors like dark purple and black wouldn't work.

 

[tdellaringa]

I should have mentioned this is generally for work, which is business casual. I am dressing a bit up than most people here. Lots of people wearing big patterns, jeans, sweaters, etc. here. I'm pretty free to choose what I want (within reason). But my goal is to be dressing slightly above the norm.

 

[starro]

I see. Then your colors shouldn't give you any trouble (except maybe the black). And as always, focus on fit.

 

[GBR]

Buy what you prefer, look at others if you lack inspiration,

 

[Andy57]

Well, I'd get rid of the black and purple shirts, first. And put the gunmetal blue one in the back of your closet. Buy white and light blue shirts of various types. Get some Oxford Cloth Button Downs, get some broadcloth shirts with spread collars, get one or two with point collars. When you have enough white and blue shirts, branch out a bit. Maybe pale pink. Maybe ivory. Maybe french blue. Build basic fits around those staples.

 

[Testudo_Aubreii]

You don't say that you have tan trousers. I'd get some if not. Most versatile shirts with your trousers will be sky blue with the brown and tan, and pale pink with the gray. Keep the pink toward peach, not lilac. You need some warm tones to warm up your complexion.

In keeping with that, I'd also look at a fine red check on a white ground, and a warm sand check on a white ground.

 

[tdellaringa]

Well, I've had compliments on the black/purple shirts already - and I actually like those. I know people differ on those colors a bit. But your input on the other stuff helps a lot.

I don't have tan trousers, and I know that is a hole - that is on my list for my next pair of pants. Warm tones. Got it.

Appreciate the input guys, that is exactly what I was hoping for.

 

[Veremund]

Jesse's website is invaluable.

http://putthison.com/post/754228450/blueshirtsorwhiteshirts

 

[pravda]

@tdellaringa is there an actor/movie star you admire who could be your muse?

You look like a George Clooney type to me. I would stick to a variety of whites, grays and blues but go with a variety of collars, spread, etc. Please no button down. Mix it up with some nice luxe fabrics and golf shirts in solid colors to show off the new physique. Go with a slimmer trouser and invest in a few good belts, Prada, Zegna Gucci. Cuccinelli might be a good brand for you. I lost 40 lbs. Over the last 3 years and this strategy worked for me

 

[Veremund]

I agree about the George Clooney idea. But Cuccinelli and Prada just might be outside the target budget we're working with here.

 

[usctrojans31]

Read this thread[/URL via Manton]. Invest accordingly.

 

[colco]

I agree about the George Clooney idea. But Cuccinelli and Prada just might be outside the target budget we're working with here.

Read this thread. Invest accordingly.

Good advice!

@tdellaringa is there an actor/movie star you admire who could be your muse?

You look like a George Clooney type to me. I would stick to a variety of whites, grays and blues but go with a variety of collars, spread, etc. Please no button down. Mix it up with some nice luxe fabrics and golf shirts in solid colors to show off the new physique. Go with a slimmer trouser and invest in a few good belts, Prada, Zegna Gucci. Cuccinelli might be a good brand for you. I lost 40 lbs. Over the last 3 years and this strategy worked for me

Terrible advice!

 

[pravda]

So @colco, what's your advice?

 

[colco]

So @colco, what's your advice?

My advice to the OP is to disregard your advice regarding (though now that I am rereading the rest of it certainly not limited to) button down collars.