Regardless of age, men should always steer clear of these five “old man colors” when dressing up. Whoever wears them will look unattractive!
The color of clothing items determines the first impression left on others. Men often prefer a minimalist style in their outfits, resulting in a more uniform cut and design in menswear. This makes it easy to encounter someone wearing the same outfit, which is why color selection becomes the top priority in dressing up. Choosing the right colors not only enhances the quality of the clothing items but also showcases one’s temperament. Never underestimate the power of color!
Military uniforms have always been a source of inspiration for menswear designers. In 1848, Harry Burnett Lumsden, an officer in the British army, invented khaki pants to combat the hot weather in war zones. These pants were cool and comfortable, making them convenient for military operations. Khaki color is not only stylish and generous but also possesses excellent concealment properties due to its earth tone, making it easy to maintain and resistant to dirt. To this day, it remains a beloved choice among people!
The PROGEN (Pei Luo Cheng) 2020 fashion show demonstrates the brand’s efforts in color selection. The denim blue suit combines a sharp cut with durable materials, making it more practical. Paired with an off-white hooded sweatshirt, it instantly creates a youthful look. The cool-toned color scheme reflects the calmness and understated nature of men!
When participating in the variety show “Fourtry” as a mentor, Kris Wu showcased his exceptional fashion sense. He chose a salty denim shirt and jeans combination. The everyday yet sophisticated denim blue created an image of a boy next door for him, perfectly aligning with the show’s theme!
Avoiding the “Old Man Colors”
By now, you should understand the importance of color in an entire outfit. First and foremost, never wear these five “old man colors.” They are truly unsightly!
Color 1: Bright Red
Bright red is a favorite color for traditional Chinese weddings. Although it is grand and solemn, it may be a bit too festive and tacky for men’s daily wear. This vibrant and flamboyant color is not suitable for showcasing a man’s stable qualities. Moreover, the fiery red color can give a sense of stuffiness during summer, making it not recommended!
Color 2: Light Gray
Light gray may seem harmless, but if the saturation is not high enough, it can give off a sloppy and homely vibe. The light gray undertone is not prominent enough to carry an entire outfit and is only suitable as an inner layer. Light gray fabrics are usually woven from black and white yarns, which means that light gray has extremely high requirements for fabric quality. If the weaving density is low, it will look particularly cheap!
Color 3: Ink Green
Ink green is quite unpleasant to the eye, giving off an old and “moldy” impression at first glance. Green hues generally represent freshness and vitality, but the addition of black undertones kills this youthful feeling. It’s not as cool as ink blue and has significant limitations in terms of matching. It’s difficult to develop a liking for this color due to its ambiguous nature!
Color 4: Electric Blue
Men wearing blue usually don’t go wrong, but electric blue is an exception. Electric blue belongs to the fluorescent color series, and its prominent reflective properties are particularly eye-catching. When worn by older men, it gives the impression of deliberate dressing up. The cool-toned fluorescent color further emphasizes yellow undertones in the skin, making it unflattering both in photos and in person!
Color 5: Multicolor
Colorful clothing items can add a sense of layering to an outfit through the use of colors. However, a disorderly and irregular color scheme can create a dizzying effect. It also weakens the body-shaping effect of the garment’s cut. The “abstract” color block stacking blurs the focus of the outfit, failing to achieve an eye-catching effect!
Recommended Colors for Menswear
If you lack visual appeal, make up for it with fashion sense. For those who are still unsure about how to dress, you can start with these colors and effortlessly create a trendy look!
Color 1: Khaki
Khaki belongs to the earth tone family, exuding a natural and simple vibe. It is particularly suitable for bottom wear. Khaki is more enduring than black and white and appears more light and casual than dark brown. Its similarity to Asian skin tones allows it to form a harmonious continuity with the skin, making the entire outfit more cohesive!
Authentic American vintage menswear often features khaki pants. Possessing the same sense of time-worn charm as leather, khaki exudes more depth and maturity. Therefore, it is especially suitable for young men entering the workforce. Khaki can be styled in a functional workwear fashion or exude an elegant gentleman’s aura, making it incredibly versatile!
Color 2: Creamy White
White is one of the classic colors and an essential in men’s fashion. The elegant and bright white makes a person appear clean and energetic, completely distinguishing itself from the greasy image of older men. Creamy white has a higher saturation than regular white, appearing softer. When in doubt about what to wear, a creamy white T-shirt is always a safe choice. However, be sure to choose a heavy-weight version for a more refined look!
Creamy white outfits naturally possess an airy feel, not only looking refreshing and heat-relieving but also giving off a cool and handsome vibe. To become an “oxygen boy,” creamy white must be the main color in your outfit. In addition to ensuring that creamy white accounts for more than 60% of the look, you can also match bags and shoes with the clothing to showcase your fashion taste!
Color 3: Denim Blue
Denim blue is highly fashionable and avant-garde. Denim fabric has a slight white tone, and the color contrast between blue and white itself is particularly appealing. The street-style, unrestrained fashion is a favorite among young men. The naturally occurring creases add a touch of artistic flair to the outfit!
Denim blue is understated and youthful, making it a perfect match for crisp and neat shirts. Therefore, it is also very suitable for office wear. The refreshing and casual denim blue can relax the mood and alleviate the tension of formal attire. It pairs exceptionally well with the above two recommended colors, creating a visually pleasing combination!
