Let’s face it, Coronavirus is in these streets heavy, jackin’ people of their freedom, like that 8th grade bully that used to take your lunch money. Thankfully, at some point, this invisible enemy will be destroyed, and man will be free to walk the earth without fear once again. Your best bet until then, is to get your wardrobe right. 'Cause after 3 to 6 months of being stuck in the house, you might just forget how to wear pants; let alone being able to pick appropriate color combos. Don’t be the guy that comes out on day one in mud tones, looking like an extra from Kanye West's "Sunday Service." So when you dress, consider your complexion. Some would think that the colorful clothes on the rack at the store are like a buffet, waiting to be devoured. But much like a buffet, if you’re not careful, eating the wrong thing may make you vomit, or in the case of style, look like someone vomited on you. Stick with SUITABULL and we’ll take you through some simple steps to help complement your complexion.
Love Thyself
The first step to complementing your complexion, is loving the complexion that you’ve got. So whether black, white or any color in between, your complexion is dope! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Growing up as a dark skinned kid in the 80s and 90’s, folks with a hue like mine weren’t as poppin’ as we have become in today’s world, but I’ve learned that as long as I was comfortable in my own skin, nothing could phase me. Similar to the clothes that you put on your back, if you wear your skin confidently, then it doesn’t matter what people think. So if style and clothing are options, how much more should be feel about permanent skin.
Works With All Complexions
Now that we’re all having a kumbaya moment with ourselves and loving the skin that we’re in, let’s talk about the basics. With style, there will be colors that can complement any skin tone. Complement doesn’t imply that you can’t wear a certain color but more so suggests that you may look your best self, if you wear certain colors over others. And looking the best version of ourselves is always the goal.
White
You can take a breath. Everyone can show up to Diddy’s annual all white birthday soirée without fear, that’s if you actually got an invite. If not, stay home, their security team is a little handsy. Anyone with any tone can pull off white. White is a great base color, similar to a blank canvas. Aside from its formal attributes, any man looks like he’s about his business when he pairs a white shirt with his suit. If you’re going with a bolder look, where white is a majority color, either a suit, blazer or pants, pairing with accessories that add a pop of color will score you some bonus points. Whether all white with a colored belt and shoes, or a pair of white chinos with a “Hawaiian” shirt, there are plenty of ways to make this color work for you.
Pale Blue
If you’re not feelin’ the white look, or you feel like it’s too “clean” reach for that pale blue. Much like white, pale blue is a light color that can complement any skin tone, but without all of the fanfare. Whether a pale ice blue sweater in the winter time, or a pale pastel blue linen shirt in the summer, you can carry this color with you year round.
Red
This is not for the faint of heart, but if done tastefully and in moderation, anyone can pull it off. All reds aren’t created equally, so whether it’s watermelon, or Christmas crimson, find the one that fits you best. The darker the red, the bigger the pop, the lighter, the red, the more subtle. Either way, this color will get you some looks!
Black
If women have the “little black dress”, then men have the “bold black suit”. Black wasn’t only meant for funerals. Much like white, it’s a defining color, but with mystique. No matter what shade you are, you’ll still kill it at black tie affair, as long as you pair it right!
Taupe
The ultimate neutral color, taupe is not quite brown, not quite tan, but right in between. Taupe provides that warm look for any complexion without making you look washed out. Remember these words..Taupe is Dope!
Fair complexions
Colors to be cautious of—Bright colors can work well, if done right, but if you’re starting out, you’ll want to be careful around colors like royal blue, or fire engine red, or any neon colors. As accent pieces, such as a dope pair of Air max 95’s or some Louie V loafers, you can pull it off. Even a shirt with some bright highlights would work in your favor, but I would skip over the multi color Starter track suit for your Throwback Thursday pic and reach for a Navy or pale blue Adidas track suit instead.
Medium tone complexions
Medium tone complexions, which lean more toward the resemblance of caramel or milk chocolate are able to easily pick from all color palettes. Medium skin tones act as a neutralizer to whatever color clothing you wear. By no means should you now, go and wear EVERY color at the same time, but your selection base is limitless!
Darker complexion
Colors to be cautious of—Bull, ashen or muted types of colors like chalk gray or mud brown. The easiest way to identify it is if you were to take a picture of any color and slide the “saturation filter on your IG to the left (dull side). You also may want to steer clear of any color too close to your complexion as it will give you more of a blended look than a complementary. Bright colors like Reds and deep purples will pop and complement on your skin tone. I personally wear a lot of purple, from pastel for dress shirts right up to grape. Oranges in moderation will also work. Better to use it as an accessory than as a primary piece.
Looking for the right complementary color for your doesn’t have to be frustrating. When in doubt, hit up the go to colors like, black, white, pale blue, red and taupe. Use bright colors for accessories only. For those of fairer complexion, lean toward the muted colors and away from the neons. If you are melanin rich, steer clear of the ashen or muted colors and more toward neutrals like taupe and bright colors which will pop against your skin tone. In the end, the best thing that complements your complexion the best, is your confidence in who you are. So if you wear your skin proudly first, you’ll never go wrong! Until next time…
Stay SUITABULL guys.