Disregard whoever said pastel hues should be reserved for Easter baskets. While navy and charcoal are classics, having rightfully earned their esteemed roles as the cornerstones of a man’s tailored clothing wardrobe, pastels are refreshing and exude confidence, creativity, and style. Still, navigating this world of soft colors requires a bit of know-how. That’s where I come in – with tips to help you choose a suit that makes a lasting positive impression.
Finding Your Perfect Pastel:
First, selecting the right shade for your skin tone is critical. Lighter complexions tend to pair well with cooler pastels like baby blue, lavender, and mint green. These colors create a harmonious contrast that complements milkier coloring well. For men with darker skin tones, warmer pastels like peach, light coral, and yellow are flattering. These hues enhance the richness and vibrancy of more heavily melanated complexions.
Occasion Is Everything:
The formality of the targeted occasion is crucial in determining which pastel is right for the moment. For a summer wedding or garden party, a light pink or lilac suit in linen or seersucker strikes a strong balance between whimsy and elegance. For business-casual settings, a pastel blue or green suit in a wool variant yields a bit more sophistication.
Details, Details, Details:
Once you’ve chosen your suit, it’s time to curate the rest of your look. The key here is to create balance and cohesion. A crisp white shirt is a timeless option for any suit, including pastel options. For those who are more adventurous, consider shirt options which are more lightly colored, with or without a pattern or design, as a compliment to your suit choice. Whatever you decide, ensure that the pattern does not overpower the color of the suit.
Adding accessories is an excellent way to add personality. For a monochromatic look, choosing a tie or pocket square in a darker shade of the same pastel color family can be extremely striking. Alternatively, if contrast is what you prefer, opt for a complementary color. For instance, a light blue suit can be paired with a brown or burgundy tie to create a dynamic pairing.
Mind Your Footwear:
Your footwear selection will help you toggle effortlessly between casual and dressy. For an easy, summery vibe, opt for clean white Common Projects, loafers, or boat shoes in brown or tan leather. For a more formal look, choose black, brown, or colored oxford or derby options.
Pastel Power Play:
The final touch when wearing a pastel suit, which you’re advised to never leave home without, is confidence. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows, so give the spectators something to talk about! Hold your head high, own it, and lean all the way into your new soft-hue era!
