I believe in contrast between the different elements of my clothes. I like a tie darker than my shirt and different than my suit. Sometimes in summer it’s the reverse and my tie might be lighter than my shirt. Generally, I don’t like low contrast outfits such as a white shirt with a silvery smooth tie or a white shirt with a navy tie that matches exactly the navy suit material.
Sometimes in summer Ill take a cream grenadine and wear it with a medium blue end on end shirt with a navy linen suit. The bottom line for me is almost always contrast. Contrast in textures, contrast in colors, shades and patterns.
Good thread!
I try more for subtlety than for contrast in my own dress, and am a big fan of light colored ties, though not with white shirts. I don't avoid contrast, but do avoid stark contrasts.
With brown my favorite color ("If it's brown, get down!"), I try to achieve contrasts using different shades of earthtones, such as pairing a jacket with darker, chocolately tones with lighter, tan-colored trousers. Or, combining a camel hair jacket with chocolate brown trousers. I also can achieve contrasts with patterns, such as a brown plaid or tweed jacket and solid-colored trousers. I like light blue shirts with brown jackets and trousers as contrast, although if I really feel like staying within the brown family, overall, I'd wear a light brown or chocolate brown turtleneck, depending on how dark or light the jacket is, again, with contrast in mind.
Some pics and commentary would be good addition to this thread...
I like the contrasts in texture most of all, especially since I generally stick to a fairly limited colour palette and favour solids over patterns.
Personally, I am not a fan of metallic looking fabrics and items so I don't own them. However, I think a contrast of texture and pattern is important for a harmonious outfit; otherwise, it looks dour or simply uninspired.
I bet that 2nd guy (from the left) in the picture above with 5 guys likes cotton candy.
Last edited by eg (2008-05-11 13:15:11)
Last edited by Russell_Street (2008-05-12 10:05:46)