« Dress for Success / Seasons and Shirt Colour
The two important factors that must guide the choice of colours for shirts is the wearer's facial contrast and the season.
Contrast and Colour
A man's complexion and hair colour are the key indicators he should use when selecting the colour of a fabric which will cover his body.
High Contrast Men (Men whose hair colour is a stark contrast to their skin tone; e.g. black hair with a fair complexion)
The key to looking good is to be able to emulate the colour difference in their clothing with the contrast in their facial zone. In general, light coloured shirts with dark suits and dark/vibrant ties with light coloured suits. A dark navy blue suit with a white shirt and a charcoal suit with an ice blue shirt are two combinations that compliment high contrast men. Dark shirts with light suits can be accomplished, but pulling this off requires skill. High contrast men are always complimented by strong ties that stand out from the shirt.
Low Contrast Men (Men with a muted appearance e.g. light hair and light skin, bald men, men with little hair)
Low contrast men should seek a monochromatic look, as that a strong contrasting outfit will easily overpower their muted tones. In general, low contrast men fare well with dark blues and earth tone dress shirts combined with dark suits. When wearing light gray or tan suits, the low contrast gentlemen needs to stay with lighter coloured shirts and earth tones; white is permissible here if the suit is light enough to avoid a stark contrast. Be careful in your choice of tie, if the neck-wear stands out too much it can draw attention from your face to your chest and stomach.
Medium Contrast Men (Brown skinned men with dark hair, lighter skinned men and with gray and white hair)
Dark haired men with brown skin lean towards the high contrast, and can not only utilize that man's colour combinations but they can get away with a few subtle monochromatic combinations. The same with the light skinned men with gray hair. He is more similar to the low contrast individual, and would do well to follow the rules set forth for that man. However, he can very successfully pull off a contrasting outfit, especially if his eyes or another feature complement the colour combination chosen. medium contrast men can enjoy the best of both worlds, but should be careful when venturing too far in one direction.
Seasons and Colour
Spring
Colours: Pinks, lavenders, lighter shades of blue, whites, multi-coloured checks and stripes that are light
Fabric: Lightweight fabrics, man-made fibers; shift to natural fibers as summer approaches
Summer
Colours: Light and bold Colours, gold-stripes, red checks, wide variety of blue solids and patterns
Fabric: 100% cottons, linens, and silks
Colours: Earth tones, fancy checks and stripes with more colour than white, muted tones of blue (on broadcloth or chambray)
Fabric: Heavier fabrics & blends
Winter
Colours: Dark colours, a pink or a maize, burgundy, forest green, brown tones
Fabric: Heavy fabrics such as flannels, twills, oxfords
