How to Match Clothes With Color

Matching clothing by color may seem like an elementary thing to do, but many people get it wrong. With the numerous undertones and variations on the market for simple colors like black and gray, coordinating shades correctly can be challenging. But by following a few simple color tips, it will be easy to put together outfits that don't clash. Better yet, start when shopping to minimize your work at home.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with color printer
• Pantone Shopping Color Guide or color wheel printout

1. Step1
   Find the undertones of your wardrobe colors. Pick a favorite garment and hold a piece of white paper underneath it in the sun. If the clothing tone looks yellowish or ruddy after looking at the white paper, it's a warm tone. If a bluish effect comes out, then the garment is cool. Do this for all garments except for neutrals: white, black, gray and khaki.
2. Step2
   Separate clothing by color temperature. The cool shades mix best with like colors, as do the warmer shades.
3. Step3
   Next, look at the neutrals in sunlight to find their true tones. Sometimes, these are also cool or warm. Black can also be deceiving because the color may actually be navy or a very deep green. Sunlight is the most reliable test for these tricky shades.
4. Step4
   Coordinate colors by thinking of the color wheel. To do this while shopping, bring along a Pantone Shopping Color Guide, or use a printout of a color guide. Shoot for analogous (adjacent on the color wheel) shades or complimentary (opposite) colors.
5. Step5
   Remember that one shade can come in light and dark variations. These coordinate well together, but can seem monochromatic if unbroken by a neutral.
6. Step6
   When coordinating patterns, pick only one color in the pattern that you'd like to emphasize and seek to match that shade. Wearing more than one pattern can sometimes work, but may be risky. If you try to combine patterns, one should be larger than the other, and all colors must be analogous or complimentary
   
   

   How to Match a Tie and Suit

   Matching the right suit with the right tie is a great way to get a look that is well-put together. Read on to learn how to match a tie and suit.
   Instructions

   Things You'll Need:

   • Assorted neck ties
   • Assorted suits
   • Color wheel

   1. Step1
      Look at your wardrobe and then pick a couple of suits that you feel like wearing. Lay them down on a flat surface. It can be on top of your bed or on top of a folding table.
   2. Step2
      Pick out shirts to wear. Make sure to color coordinate the shirt and suit. Lay each shirt down next to the suit. Once you picked the right one set it aside.
   3. Step3
      Now pick out several neck ties. Lay them on top of the shirt and suit. The best way to match is by looking at the dominant color of the suit and shirt, as well as the pattern.
   4. Step4
      For solid suit and shirt, pick out any solid colored tie that has the same color as the shirt and suit. With that you will never go wrong. Although, it doesn't always mean you match a blue with blue. You can pick out a yellow tie which would look great on top of a blue shirt and suit. Use a color wheel if you want to use an opposing color.
   5. Step5
      When wearing white suit, use any tie that would show well. Wearing a white suit is like a canvas, you can use any colored or patterned tie you want.
   6. Step6
      For a suit with chalk stripe, use the suit's color as your basis if the stripe is faint as if you are working on a solid colored suit. If the stripe is bold and pronounced, use a tie that coordinates well with the color of the stripe. Match a burgundy stripe with a burgundy colored tie. It can be a solid colored tie or a patterned tie with the predominant color that is the same as the stripes.
   7. Step7
      Working with a patterned shirt, match the tie with the predominant color that you see when looking at the shirt from afar. You can match with a patterned tie such as paisley, a striped tie and checkered pattern. Remember to look at the predominant color that you see on those patterned ties to match with the predominant color of the shirt. A solid tie with the color to match the predominant color of the patterned shirt is the safest way to go if you are unsure.
   8. Step8
      On the opposite side of matching a tie and suit is to coordinate. If you want to use a different color tie make sure to pick out the complementary color. As stated on Step 4, you can choose a yellow colored tie against a blue shirt. You can use the color wheel as your guide. Coordinate a pink shirt with a burgundy tie or a pale blue tie. Coordinate a blue shirt with a yellow, gold or navy blue tie. Coordinate a black shirt with a white tie, a gray or silver colored tie. Coordinate a yellow shirt with a pale blue tie.
      
      

      How to Match Socks To A Men's Suit

      Instructions

      1. Step1
         Your socks should be the same color, or slightly darker than your suit.
      2. Step2
         Black socks are also appropriate.
      3. Step3
         Don't wear bright socks, white socks, or socks that don't match the tonality of the suit unless you are making a confident style statement that works.

         How to Measure Your Suit Size

         The suit can make the man, so you want to be sure that you measure yourself correctly to purchase the right size. Typically, suits come as a pair with both a jacket andpants. Your chest and waist measurements and your height determine your size. A regular suit comes with pants that have a 6-inch difference from the waist size. Athletic suits have 8-inch difference, while portly suits have a 4-inch difference. If there is a large difference between your pant size and your jacket size, consider purchasing suits from stores that allow you to mix and match your jackets and pants.
         Instructions

         Things You'll Need:

         • Measuring tape

         1. Step1
            Wrap the tape measure around your chest to take that measurement. The tape measure should be parallel to the floor and go across the broadest part of your chest. Take this measurement in inches.
         2. Step2
            Subtract 2 inches to get your suit size.
         3. Step3
            Use your height to determine whether you need a short, regular or longjacket style. If you are 5 feet 6 inches or less, your suit size will have an "S" next to it for "short." Those standing from 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 11 inches will wear a regular or "R" suit. If you are taller than that, you should purchase a "L" or "long" size. For example, if you are 5 feet 9 inches with a 42-inch chest, your suit size will be a 40R.
         4. Step4
            Measure your waist and inseam to get the correct size pants. Wrap the tape measure around your waist to determine that size. The inseam is the measurement from the crotch of your pants to the length that you want the pants to be.

            Men's Styles in Suits

            1. There are hundreds of designers that dictate the trends and current fashions in menswear. However, when it comes to suits, there are four basic styles: American, Italian, English and Mandarin. Designers dissect the basic styles and then combine different aspects from each to create a variation to present to the public as the most fashionable clothing statement. Essentially, all suits fit into one of the principal categories.

            American Suits

            2. American suits traditionally have two buttons, medium-sized lapels and three outside flap pockets paired with un-cuffed, flat-front pants. The jackets are of single vent design with natural shoulders, while the pants are angled to present a natural break at the shoes. American suits are ideal for gentlemen with prominent chests, due to the v-shaped styling of the jacket that accentuates the pectorals. The pants are of a lean cut, showing the suit wearer's fitness.

            Italian Suits

            3. Italian suits are also referred to as European suits throughout the fashion industry. A standard Italian suit is double-breasted (wide, overlapping front flaps with a double row of parallel buttons), large-sized lapels and slit pockets. The jacket shoulders are often lightly padded to add bulk while leaving the impression of natural stature. The pants have pleated fronts with button pockets in the back and slit pockets in the front, plus cuffs at the shoe. Italian suits look best on tall, lean builds but can be worn by all types. It was believed that short, stocky men were unable to successfully wear an Italian suit to its best advantage, but tailors have discovered that a simple adjustment to the buttons will modify the suit to fit properly and present the desired appearance.

            English Suits

            4. The English suit offers the most classic of cuts for the most elegant appearance. The jackets have medium-sized lapels, three buttons with three outside pockets, double venting and padded shoulders. The pants are pleated with a quarter-inch cuff breaking at the shoe. English suits are commonly designed with pinstripes or plaid weaving. This suit is ideal for all body types, flattering both strong and weak physiques.

            Mandarin Suits

            5. Mandarin suits are unique in design and reflect Eastern cultures. The jackets have short collars that stand straight up (similar to the daily jacket of a priest) and have five to six buttons. The jackets are intended to be buttoned to the top, closing at the neck and leaving only the smallest hint of the shirt beneath. The pants have flat fronts with slit pockets and are commonly without cuffs. Mandarin suits are traditionally black and are complemented by Mandarin-style shirts along with a colorful pocket square to add personality. These suits present the best appearance on shorter, thinner physiques.