Different colors can evoke different emotions and send different messages, so it's important to choose wisely. But don't worry, we're here to help you out! In this blog post, we'll dive into the psychology behind some of the most common dress shirt colors for guys and give you tips on how to style them to look and feel your best. From job interviews to weddings to nights out with the boys, we've got you covered. So let's get started and make sure you're always looking sharp and feeling confident!
Best Shirt Colors for Different Skin Tones
Before we dive in, it's best we go through which colors compliment different skin tones. After all, the color that you wear influences your overall appearance. Choosing the right color has the power to either make you look radiant while wearing an unsuitable color can make you appear rather dull. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Fair Skin
If you have fair skin, you'll want to stick to lighter colors, such as pastels, light blues, and soft pinks. Avoid colors that are too bright or bold, as they can wash you out.
Medium Skin
If you have medium skin, you can wear a wider range of colors, including darker blues, greens, and purples. You can also experiment with bolder prints and patterns, such as polka dots and paisleys.
Dark Skin
If you have dark skin, you can pull off bolder, brighter colors, such as reds, oranges, and yellows. You can also wear darker colors, such as black and navy blue, which provide a nice contrast against your skin tone.
Understanding Color Psychology
Research has shown that the colors of your clothing can greatly influence both how you feel and how others perceive you. While it may not be necessary to base all of your clothing choices on psychological factors, understanding the impact of color can be valuable. By mastering the psychology of color, you can make informed decisions about what to wear for important events.
White: White is often associated with purity, simplicity, and innocence. It can create a sense of cleanliness and clarity. Wearing white can also convey a sense of sophistication and formality.
Black: Black is often associated with sophistication, elegance, and formality. It can create a sense of power and authority. However, wearing too much black can create a sense of gloom and negativity.
Blue: Blue is often associated with calmness, trustworthiness, and reliability. It is a popular choice for business attire and can help create a sense of professionalism. Studies have shown that wearing blue can have a calming effect on the mind and body.
Red: Wearing red can convey a sense of power and confidence. It is also associated with passion, excitement, and love. Studies have shown that wearing red can increase your heart rate and make you feel more alert and focused.
Green: Green is associated with nature, growth, and balance. It can create a sense of harmony and tranquility. Wearing green can also convey a sense of wealth and success.
The Classic White Dress Shirt
Of course, the classic white dress shirt comes first. It's the most versatile shirt and can be worn for pretty much any occasion - from formal events to casual outings. White is the kind of color that can be combined with anything and has the effect of making you look more youthful and energetic. If you're not sure what color shirt to wear on your first workday, white is the color to go.
How to Wear a White Dress Shirt:
For a casual look: Pair a white shirt with denim jeans or khaki pants. Leave the shirt untucked and roll up the sleeves for a relaxed, effortless vibe. Add sneakers or loafers to complete the look.
For a business casual look: Tuck a white dress shirt into dress pants orchinos. Add a belt and dress shoes for a polished look. You can also add a blazer for an extra touch of sophistication.
Accessorize: White shirts go well with a variety of accessories, such as cufflinks, ties, and pocket squares. Experiment with different colors and patterns to add a pop of personality to your outfit. Learn how to combine your dress shirts with ties.
Black Dress Shirt
Black dress shirts are a classic wardrobe staple that exudes sophistication and style. One of the main advantages of black business shirts are their versatility. They can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and can be worn with a range of accessories and colors. Black dress shirts also offer a slimming effect, making the wearer appear more streamlined and put-together. They can be particularly flattering for men who are looking to create a more streamlined silhouette.
How to Wear a Black Dress Shirt:
Pair with neutral colors: Black dress shirts pair well with neutral colors such as gray, white, and beige. This creates a sleek and sophisticated look.
Accessorize with contrasting colors: Adding pops of contrasting colors such as red or blue through accessories like ties or pocket squares can add interest and depth to your outfit.
Fit is key: Ensure that your black dress shirt fits properly. A well-fitted shirt can make all the difference and create a polished and put-together look.
Beige Dress Shirt
Similar to white dress shirts, beige offers the same versatility. Beige is a neutral color that coordinates well with other colors and patterns. This makes it easy to pair a beige dress shirt with a variety of different suits, jackets, and trousers. Moreover, beige can dress up your outfit and give you a more polished look. In fact, beige dress shirts are a popular choice for business attire and can help to project an image of confidence and competence.
How to Wear a Beige Dress Shirt:
Classic look idea: You can pair a beige shirt with navy blue or black dress pants and a pair of dress shoes for a classic, sophisticated look. This combination is ideal for business meetings or formal events.
Casual Look: For a more casual look, pair a beige shirt with khaki pants or jeans. This combination works well for casual outings or weekend events.
Bright Colors: Beige is a neutral color that works well with brighter colors. Consider pairing a beige shirt with a brightly colored blazer or sweater to add a pop of color to your outfit.
Light Blue Dress Shirt
Light blue is a popular color for dress shirts because it is universally flattering and can complement a range of skin tones. Moreover, it has great combination potential and goes well with many colors. Just like grey, it has a calming and soothing effect, however, it is mainly associated with trust and loyalty - hence why blue is such a great color for work events. Light blue dress shirts also give you a fresh appearance and can make you look more lively.
How to Wear a Light Dress Shirt:
Pair with a suit: A light blue shirt is a great choice to wear with a suit. It creates a classic and sophisticated look that is perfect for formal occasions such as weddings or business meetings.
Dress it down with chinos: A light blue shirt can also be dressed down by pairing it with a pair of chinos. This creates a more casual look that is perfect for social events or date nights.
Experiment with different patterns and textures: A light blue shirt can be paired with a variety of patterns and textures to create an interesting and unique look. Consider pairing it with a textured blazer or a patterned tie.
Navy Blue Dress Shirt
In comparison to light blue, navy is a rich and bold color and is considered to be more sophisticated than light blue. It's a color that conveys authority, stability, and confidence, hence why it's a great choice for job interviews or important meetings. Navy is also a great alternative to traditional white or light blue dress shirts and can be worn for both formal and casual occasions.
How to Wear a Navy Blue Dress Shirt:
Pair with Neutral Colors: Navy dress shirts pair well with neutral colors like grey, black, and white. They create a classic and timeless look that is appropriate for both formal and casual occasions.
Complement with Lighter Colors: Navy dress shirts can be complemented with lighter colors like beige, light blue, or pink. This creates a balanced and harmonious look that is perfect for spring and summer.
Add a Pop of Color: Navy dress shirts can also be paired with bold and bright colors to add a pop of color to your outfit. For example, you could wear a navy dress shirt with a red tie or pocket square to create a striking contrast.
Pink Dress Shirt
Now, gents, pink isn't just for the ladies. In fact, pink can have a massive positive influence on your outfit and is sure to make you stand out from the crowd. Pink is associated with confidence, playfulness, and creativity, making it a great choice for those who want to make a statement. If you're a stylish guy, you'd want to add pink to your closet, as it's a fashionable choice and frequently seen in men's fashion.
How to Wear a Pink Dress Shirt:
Match the Occasion: When wearing a pink dress shirt, it's important to match the occasion. For formal events, pair your pink dress shirt with a suit and tie. For more casual occasions, you can wear it with jeans or chinos and a blazer.
Add a Pop of Color: Pink shirts can also be paired with bold and bright colors to add a pop of color to your outfit. For example, you could wear a pink shirt with a green tie or pocket square to create a striking contrast.
Pair with Neutral Colors: Pink shirts pair well with neutral colors like grey, beige, and navy.
Complement with Lighter Colors: Pink shirts can be complemented with lighter colors like white, light blue, or cream. This creates a balanced and harmonious look that is perfect for spring and summer.
Red Dress Shirt
Do you want to grab people's attention? Then a red dress shirt is your best friend. When it comes to fashion, people often perceive those wearing red as confident, assertive, and bold. Fun fact, studies have shown that t wearing red clothing can make people perceive us as more dominant and powerful. This can be particularly advantageous in professional settings where confidence and assertiveness are valued. Individuals with cool undertones may look better in blue-reds, while those with warm undertones may look better in orange-reds. It's also worth considering the intensity of the red - individuals with fair skin may look better in lighter or softer shades of red, while those with deeper skin tones may be able to pull off bold, saturated shades.
How to Wear a Red Dress Shirt:
Choose the right shade: There are many shades of red, from bright and bold to darker and more subdued. Consider your skin tone and the occasion when choosing the right shade for you.
Pair it with neutral colors: Red is a bold color, so it's best to pair it with neutral colors like black, white, gray, or navy. This will balance out the boldness of the red and make it more wearable.
Keep the rest of your outfit simple: When wearing a red dress shirt, it's best to keep the rest of your outfit simple and understated. Avoid bold patterns or colors that clash with red.
Green Dress Shirts
Green is associated with nature, freshness, and relaxation, making it a great option for spring and summer events. In the business world, green dress shirts are often associated with innovation and creativity. They convey a sense of forward-thinking and a willingness to take risks, making them a great choice for professionals in industries such as technology, marketing, or design. When choosing a green shirt, consider your skin tone. If you have warm undertones, shades like olive or moss green may complement your complexion better, while those with cooler undertones may prefer shades like mint or emerald green.
How to Wear a Green Dress Shirt:
For a casual look: Pair a light green dress shirt with khaki pants or jeans. Add brown leather shoes and a brown belt for a cohesive look.
For a business casual look: Wear a medium green dress shirt with navy dress pants or chinos. Add a brown or black leather belt and dress shoes to complete the look.
For a formal look: Choose a dark green dress shirt and pair it with a black suit and dress shoes. Add a black tie or bowtie for a classic look.
For a patterned shirt: If your green dress shirt has a pattern, like stripes or checks, keep the rest of your outfit simple. Choose pants and accessories in solid colors that complement the pattern on the shirt.
Must-Have Dress Shirt Colors
Every man's wardrobe should have a selection of essential dress shirt colors. These colors are timeless, versatile, and suitable for a variety of occasions:
- White: The ultimate classic, a white dress shirt is a staple in any wardrobe. It's clean, crisp, and can be paired with virtually any suit or tie.
- Light Blue: Offering a touch of color while still being neutral, light blue is perfect for both casual and formal events.
- Navy: A darker alternative to the traditional white and blue, navy exudes confidence and sophistication.
- Pale Pink: Contrary to popular belief, pink isn't just for women. A pale pink shirt adds a contemporary twist and is perfect for those who aren't afraid to play with color.
Pro tip: Invest in quality shirts in these colors: Hockerty made to measure shirts, for example ;) They're foundational pieces that you'll wear time and again.
Most Versatile Shirt Colors
Looking for shirts that can transition from the office to a dinner date effortlessly? Consider these shades:
- Charcoal Grey: This muted tone pairs well with both light and dark suits, making it an excellent choice for versatility.
- Classic White: Again, the white shirt is unbeatable. Dress it up with a black tie or keep it casual with jeans.
- Striped Patterns: A shirt with fine blue or grey stripes can add dimension to your look without being too loud.
Styling Tip: To maximize versatility, focus on fit. A well-fitted shirt in a versatile color is your ticket to a polished look no matter the occasion.
Best Dress Shirt Colors for Work
When dressing for the office, you want to appear professional yet stylish. These colors strike the right balance:
- Crisp White: Nothing says professional like a pristine white shirt.
- Pastel Shades: Light colors like soft blue, lavender and pale green can be both refreshing and office-appropriate.
- Deep Tones: Think maroon, forest green, or deep teal. These colors are understated yet elegant.
Note: When selecting a color, consider your office environment. Creative industries might allow for more playful colors, while traditional fields might prefer subdued tones.
What Color Dress Shirts Are Professional
In the world of business, first impressions matter. Opting for professional dress shirt colors can make all the difference:
- White: The undisputed king of professionalism. Every man should own at least one high-quality white shirt.
- Black: Sleek and sophisticated, black is a powerful color choice, especially for evening events or high-stakes meetings.
- Soft Pastels: Colors like light blue or pale pink exude confidence without being overpowering.
- Subtle Patterns: Consider shirts with thin pinstripes or herringbone patterns. They add texture without being too flashy.
Insider Tip: When aiming for a professional look, prioritize the shirt's material and fit over color. A well-fitted shirt in a muted shade will always look professional.
Must-Have Formal Shirt Colors
For formal events, whether it's a gala or a black-tie wedding, certain shirt colors stand out:
- Pristine White: It's no surprise that white tops the list. For ultra-formal events, white is the safest and most elegant choice. If you search for tuxedo shirts, stay safe with a white formal shirt.
- Black: Especially if the event is in the evening, a black shirt can look incredibly chic.
- Deep Navy: A shade that's gaining popularity in formal circles, navy can be a modern alternative to the usual white.
- Metallic Tones: For events that allow for some flair, consider shirts in muted metallic tones like silver or champagne.
Golden Rule: For formal events, it's not just about the color but also about the overall ensemble. Ensure your shirt complements your suit, tie, and accessories for a cohesive look.
The color of your dress shirt is not only about psychology and perception but also about style. Choosing the right color can elevate your outfit and help you express your personality. Each color has its own unique style and can make a statement. Whether you prefer a classic white shirt for a timeless and elegant look or a bold blue shirt for a pop of color, the color of your dress shirt can add a touch of flair to your outfit. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and patterns to find the perfect dress shirt to match your style and occasion. With these tips and a bit of confidence, you'll be able to rock any color and create a look that's uniquely you.
