Canali straight-leg cotton and linen-blend trousers

When I was still working at Express fashion, nearly a decade ago, I fancied a shirt but wasn't confident enough to try it on. One of our store managers put in her opinion and stated that with my skin tone (at the time, darker than it is now), I could pull off pretty much any shirt color. What a compliment. Even though, I am a few shades lighter, I am still able to pull off that same color but in a different shade.
The reason for today's GS is to create an awareness of certain colors that will look good on you. Spring is pretty much at your doorstep. I always encourage you gentlemen to sport those loud colors by complimenting them with contrasting colors during the warmer months. The thing is you have to be very careful in which colors to choose. Some can honestly be a ridiculous eye-sore. There are plenty of things to consider before you put out a colorful and stylish outfit. Before you head on out, here are four very basic things to have in mind everyday.
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1. Perception - Look at yourself first. Just like everything else in style, it all begins with you. You must take the necessary steps to present yourself to the rest of the world. How the world perceives you is completely up to you. The most obvious are your physical features. Believe it or not, there is slight prejudice when it comes to how an individual will welcome or reject your look. Just like Giorgio Armani (my favorite designer) recently stated in an interview, you must be honest with yourself. Don't be deluded in thinking you can pull off anything. For example, a gentleman who has a pale complexion will not look good in a camel colored suit. A color that will look good on one man does not necessarily mean it will look good on you and vise versa. In other words, make sure the clothes compliment your skin color and not the other way around.
2. Comprehension - Everything is a process, some take longer than others. Your ability to comprehend the ideas behind every look will only benefit you in the future. The entire process is a learning process. No one is telling you to dive into the many colors of the rainbow when you are clearly uncomfortable. It is not until you have found yourself at ease - complimenting each color with a contrasting one - when you will be ready to show the more lively part of you. You should always begin with only one bright colored item and work your way around that particular item. It is important to know that the item of choice can be used with various looks. It'll be easier on you to choose a color that can compliment more than one look.

Ralph Lauren Black Label

3. Inception - Forget about DiCaprio (even though it was a really good film), you do this almost every day. The film just took it to a whole different level. Remember, it's the beginning of something; the undertaking of a process. You can, subconsciously, make someone believe in something simply by your behavior around them. A lot of the visual part of style is plain illusion. A certain color, that is regularly rejected by a certain person, can look almost desirable by the way you wear it. For example, a yellow polo shirt can be toned down by wearing white trousers, but layered with a navy v-neck sweater (see image at right). 
4. Deception - I know, it sounds sinister. But like I mentioned, some of it is an illusion. The final part here is the investment you make for your wardrobe. It's not just about the many colors here, it's a general rule when it comes to a man's wardrobe. There are, in my blog site, plenty of expensive items and also inexpensive ones. Sure the quality may vary, but realize that the integrity of each item can be upheld only by you. It's not about being 'cheap'. It's about being resourceful, appreciating your clothes like a gentleman should. The way you take care of your purchases makes a hell of a difference. Keeping bright colors bright is easy when you actually give an effort to do so. Washing clothes with like colors, taking a dress shirt to the cleaners (sometimes not often) are a couple of examples of how to keep that quality to linger on for a couple of years. You can make some trousers that are $75 (USD) look like it's been taken freshly out of a high-end label outlet. If you take care of what you wear and wear it correctly, no one will question your taste in quality. There is a reason why manufacturers slap the 'care labels' tag on their items. Follow the instructions!

Gentlemen, as usual, the important factor behind all of this is confidence. Don't forget my "3S Effect" (Sexy, Sophisticated, Suave). The 'suave' is found in the core, it is the deepest layer. In order to be suave and have that smooth and cool swagger, you must rely on your confidence.

Paul Smith Jeans - Slim Denim pants