The Effortless Guide To Matching
“Why is it so hard figuring out how to mix and match colors and patterns? This should be easier!”
Let me show you a few matching basics and shortcuts, and you'll be putting together sharp looks in seconds, from clothes you own, in ways you never thought of before.
Soon enough, pairing colors, patterns, and fabrics will be second nature to you, tough-to-match items become super simple to wear, and you’ll never look at your wardrobe the same way again.
Here’s everything you’ll learn with this eGuide
THE TWO APPROACHES TO MATCHING
Two distinct ways to put together colors, patterns, fabrics, and textures. We’ll be going back to these two methods throughout the guide.
HOW TO MATCH COLORS
Yes, we’ll cover the color wheel, but instead of confusing you even further, we’re going to break it down so it’s easily digestible and actually helpful (for once!) We’ll even go a few steps further and show you some practical applications.
Matching colors won’t be confusing any longer. You’ll see that color theory, when applied to clothing, is simply a set of guidelines that you can use to be more creative when putting together outfits.
HOW TO MATCH PATTERNS
Matching patterns can be quite daunting.
You want to do it well. You don’t want to look like an amateur who has no idea what he’s doing.
This section will show you the correct way to pair patterns so you’re never stuck wondering if you’re doing it right.
HOW TO MATCH TEXTURES AND FABRICS
Have you ever thought about matching textures? What fabrics make sense for colder weather versus warmer weather? Is it okay to mix and match different textures and fabrics together, and if so, what’s the best way to do it?
That’s exactly what we cover in this section. If you were ever confused about wearing different fabrics and textures together, you won’t be after this. And if you’ve never once thought about it… well, you need this chapter more than you think.
HOW TO MATCH STYLES AND LOOKS
Here’s where we start looking at the bigger picture. Do you want to emulate a specific look? Maybe you gravitate toward American Prep, or the Workwear look, or a sleek continental businessman.
Or maybe you prefer a hodgepodge of different styles, and you pull your inspiration from different kinds of looks. That’s great too!
This guide will give you the ammo you need to pull off either of these looks successfully.
PAIRING SPECIFICS
This section addresses certain clothing pairs—socks and trousers, shirts and ties—that are usually worn together, and gives you quick and easy ways to either match or contrast them.
Should my socks match my trousers, or can I wear more colorful socks?
Should the pattern on my shirt be more or less bold than my tie?
Can I wear a different pair of trousers with my navy suit jacket?
We answer these questions and more in this section.
THREE USEFUL SHORTCUTS
Most of us complicate matching, and it doesn’t have to be so confusing.
If you forget everything in this eGuide except for the three shortcuts I give you in this section, you will be 100% A-OK.
YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
I wrap up this eGuide by answering a few matching-related questions I receive most often, things such as: Can black and brown be worn together? When is it okay to not match my shoes with my belt and other leather accessories? How do I stop using black as my "safe color"?
There’s a good chance you’ll find a burning question in this section, and if not, I give every student the opportunity to reach out and let me know their questions, which could end up in a future eGuide update.
1 eGuide (PDF)