In Praise of Contrast

I’m not a big fan of monochromatic looks. It always makes the person seem like they’ve been indiscriminately wrapped in a bolt of cloth. Even when it works, I think it can always be improved upon by adding a bit more contrast. 

On Monday, Les freres Jo posted this photo. 

It’s obviously a great look, but it’s also a bit monochromatic. In fact, I think the spots of blue are what save him. Let’s see what happens if we add a bit more contrast. 

Better, no? Adding a bit more variation in color and shade gives Jo a sharper and more defined look. Each of the pieces stand out more, and you end up noticing the details such as the braided belt and pocket square. More importantly, it steers him further away from looking like he’s been rolled up in a single bolt of cloth. 

Getting this kind of contrast is easy if you stick to building a wardrobe in blues, browns, and greys. You can have other colors, of course, but most of your wardrobe should be built off of this foundation. The three colors complement each other very well. As such, they’ll allow you to throw on different things in the morning without you having to think too hard about coordination. Wearing pants, a shirt, and a sweater? Just make each of the items one of the three colors, but no two from the same, and you’ll be good to go. 

  1. clio-zimmermann reblogged this from fuckyeahfratbro
  2. theblueduck reblogged this from dieworkwear
  3. paperplanesandsubmarines reblogged this from dieworkwear
  4. idleandwild reblogged this from dieworkwear
  5. iwishmytiewasanapkin reblogged this from dieworkwear and added:
    article, by Die, Workwear!....for this summer for me.
  6. naansequitur reblogged this from dieworkwear
  7. fuckyeahfratbro reblogged this from dieworkwear and added:
    idiot. He’s layered together...cable-knit sweater,
  8. enlightenedracist reblogged this from dieworkwear and added:
    idiot. He’s layered together...cable-knit sweater,
  9. noelanthony reblogged this from dieworkwear and added:
    DW does amazing write ups on men’s style. Great...stuff out, like I am.
  10. eddiefortuna reblogged this from dieworkwear and added:
    would usually unequivocally side with dieworkwear on...look is quite nice. Plus, I cannot...
  11. thisfits reblogged this from dieworkwear and added:
    come to the same conclusion for myself. My skin...gent pictured below, which lends itself...
  12. frwd-momentum reblogged this from dieworkwear
  13. m0ym0y said: wholeheartedly agree! for me, the bottom right is perfect, color proportions appears to be evenly distributed creating an engaging look that would appeal to a man and/or woman
  14. brooklynesque said: Their site lists those chinos as Tommy Hilfiger. I have never seen TH chinos fit like that. Is it a european line? tailored?
  15. alexleon reblogged this from dieworkwear
  16. manshit reblogged this from dieworkwear
  17. dieworkwear posted this