🌴 WEEK 3: Color Theory – Embrace Summer w/o Looking Like a Tourist

Hey Reader,

Welcome to Gent Within's Style Dispatch. We're on week 3 of a 4 week series on transitioning from spring to summer.

Summer is the season for colors, but unless you're headed to a Jimmy Buffett concert, you don’t want to look like a walking piña colada.

So let me give you a quick run-down on how to do color with control.

Let's dive in!

1. Anchor w/ Neutrals

Start with a neutral base (white, grey, beige, navy, olive). Then layer in 1 bold color or a max of 2.

Anchoring w/ neutrals in action:

In this example the navy blazer and white shorts act as anchors for this summer fit. The reddish-pink shirt is the bold color that doesn't scream out loud.

2. Choose One Pop Piece

A pop piece is the statement piece of your outfit.

Here's an example.

• Sky blue linen shirt
• Beige/cream fitted trousers
• Summer shades
• Pop piece: draped yellow sweater

Pop of color in action:

Building on the previous tip – here we've got a neutral base of beige/cream and light blue to anchor the bold yellow overshirt, which is our pop piece. Remember, rules can be broken if you know them.

3. Earth Tones Work Year-Round

But I'm not talking the safe and boring neutrals like brown, grey and navy.

For summer, you can experiment with bolder earth tones like burnt orange, beige and sage green – they feel summery but mature.

Summer earth tones in action:

4. Pattern Play in Moderation

Stripes, tropical prints, even floral – just balance them out with plain pieces.

That Hawaiian shirt you've wondered about wearing? Here's how to rock it.

Pattern play in action:

Just be sure to skip Hawaiian shirt day at the office... leave it for the next beach resort vaca.

🗝️ Key Tip

If you're unsure, match your outfit to the setting.

Brighter colors near the beach, muted tones for city suburban summer days.

For more summer color styling inspiration, check out this article on the blog 👇.

Next Tuesday ➡️ Summer Plans? Dress Like You’re Invited.​