Mixing and Matching: A Guide to What Works and What Doesn't

by Brandon A
(Oshawa, Ontario, Canada)

As human beings, we all want to look not only presentable, but admirable and fashionable, and what we wear is a big part of what defines our appearance and our style. Any idiot can throw a t-shirt over his shoulders and toss on a pair of jeans, but it takes someone for a keen eye with mixing and matching to really look outstanding, and that's where I come in. I'm here to help you pair that perfect top with the perfect bottom, and create a fashionable package that will turn heads.

First thing's first, you need to know colors, and which ones are going to compliment each other. That guide begins with your basic whites, blacks, and grays. These three are in the same family, visually speaking, and it comes to no surprise to anyone that they work diligently to compliment each other. White t-shirt and a black pair of jeans? Perfect. Toss on a black blazer over that t-shirt? You're in business. You can't go wrong mixing white, black, and gray in any way you feel comfortable. Beyond that, don't be afraid to experiment with colors, but don't get crazy. Nobody is going to look good in a pair of navy slim fit jeans and a neon green top, right? Exactly. If you feel one color is so drastically different from another, it's probably in your best interests not to mix them into the same outfit.

After that, it's all common sense. If you want to wear jeans and go for a casual feel, try a t-shirt or basic hooded sweatshirt on top. Experimentation is great, but there's a limit, and you need to make your own judgments on where/what they are. Have fun, but be cautious. Dressing yourself and creating your style is supposed to be fun!