Whether someone is browsing the hangers of a retail store or their closet, matching items to create an articulate ensemble is always a factor in looking fashionable. However, the limits of “what matches what” can be stretched from time to time — perhaps consistently.
Too many people get locked into the routine or idea that certain colors and patterns belong together and particular rules of “matching” should never be deviated.
While it is important to use sensible judgment when putting together an outfit, straying from those limits of matching can leave an impression and turn stagnant attire into a bold statement of confidence.
For example, sock choice is one of the easiest ways men can experiment with pattern and color schemes. If you’re wearing a brown suit with a vertical striped blue shirt, try wearing blue, pink, or lavender argyle socks. It may look a little odd at first and feel uncomfortable, but people will notice these accents and respect the daring style. This segues into accenting, which is another part of “alternative matching,” as I like to call it.
Big or small accents in an outfit can make the difference between being the person everyone is looking at and being the person that blends in with the rest of the crowd.
An accent can be anything from a peculiar tie clip to shoes that are almost isolated from the rest of the ensemble. It can be a one-of-a-kind blazer or simply the pocket square accompanying it.
A more common example of accenting, which can be seen on campus if you keep an eye out, is guys wearing shoes or snapbacks that seemingly do not have any relation to what they are wearing. Yet, for some reason, the accent compliments the outfit. This is an example of successful accenting or “alternative matching.”
I recently wore this outfit: red shorts, a gray shirt with small green lettering and a New Orleans Pelicans snapback. At first glance, it looked like I rolled out of bed and threw on the first three pieces of clothing that I found on the floor. However, the ensemble was meticulously crafted because I paired each color in the outfit far in advance.
The snapback matched my red shorts as well as the green lettering of my shirt. The Pelicans’ logo contains red and blue, and the under part of the bill is solid green. My hat tied together an outfit that seemed a little off the wall but was fashionable and distinctive to my style.
While a snapback is not always the answer for adding the appropriate accent to your threads, it is one effortless way to practice alternative matching.
Shoes, like snapbacks, can accent a particular outfit. Whether they are LeBrons or Steve Maddens, an unexpected shoe can make or break an outfit.
The same idea can be applied to jewelry, such as watches, cufflinks, or a variety of accessories. For instance, sunglasses and eyeglasses can be accents if they compliment or even slightly combat the color theme of an outfit.
The important thing is to stand out in a simple, classy way so people remember and covet the clothes you wear.
Michael Tarver is a 20-year-old mass communication junior from Houma, La. You can reach Michael on Twitter @Michael_T16

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