Color palette plays an important role in choosing any part of an outfit. When a haberdasher, designer, or retail representative speaks of your “color palette,” they are speaking of the combination of your complexion, eye, and hair color. For example, a reputable clothier would never sell a fair skinned, blonde haired, blue eyed gentleman a white linen suit, as it would wash the person out, and make them resemble a Q-Tip! It’s very important to find good complimenting and contrasting tones to your color palette, as it will make the outfit look better, as well as make you feel better.

Collar and cuff type has come a long way since the days of our fathers and grandfathers.  We are no longer tied down by staunch dressing modes, and the rules are seemingly made to be broken.  However, there are some tips that can help you in making a shirt purchase.

• Spread collars do compliment double breasted suits better, and don’t break up the visual lines created by the suit.
• Collars that have removable stays tend to keep their shape better, as the plastic stays that come with them can be replaced for brass, silver, or mother of pearl stays.
• French cuffs are a little more labor intensive alternative, but stylish alternative to the standard barrel cuffs.
• In this season, bold, bright, but somewhat darker colors are a good choice in a shirt.  If you wore a pastel pink shirt this spring, try a nice bright fuchsia for the fall.