I get questions about style all the time. From clients, from LinkedIn, from guys who just want to get dressed without overthinking it. So I thought I'd answer a few of the most common ones right here.
Q: "I’ve heard I’m supposed to match my belt to my shoes. Do I actually have to do that?"
No. And honestly, that “rule” has been outdated for a while now.
Style isn't about following a restrictive checklist. It's about making an impact and showing the world who you are.
Here's how to think about it instead:
Look at your shirt or pants first. A belt in a similar or complementary shade to what you're wearing creates a natural connection without being matchy-matchy.
Think about your overall color palette. If your outfit runs cool -- blues, blacks, grays -- your belt should stay in that same cool family. Warm outfit? Warm belt.
Or use the belt as a deliberate pop of color. A colorful belt against a neutral outfit is a bold move and it looks fresh. A colorful belt against an already colorful outfit is a lot (even for me lol).
Q: "My outfit last night (neighborhood BBQ) looked OK but felt “off” as I wore it throughout the evening. What am I missing?"
Nine times out of ten, it's the fit.
A shirt that pulls at the buttons, pants that puddle at the shoe, a jacket shoulder that hangs too far down the arms…these details can make an otherwise great outfit feel off.
Before you decide something "isn't your style," ask yourself:
Does this move with me?
Does it give me shape?
Does it look intentional?
Fit is one of the quietest style upgrades you can make. But it makes a huge difference.
Q: I've been told my whole life I can't wear red. Is that actually true?
It’s not the color, it's the shade.
Red isn't just one color. Each shade interacts differently with your skin tone, your eye color, and your hair.
Every single time I hear "I can't wear X color," I cringe. Because I know I could put a swatch up to someone's face of the right shade of that color and show them the truth!
A tomato red is VERY different from a bing cherry red.
Tomato red brings a sun-drenched, high-contrast energy, while deep, juicy bing cherry red is velvety and sophisticated - almost a neutral.
They’re both considered red but they have a totally different effect.
Q: "If I get really tan, do my colors change?"
Great question, and I actually got asked this same Q mid-session recently.
When you tan, your skin tone gets darker. But your undertone doesn't change.
Your undertone is the natural balance of warm vs. cool and clear vs. muted. That's the foundation we're analyzing.
A tan might shift things slightly deeper, but it doesn't move you from one color family to another. So if you look great in deep navy, rich olive, or burgundy today -- you'll still look great in those colors in July.
Think of it like music…
Your color palette is the genre. Your tan just changes the volume a little.
Q: "What shoes should I bring on a two-week vacation without checking a bag?"
Confession: I used to pack like I was styling a runway. Five pairs of shoes for a 3-day trip, not even joking.
Then came the $100 luggage fee. Ouch.
Now I leave the heavy oxfords, loafers, and boots behind and travel with light, versatile shoes that work with everything from jeans to jackets.
Three pairs max. Make each one work harder.
Your luggage (and your wallet) will thank you.
Q: "I stick to basic colors - a lot of navy and gray. I want to be more adventurous but I'm scared I'll look ridiculous. What's the best way to start?"
Start where it's least expected -- your socks.
Adding color doesn't have to be bold or overwhelming. A pair of colorful socks instantly adds energy and personality to your look, even when you're in a classic navy or gray suit.
From there, you can take a few more risks, like a cool scarf, a pocket square, or with your watch or jewelry choices. Another idea is to ditch the white button down and replace it with a pop of color.
The key is balance and confidence. Put it on and OWN it! You’re cooler than you think, trust me. ;)
Ready to answer all of these questions for your specific coloring, your wardrobe, and life? That's exactly what a Color Analysis session does.
Getting dressed can be SIMPLE and still creative. I’ll help you do it.
Get started here: davidedwardsclothier.com/pages/color-analysis