Color denim may make an eye-popping first impression, but with the help of a little imagination, brawn, and a good attitude, you'll find that experimenting with an assortment of shades and hues can add an entirely new spectrum to your style.
There are plenty of ways to match colors and all can work if you do it right. Monochromatic and similar color tones keep it safe, sophisticated (if a bit plain); complementary colors oppose each other and make bold, mod, and pop statements; and contrasting colors add a casual depth and dimension.
Beginners should consider starting with a pair of demure blue or dark-colored denim, though by all means, jump right in with bright reds, greens, and yellows. All you should add is a plain white crew or V-neck (a light graphic tee if you're feeling brave), boat shoes, high-tops, or canvas slip-ons of a color that works in one of the three ways with the color of your denim. In cooler weather, you can throw on a grey cardigan or plain jacket with a scarf.
Most of us are used to building a look around a top piece, but with color jeans, you're doing the opposite. This means that if you pair your colored denim with an even more colorful top, you're probably going to come off looking like a clown. Let the color denim be the star of your look.
You should always work with your body type, but a clean and fitted cut will look the most put together. From there, you can take the look in a few different directions. Plain Oxford shirts (sleeves rolled, tucked in with a black, brown, or a very muted color belt), or polos with some loafers or a boat shoe will put you at the head of prepster class. Add Wayfarers, a navy blazer, and a knit tie for bonus points. You can funk up the looks by playing with color combinations or by working in check shirts, bold graphic tee's, hoodies, and high tops.
Accessorizing will depend on your comfort level, but most people will feel safe with a pair of sunglasses or a colored watch. You can also throw a bag into the look -- just be sure the bag is demure in its design and isn't a rainbow of color.
Color is nothing to fear. With a little bit of practice and a lot of playing around, you're sure to find a color and a combination that expresses exactly who you are as a man.
