The trick to buying new clothes is not to think about how good an item looks, but how the item will look within an outfit. The colour combinations below are bulletproof and provide a solid foundation for any outfits you want to put together.

Blue/beige/white

How to wear: A casual summer combination. You can wear a button down oxford in light blue (or other pastel colours like pink), white Converse/Stan Smiths and neutral chinos. Also works well with a navy blue polo and beige chinos shorts.

Navy/black/brown

How to wear: It can be dressed down with a navy tee/polo, black jeans and desert boots or dressed up with chocolate brown oxfords, dark chinos and a fitted blue shirt. Either way, it’s a classy combo – especially in autumn/winter.

Grey/black/white

How to wear: An understated look. For formal settings go with black shoes, suit/tux and a crisp white shirt. On the casual end of the scale you can wear black jeans, white tee + trainers and a grey loopback sweater.

Blue/Olive/white/brown

How to wear: Another casual one. Wear a button down oxford, olive chinos and white trainers.

Pattern blue/navy/brown

How to wear: This is all about mixing patterns. You don’t want to go with too many similar shades of blue. Mix it up by wearing solid blue trousers/suit and a gingham/striped shirt. Always be thinking about contrast. Or you could have a navy bomber over the top and dark trousers.

Blue/beige/tan

How to wear: Admittedly, this one looks rubbish on paper. But in practice is a winning mix. It’s brogues, chinos and blazer territory.

These are just some basic colour selections. Just remember: you wear the clothes; they don’t wear you. as long as you have the confidence in what you’re wearing, most colour combinations will work. Experiment.

Words by Fil – https://instagram.com/thenortherngent