For many men, color is often something to avoid, perhaps even fear. During the summer months, you might occasionally see a pastel pink polo shirt or some aquamarine shorts make an appearance in their seasonal wardrobe. However, for the most part, many of us prefer to play it safe and stick to a tried-and-true, risk-free palette of classic masculine colors: black, navy, and grey.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. When handled with skill and confidence, color has the power to elevate an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. It can lift your mood and, at its best, even turn heads.

For beginners, playing with color can indeed be confusing at first. If you get your color combinations wrong, the result can be a visual mess; but get it right, and your outfit can be a standout success.

So, what are the basics? How can colors be worn together to create a look that is complementary rather than clashing?

With a few simple tips, you’ll have your color coordination game nailed. Here’s how: