Well, maybe I enjoy wearing colour after all

A bright blue beanie is all it takes for you to start feeling more than just a navy and grey #menswear head.

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Outfit pictured above: by KEMET ELECTRIC BLUE BEANIE [ad - pr product] by MACKINTOSH, COACH JACKET [similar] by MARNI, COTTON LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT by SUNSPEL, GREY STRAIGHT LEG TROUSERS [similar] by MR P. and MADE IN USA 992 by NEW BALANCE

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Photography by JACK MUNSCH

There is a high chance I could be a martyr for navy and grey. They are my safe space, comfort blanket and trivial “go-to” colours. I find integrating them in different looks and different situations rather, shall we say, easy. But, and this might be the lockdown brain talking, can easy sometimes mean a bit boring too? 

The days in which I find myself doing the rounds with brands that might have released something new and seeing what catches my eye to add to my folders seem to all contain one thing: a whole load of colour. Big use of pattern, reworked and dyed fabrics and bright hues found commonly in a pack of skittles. It seems I’ve reached an impasse between my wardrobe and what appeals to me online. In the past I feel like I have steered clear of colour on the idea that it is not timeless. There is no argument in my mind to suggest that a banana yellow sweatshirt is going to be more resourceful than a grey one, but I’m pretty sure on the day you did wear that yellow sweat you may have an extra bounce in your step and a few head turns to gloat about in the office. 

As we begin to think about wearing more than 2% of our wardrobes, bright colour and wild patterns might be that quick dopamine mood lifter that grey and navy does not possess. Maybe I should loosen my belt on what I deem essential to a wardrobe in order to benefit from some clothes that tick the fun box. There’s a difference between integrating colour pops to what you already own and doing a 180 and hunting down quilted Bode jackets, Ahluwalia shirts and Nicholas Daley tracksuits. Instead, I am looking for hints of something off-beat. The guinea pig to this new way of thinking is this delightful Mackintosh beanie. I managed to bring it into my wardrobe towards the end of last year, when it was perhaps more appropriate to be wearing a wool beanie. I know I might be pushing it, donning a beanie in May, but when it is as bright as this one, it’s been enjoyable knowing I’ve got this bright blue beacon sitting on top of my bonce.

If the beanie was the first bit of bold colour in my wardrobe, then my jacket from Marni could’ve been the instigator. It’s a really subtle patchwork in a muted brown, making me think that my fondness for what I have been savouring for in lockdown has not been erratic at all, but patiently simmering until I found a way to wear colour. 

You did not think I wouldn’t be wearing any grey at all? I love this pair of Mr P. trousers from Spring/Summer last year. The way they drape over my trainers just tick that box for me. They are a straight leg with no taper, which might not be for everyone, but their lightweight and airy silhouette lends themselves to being worn right up until its shorts weather. Peeking through are my Made in USA 992s. A pair of trainers you will have heard plenty about if you read my piece on hype culture. I feel justified in my purchase which is something I worry about with anything new and have made a welcome change from the regulars. 

So there we have it, a foray into colour that feels calculated and not impulsive. Something I mulled over, continued to enjoy and so much so that I wanted in. While navy and grey will certainly be my home comforts, a flash of colour could be a regular occurrence. Time to decide what skittle colour to tackle next.jbicon

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