“You must become who you are.”

-Friedrich Nietzche

German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche famously provided advice to mankind on God and morality. He was also quoted as saying “Du sollst werden, der du bist,” translated as “You must become who you are.”

Nietzsche’s imperative was a call to embrace oneself.

Ever since reading that line in college, it has haunted me. Indeed, it was only when I followed this directive that there was light in my life, be it personal or professional situations.  It is a simple request, yet it makes all the difference.

Nietzsche’s command to become who you are can be applied to dressing oneself.  You should “dress for who you are.”

But how do men determine which clothes “work well” for them and which do not? 

Dressing intelligently begins with a few simple methods. "Personal color strategy,” as menswear guru Alan Flusser has written extensively on (see Alan Flusser’s “Dressing The Man” for more information), is an art that most men know nothing about.

Years ago magazines like Esquire provided seasonal color stories that would then be matched to general categories of men based upon their hair, skin and eye colors.
 

Unfortunately, such useful advice is largely gone from today’s “fashion” writing.  Indeed, color and pattern in clothes, and how it all fits together, is important in how one is viewed.  The goal of clothing is to frame the face in the best way as well as focus people’s attention to the face.  

The face is the focal point for all men.

And the result of choosing the right personal colors and patterns in one’s garments will lead onlookers’ attention to one’s face. Again, clothing is merely the frame.

There are a few general strategies for choosing colors that work best for the individual.  

The first rule in understanding what colors are best is the concept of Contrast vs. Muted Complexion.
 

"Contrasted” is when a man’s hair is heavily contrasted to his skin, e.g., black hair and light skin. The contrasted man should pick color schemes that mimic his contrasted skin/hair:

(e.g., see Pacino here with white and black shirt)

The muted man should pick color schemes that follow his muted complexion. Muted is when a man’s hair is similar to his skin tone. (e.g., see Gosling)

While these rules exist, it does not mean they must always be followed. For example, men of any complexion can wear a black tuxedo. That's because it's a classic look and one's complexion becomes irrelevant.

For more information about dressing well, contact service@commonwealthproper.com, make a private appointment HERE, or stop by the shop during open hours (Tues-Fri 11am-6pm; Sat 10am-4pm).