A menswear guide to wearing more colour this winter

Colour has never been cooler

Double Breasted Coat, £159 & Knit Scarf, £19.99, Zara

As the days get colder and the mornings get darker, many of us turn to a tricolour wardrobe of black, grey and navy, and because it works it remains virtually unchallenged.

In fact, the very thought of introducing new shades to one’s arsenal at this time of year is enough to scare off even the most sartorially assure.

So just how do you liven up your reassuringly drab wardrobe come winter?

Colour-phobes will be pleased to hear that your first port of call should be to start with neutrals. That is, a set of basic malleable hued pieces like white, grey, beige and black that will form the basis of your wardrobe and can be thrown together with almost anything.

Then comes the tricky bit: deciding which colours to choose.

While you can turn to the runway for inspiration, we suggest figuring out which shades you like first and then narrowing them down by those that compliment your skin tone and hair colour.

Barbour Parkhurst Shirt, £95, End Clothing

As a general rule, pale complexions are best suited to deeper, richer shades, while darker skin can get away with more vibrant hues. That being said, the most important part is picking ones that you will actually enjoy wearing.

Another option here is to let the seasons dictate your colour choices. While lighter and brighter shades work in the summer, the cooler months tend to be a good time to bring out warmer shades like bottle green, burgundy and burnt orange.

Save Khaki United Supima Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt, £45, Mr Porter

The weather at this time of year also lends itself to a clever styling trick; layering.

Hugely important when it comes to seamlessly merging new shades into your wardrobe, layering gives you the change to do so in a more subtle way.

Cropped Wool Trousers, £79, Cos Stores

For instance, if you’re trying out a colourful sweatshirt, wear it over a white tee and under a neutral overshirt for a subtle pop of colour.

Accessories are also super handy in this way too. Socks might not be the most riveting of sartorial zones, but when it comes to injecting colour into your look they offer the chance to have a little fun without overdoing it.

Rust Sweatshirt, £22, Topman

Similarly, bundling up in a colourful, printed scarf or hat is a great way to update your predictably dreary outwear.

Pop Trading Company Logo Sock, £15, End Clothing