If you’re a guy that likes to switch up his style from time to time, you’ve probably made more than a few faux pas wardrobe wise. After all, before you get it right, you have to get it wrong a few times – right? More than likely tucked somewhere, gathering dust at the back of your wardrobe is some “bold” patterened or sparky dress shirt you bought on a whim, but it just never fit with anything.

So now you’ve got a bunch of shirts that you don’t really wear, and don’t really know what they go with. Great! But, here’s the thing, you don’t need to overthink this. Buying a dress shirt, particulay one that helps you create an interchangeable wardrobe shouldn’t be so hard. Here, we will guide you on how to choose dress shirts colors for men that are versitile and simple to put together

Best Dress Shirt Colors For Your Skin Tone

First off, there’s a reason why a certain shirt looks great on one guy and blah on another. This is usually all down to skin tone. When a color is chosen correctly, compliementing your skin tone, it envariably pulls together your look in a powerful way. If you have no idea which color will bring out the best in your skin tone, take a look at the guidelines below.

Fair Skin, Warm Tones

• Go For It: Chill pastels (peachy stuff, light purple, soft pink), tan shades, corals
• Hard Pass On: Anything too in-your-face like electric blue, neon green, or pumpkin orange

Fair Skin, Cool Tones

• Go For It: Those rich jewel colors (think forest green, deep red), subtle pink, mellow blues
• Pro Move: Light pink or blue button-ups when you need to impress

Medium Skin, Warm Undertones

 

• Go For It: Earth tones (amber, sand), deep reds, gold accents
• Solid Choices: Navy, forest green, deep purple – these hit different

Medium Skin, Cool Undertones

• Go For It: Bold jewel colors, soft pink tones, chill blues
• Go-To Shirts: Light pink and blue – trust me on this one

Dark Skin

what color dress shirts should every man have

• Go For It: Deep rich colors (berry, chocolate brown, maroon) and bright pops (red, orange, yellow)
• Surprise Winners: Pastels and lighter shades create an awesome contrast

Neutral Skin Tone

• Cart Blanche: Pretty much the whole color wheel is yours to own, you jammy so and so!

 

What Dress Shirt Colors Say About You: The Psychology Behind the Look

Let’s be real – color isn’t just about looking good. The color shirt you wear tells a lot about you; you’re state of mind, your mood and even how you want to approach a situation.

Whether you’re commanding a meeting or grabbing drinks after hours, your shirt color is talking. Here’s what you’re really saying with those dress shirts in your rotation.

White Shirt – The Classic 

You really can’t go wrong with a white shirt. So it really should be the pillar of your dress wardrobe. This color dress shirt means business. Clean, sharp, no-nonsense.

It tells everyone in the room you’ve got your act together and you’re there to handle things. There’s a reason it’s the go-to for interviews and formal events – it sets the tone for professionalism without trying too hard.

Light blue – Firm Fav

This is your reliable player. It strikes that perfect balance – professional enough for the office but approachable enough that you don’t come off as stiff. It says you’re competent but also someone people can talk to. Perfect for client meetings or days when you need to build rapport.

Black Shirt – Formal & Informal

Want to make a statement? Reach for black. It’s confident, authoritative, and carries a bit of edge. It works especially well after hours when you want to command attention without saying a word. Just know when you wear black, you’re telling the room you’re not here to blend in.

Pale pink is the modern power move. It shows you’re confident enough in yourself to break from tradition. Wearing pink says you’re comfortable in your own skin and not afraid to stand out from the pack of predictable blues and whites.

What Color Dress Shirts Should Every Man Have

White Shirt

A crisp white shirt is your power move. It’s what you grab when failure isn’t an option – job interviews, important meetings, weddings, or anytime you need to look like you mean business. White works with every damn suit you own, classes up a pair of dark jeans, and always looks intentional. When you need to walk in a room and command respect, this is your go-to.

Light Blue Shirt

This is your reliable everyday player. It puts in work without drawing attention to itself. Professional enough for the office but won’t make you look overdressed at dinner. It pairs perfectly with grey slacks, navy suits, or tan chinos without breaking a sweat. When white feels too formal or too much like you’re trying, light blue steps up and delivers.

Between these two shirts, you’re covered for practically any situation worth dressing up for. If you’re only going to invest in two shirts that won’t let you down, make it these. Everything else is just bonus.

Beige Dress Shirt

onsider beige your white shirt’s equally capable cousin. This neutral player coordinates with pretty much everything in your closet without breaking a sweat. Need to pair it with different suits, jackets, or trousers?

Beige handles it all. It elevates your whole look with minimal effort, giving you that polished edge when you need it. Don’t underestimate it in the office – a beige dress shirt projects confidence and competence without trying too hard. It’s the understated option that still means business.