Contrast over camouflage.

Colours close to your skin’s depth flatten you. Pick shades that sit far from it — that gap is what makes you look sharp.

Dark and rich frame wheatish skin.

Golden, wheatish skin comes alive against black, navy, maroon and bottle green. Pale beige and mustard sit too close and wash you out.

Light and bright glow on deep skin.

White, beige and mustard light up deep brown. Coffee brown and black sit too close and swallow it.

Dusky works at both ends.

Mid-brown skin has the widest range: crisp white and off-white, or deep navy, maroon and coffee. Skip the middle — mustard and grey that match your depth.

Fabric is part of the colour.

Thin tees fade to a dull grey that makes brown skin look tired. Heavy, matte cotton keeps black truly black and colours rich.