The typical colors of menswear? There’s deep indigo, charcoal, black, perhaps light grey, and of course, khaki and shades of olive. But those are just the building blocks. Rose or dusty pink (i.e., not highlighter pink) is an underrated shade that’s picking up steam. Because while it’s not rust or tobacco, it’s understated when done right, and it fits in with the warmer tones of fall, from auburn to faded indigo and fatigue green.
You’ll find it’s taking the place of more traditional shades, all the while arriving in classic pieces (like the polo sweater and even the five-pocket jean). The right shade of rose could be a game-changer for your wardrobe. Shall we?
Photo via Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder Midweight Cashmere Cardigan
The very best way to ease into an unexpected shade, or a shade that’s new to your wardrobe, might be by adapting it to a familiar silhouette. With its luxe cashmere construction, reliably tailored fit and minimal design (as easy to wear over a tee as an Oxford shirt), this subtly rose-hued cardigan is a premium style winner this autumn (and beyond).
Photo via Psycho Bunny
Psycho Bunny Bradshaw Polo Sweater
The prep refinement of Ralph Lauren seems to serve as an inspiration for Psycho Bunny, yet with a fun dash of edgy style. It makes for an eye-catching, tasteful result when presented in a classic long-sleeve polo. Feel free to swap your dress shirt underneath a charcoal blazer for a fresh change of pace this season.
Photo via Bonobos
Bonobos Jetsetter Knit Blazer
Yes, rose or dusty pink can be applied to tailoring as easily as it can be used to transform casual sportswear. With its blink-and-you’ll-miss-it checked pattern and handsome details like a soft natural shoulder and knit construction, this blazer makes the case that shades of pink can be as elegant as any other color in the rest of your wardrobe.
Photo via Banana Republic
Banana Republic Standard Fit Cotton Twill Shirt Jacket
The durability of cotton twill meets the heritage stylings of Banana Republic, as this shirt jacket is just a slight callback to the brand’s safari-inspired beginnings. The use of dusty pink is muted and yet eye-catching when styled alongside light grey, deep blue indigo, or even black.
Photo via AG Jeans
AG Jeans Tellis Jeans in Sulfur Dune Rose
The real key with wearing rose lies in looking to tried-and-true style staples you already love: The humble five-pocket jean is the perfect blank canvas for a muted yet stylish color statement. AG jeans feature a tailored fit and boast ultra-soft brushed cotton fabric, a nice bonus when rocking a head-turning pair of pants (head-turning without overdoing it, that is).
Photo via Nordstrom
Elwood Core Oversized Cotton Terry Hoodie
When opting for a shade of rose or light, light pink, the best way to approach the rest of your ensemble is to keep it simple. That means you should style this modern hoodie as you would any other hoodie, whether with grey joggers or even expertly faded blue jeans. Want to give it a workwear edge? Layer it underneath a dark indigo trucker jacket.
Photo via Y. Chroma
Y. Chroma Sevilla Shirt
Y. Chroma has managed to flip the menswear game on its head, offering clothing in color plans and outfit packages in a way that’s simple, easy to use, and undeniably fun (and stylish). Its best-selling Sevilla Shirt is begging to be worn on a warm-weather getaway, but you can also find the brand’s enticing shade of Quartz Pink in textured knitwear, a long-sleeve henley, and even a V-neck sweater.
Photo via Mr. Porter
SEFR Maurice Corduroy Overshirt
Go ultra-luxe in your exploration of rose as you ramp up your layering this season. The corduroy texture grounds this premium update to the tried-and-true shirt jacket, while the boxy fit offers room to layer cold-weather staples like a thermal henley or a white Oxford shirt.
