Guys and Pink

Pink in the 21st century can be seen everywhere. No matter where you are from you have heard the phrase 'pink is the new black.'

Women love pink because it looks great with almost any skin tone, it has a soothing effect on the eyes and it is very easy to coordinate with any color in your wardrobe.

But what about guys, is it socially acceptable for guys to wear pink?

Some guys wouldn't ever think of pink as a great ally in the fashion world. However, pink provides all the same effects on your wardrobe as it does for women. Pink is a great complimentary color for all of the traditional suit colors like navy, gray and black.

Pink also exudes a confidence in the wearer. It shows you aren't afraid to be noticed and adds a sensitive touch that everyone wants in a partner.

When in doubt look to mens fashion publications for guidance.

Nick Sullivan Fashion Director from Esquire answers your questions at Esquire.com.

Why do boys get the blue clothes and girls get the pink? I recently made the point that this wasn't always the case and have been trying to find out whether it's true. Can you help?

— Mitchell Miller, Milwaukee, Wis.

You're dead right. Until the middle of the 20th century, it was traditional for boys to be dressed in pink (a derivative of red, thought to be the most decisive, masculine color) and girls in light blue (which in Christian circles symbolizes virginity, with the Virgin Mary often depicted in light-blue robes). What caused the switch is hard to make out — we suspect it might have something to do with the appearance of Superman in his blue jumpsuit — but men can still pull off pink, so long as the particular shade is restrained (avoid anything too light or bright) and the number of pink items in an outfit is strictly limited to one (i.e., a tie, a striped shirt, a pair of pants).

So maybe dressing in pink from head to toe wouldn't be the best idea, but why not start by adding a little confidence to your cuff.

To shop pink cufflinks click here.