Think pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

One of the most interesting and refreshing things that I have noticed, from watching NFL games on television to professional men on the go in Houston (and in my own wardrobe, for that matter) is the emergence of pink in men's outfits.

While pink is more accepted in women's wear, it is gaining momentum in menswear, thanks in part to the month of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month. This is a cool thing, and rather ironic since the color pink usually is regarded as a summer color. In the fall, pink becomes not just symbolic; it is a change of pace.

With dress shirts, pink is another option that joins the whites and light blues that men are used to when suiting up. Dark ties with pink accents are welcome complements.

Although pink has made strides in conservative menswear, there's still a sentiment of resistance to the color, that pink may be too leisurely or "for sissies."

News flash: We're a decade into the 21st century, and pink is increasingly "in." In fact, it never left. Let's review a few of such icons over the years: We have the pink Cadillac; the Pink Panther; and Pinky, one of the baddies who's always chasing Pac-Man.

Pink has long been a "preppy" color that's been available for years at retailers such as Brooks Brothers, J. Crew and Polo Ralph Lauren. In the spring and summer, pink is prevalent in seersucker suits, Oxford shirts and ties. In the fall and winter, a pink shirt provides a nice contrast with a navy blazer or suit.

Pink is still an acquired taste for me, but it's not difficult to work it into my wardrobe. (Yellow is actually tougher for me.) The key is to achieve balance. Too much pink means too casual; with dark suits, incorporating pink in the right places (shirts, ties, pocket squares) will go far.