Red, White & Black: A Creative Reset

As most of you know, I’m a sucker for making all of my platforms work in unison. Nothing I do is ever “just because.” Lately, I’ve been sharing a lot of different styles, ideas, advice, and ways to rock certain pieces. However, under all of that, there’s been a story I haven’t really said out loud… most of those outfits had the same color scheme.

Did you catch it? I know some of you did and probably thought, “Man, he must really love those colors.” Well, you’re not wrong, but there was a method to my madness. Every look was building up to this moment.

I wanted to show what happens when you put yourself in a box on purpose. When you limit yourself, it forces you to think differently, get creative, and sometimes get bold in ways you wouldn’t if you had all the options in the world. And the best part? Every single look came straight from my closet. I didn’t go buy new pieces just to fit the challenge. That’s what makes it authentic—not just for me, but for you watching. If I can create these fits without buying anything new, then so can you.

“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life”

-Bill Cunningham

The Pattern Clash That Shouldn’t Have Worked

Sometimes I wonder if I spend a little too much time in my studio/closet having full-on conversations with my AI assistant, like maybe I’ve actually lost it. But that’s exactly where my head was when I decided to put together this look: plaid black and white pants, a bold red dress shirt, and a black denim jacket with white writing all over it.

Even as I write this, I still have to laugh at how crazy it sounds on paper. Different patterns, different textures, normally a recipe for disaster. But then I finished it off with a pair of red Converse to complement the shirt, and suddenly the whole thing clicked. The main focal colors stayed rooted in black and white, while the red popped just enough in subtle, deliberate ways.

By pairing two different black and white patterns (that would have clashed any other way) with one strong, intense solid color, the entire outfit balanced itself out. This was one of those moments where I had to step out of my own way, take a step back, and ask myself, “Is this actually good?” And the answer came quick: “Yes…Yes it is.”

I’ll be honest: this look is not for the everyday man. It’s for the ones who walk into a room knowing they don’t just wear statements, they are the statement. This outfit demands attention. It belongs to those who aren’t afraid to be the eye-catcher, the bold one, the one everyone remembers.

Casual, Dressy, Effortless

Then there are those outfits you know are winners before you even put them on. For me, that was this casual-dressy fit: BLVCK Paris black denim, the same bold red dress shirt, and a crisp white suit vest. Top it off with Chelsea boots, because let’s be real, I’ll always find a reason to wear Chelsea boots, and it was game over.

What made this outfit work was its simplicity. Solid colors. Black, red, white. No noise, no distractions, just balance. The untucked shirt brought in a relaxed energy, the kind of “I’m off the clock, but I’m still showing out” vibe. With black pants and shoes already grounding the look and the vest holding down the white, I let accessories carry subtle hints of red. That’s the real trick: place your colors with intention. Break them up by location, size, or focal point so they complement instead of compete.

The best part? This fit is versatile. Dinner date? Perfect. Networking mixer? You’re covered. Bar-hopping after hours? You’ll still look sharp without missing a beat.

The Michael Jackson–Inspired Red Blazer Look

This outfit was one I was especially proud of, because it felt like everything came together perfectly. I brought a pair of pants out of retirement, and let me tell you, they knew the mission. Pairing a bold red blazer with a black button-up and bleached black jeans (that just so happened to have stripes of red, black, and white running through them) was nothing short of diabolical. Honestly, it was almost impossible for this outfit not to work.

The color coordination was so sharp that the whole look just melted together. It had that ’90s dressy vibe, almost like something straight out of A Night at the Roxbury (and I really hope you all catch that reference!). Instead of reaching for my usual Chelsea boots, which I know you probably expected, I switched it up with black combat boots, tucking the jeans inside. That small change leaned the outfit more toward casual street style, even though all the staples were there for a dressier fit.

What I loved most about this look was that the pants were the real bold move. They had so much going on; bleached, moto-style, roses, stripes, you name it. But when paired with two solid pieces up top, it balanced everything out. Instead of feeling chaotic, the outfit became a well-put-together ensemble that mashed textures, patterns, and colors into one cohesive retro-inspired vibe.

Suspenders, Shorts, and Making It Yours

Let me start off by saying this: my knees are not something I’m usually fond of showing. However, for fashion and for the culture, I’ll make the sacrifice. Because no one was ready for this one: red shorts paired with a black button-up and suspenders.

This look is the perfect example of the difference between wearing something and styling something. On their own, the pieces might have been a simple “yes.” But taking them further, adding those suspenders, black-framed glasses, and removing the jacket? That’s where it became mine.

Now, don’t get it twisted, the red blazer actually belongs to these shorts. But I knew the fit would hit harder if I separated the pieces instead of turning it into a standard short-suit set. A blazer with a button-down and matching shorts would’ve felt too predictable, even a little flat. By holding the blazer back, leaning into the suspenders, and finishing with black-and-white sneakers, I was able to keep the vibe fun and casual while still sneaking in those business-inspired details.

This wasn’t just an outfit, it was a statement in balance. Mixing playful with polished. Showing that style is about knowing when to hold back just as much as when to go all in.

Big Red Boots Energy

I KNOW you all didn’t think I was going to put together a concept with red in the mix and not bring out the “Big Bertha” of shoes; the infamous BIG RED BOOTS. That’s right, I managed to style these monstrosities not once but twice this year, each time with a completely different vibe.

Let me be real: this is my favorite fit of the entire series, and not just because I found another reason to pull out the wide-leg pants and the BRBs. On top of that, I got to rep the Chicago Bulls with my rue21 jacket and show love to my alma mater, Bradley University, all in one look. That combo alone gave it a special edge.

Streetwear will always hold a soft spot in my heart. There’s something about how unapologetic it is layering up with bold designs, wild colors, and styles that push boundaries. You’re meant to be extra, and stand out. Like Deena Rizzo would say: “That’s streetwear.” (And yes, these references are golden—I hope you all are catching them!)

This fit came together so flawlessly it almost felt predestined. Sports-driven streetwear, layered with some of the boldest statement pieces, tied together by the iconic Chicago Bulls colorway, it was pure magic. A chef’s kiss moment, through and through.

The point I wanted to make is this: an eye for fashion and style can never be put in a box. There’s always a way to make something out of nothing. That old piece sitting in your closet? With the right vision, it can be reconfigured into something brand new.

I know it’s not always easy to look past what’s right in front of you, whether that’s with clothes or in life. But it’s amazing what happens when you put in just a little extra effort, when you push yourself one step beyond what you normally might.

So here’s my challenge: don’t keep reaching for the same safe outfits you always wear. Make it your mission to dive into your closet, pull out those pieces you’ve never even considered pairing together, and create the most stylish combo you can. You’ll surprise yourself with what’s possible.

And always remember: Show love, support the dream, and spread positivity.

– Charming K

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