Q I work in the aviation industry and usually wear shirts and trousers in plain and dull colours during the work week. How should I go about spicing up my wardrobe?

A There are few things more boring than the sea of staid, monochromatic work wear seen in Shenton Way every day.

Fong Loo Fern, managing director of home-grown custom shirt maker CYC The Custom Shop, agrees that colours add kick and personality to the male attire.

She also believes 'real men do wear pink'.

'A pinkish hue not only flatters most Asian complexions but is also a happy and pleasant colour,' she says.

Start with baby steps if you are not yet ready for this arresting colour.

Accessorise with colourful ties and cufflinks. Details like monograms and buttons can also add subtle touches of colour to an otherwise plain shirt.

Don't overlook the impact of more understated tones and patterned fabrics.

'Play around with stripes and checks in a variety of hues, from pastels to darker shades in mauve, teal blue and rusty reds. A white shirt with a paisley print also immediately goes from boring to interesting.'

Try the combination below, which is a tasteful play with colour and pattern: The dark shirt with subtle stripes ($165) and the brighter tie ($59) are available from CYC outlets at 01-21 Republic Plaza II (tel:6538-0522) and 02-12 Raffles Hotel Arcade (tel: 6336-3556).

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Aug 22, 2008.