Many men struggle with fashion. Trying to develop a good sense of style and put together outfits can feel overwhelming. The stereotypical image of “fashion” often involves unrealistic runway looks.
Unfortunately, defaulting to the typical “Silicon Valley uniform” isn’t much better.
Past trends from your formative years can also heavily influence your current style, often negatively. You want to avoid looking dated or trying too hard. Dressing well is achievable regardless of age, ethnicity, or income. This guide provides simple principles and actionable advice to help you feel confident and stylish.
Developing a strong personal style doesn’t require chasing fleeting trends. Building a timeless wardrobe that always looks good is the key. Avoid trendy pieces in favor of classic garments that stand the test of time.
Start by identifying outdated trends in your current wardrobe. Common culprits include skinny jeans, bootcut jeans, jean shorts, cargo shorts, V-neck t-shirts, overly long curved hem t-shirts, bulky skater shoes, and Toms shoes.
Letting go of these items is crucial for a style upgrade. While incorporating elements of goth, hipster, or urban aesthetics is fine, achieving these looks with timeless pieces is more effective.
Follow these fundamental fashion rules: limit outfits to three colors (black and white are exceptions), one pattern maximum, avoid mixing warm and cold weather clothing, balance fitted and loose garments (generally favoring neither extreme), and maintain consistent functional themes (athletic, formal, casual).
Building a capsule wardrobe with interchangeable items simplifies outfit creation. Consider a minimalist approach: if you could only own a few clothing items, which would you choose?
Focus on casual wear, as athletic and formal attire are generally more straightforward. Begin with shirts, the foundation of any wardrobe.
Stock up on plain t-shirts in neutral colors like white, gray, black, and navy.
These versatile colors easily mix and match. Crew necks with a relaxed fit are excellent choices. Black and white tees are especially important for layering. Long-sleeve versions are also essential. Limit graphic tees to subtle, tasteful designs with an artistic feel, avoiding large logos or overly colorful graphics.
Layer button-up shirts over t-shirts for a more sophisticated look. Choose short or long sleeves depending on the occasion and weather, leaving them unbuttoned to showcase the layers. Options include denim, flannel, solid-colored textured shirts, and patterned untextured shirts.
Sweaters and sweatshirts add warmth and style. Wear them alone, over a t-shirt, or under a button-up. Opt for crew necks in solid colors, textured knit sweaters, and quarter-zip sweaters in gray or black.
Jackets and hoodies should be versatile, sticking to black, gray, denim, or brown leather. Recommended styles include bomber jackets, trucker jackets, utility jackets, and plain pullover or zip-up hoodies.
For pants, focus on essential colors: black, dark blue, and light blue jeans in a straight or straight slim fit. Chinos in khaki, olive, and navy are also valuable additions. Ensure proper pant length, cuffing if necessary to achieve a slight crease at the top of your shoes.
Choose seersucker shorts in khaki, gray, or navy. Aim for a length just above the knee (7-9″ inseam), adjusting slightly based on personal preference.
Shoes can make or break an outfit. Three essential pairs cover most situations: white sneakers, brown boots, and sandals. White leather low-top sneakers are incredibly versatile. Consider adding black or black and white sneakers, and potentially a gum sole option.
Choose rugged brown or black leather boots or beige or chocolate suede boots. Stick to classic styles like Chelsea boots, Chukka boots, or work boots. Avoid overly functional or overly dressy options.
Select sandals that are stylish enough for going out. Birkenstocks in suede or leather are a good choice. Never wear socks with sandals.
Accessorize with hats, watches, and sunglasses. Baseball caps in neutral colors are a timeless choice.
Own a few versatile watches: a Casio, a black face watch, a white face watch, and a silver or gold watch. Smartwatches are also acceptable.
Choose sunglasses that complement your face shape. Classic styles like wayfarers or clubmasters are generally safe bets. Avoid overly trendy or specialized styles.
Once you’ve mastered the essentials, incorporate statement pieces that dominate an outfit. These bolder items should be paired with subtle pieces. Examples include oversized or brightly colored shirts, vintage tees, camo or cargo pants, ripped jeans, leather jackets, and puffer vests.
