Many men struggle with fashion. It can be overwhelming to develop a good sense of style and create outfits that feel confident. The stereotypical image of “fashion” often involves outlandish runway looks, far removed from everyday wear.
Unfortunately, some default styles, like the tech industry uniform, can be equally unflattering.
Past fashion trends from your youth can also heavily influence current style choices, potentially leading to outdated looks. The goal is to avoid looking dated or trying too hard. Dressing well is achievable regardless of age, ethnicity, or income. This guide provides simple principles to help men develop a personal sense of style and feel confident in their clothing choices.
Fashion isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about building a timeless wardrobe that always looks good. This means avoiding trendy pieces and focusing on classic items.
Start by identifying and discarding outdated trends from your current wardrobe, such as skinny jeans, bootcut jeans, jean shorts, cargo shorts, v-neck t-shirts, elongated curved t-shirts, and overly bulky skater shoes. While personal style is important, prioritizing timeless pieces over trendy items creates a more sophisticated look.
A few core fashion rules can guide your style choices: limit outfits to three colors maximum (black and white are exceptions), incorporate only one pattern per outfit, avoid mixing warm and cold weather clothing items (e.g., sandals with a hoodie), balance fitted and loose clothing items (a slim top with looser pants, or vice versa), and maintain consistent functional themes within an outfit (athletic, formal, casual).
Building a capsule wardrobe with interchangeable items simplifies outfit creation. Focus on casual wear, as athletic and formal styles are generally more straightforward.
Start with a collection of plain t-shirts in neutral colors like black, white, gray, and navy.
Neutral colors are versatile and easy to mix and match, while vibrant colors can be overwhelming. Opt for crew necks and relaxed fits. Black and white tees are essential for layering. Long-sleeve versions are also useful. Graphic tees should be limited to subtle, tasteful designs with a neutral color palette.
Button-up shirts add sophistication. Worn unbuttoned over a t-shirt, they create a layered look. Choose from denim, flannel, solid-colored textured options, or patterned untextured shirts, in both short and long sleeves. Sweaters and sweatshirts provide warmth and layering options. Choose crew neck sweaters in solid colors, textured knit sweaters, and quarter-zip sweatshirts in gray or black.
Jackets and hoodies should be versatile, in black, gray, denim, or brown leather. Consider bomber jackets, trucker jackets, utility jackets, and plain pullover or zip-up hoodies.
For pants, focus on three essential jean colors: black, dark blue, and light blue. Straight or straight-slim fits are universally flattering. Chinos in khaki, olive, and navy offer additional options.
Shorts should sit just above the knee. Seersucker shorts in khaki, gray, and navy are excellent choices. Shoes can make or break an outfit. Three essential shoe types cover most occasions: white sneakers, brown boots, and sandals.
White sneakers are incredibly versatile and pair well with almost any outfit. Choose low-top leather sneakers for a classic look. Boots should be rugged yet stylish. Opt for dark brown or black leather boots, or beige or chocolate suede boots.
Sandals should be more sophisticated than flip-flops or slides. Birkenstocks in suede or leather are a good choice. Accessories can enhance an outfit. Baseball caps in neutral colors are a timeless choice. Watches, whether classic or smart, add a touch of style. Sunglasses should be classic and suit your face shape.
Once you have the essentials, incorporate statement pieces that express your personality. These could include oversized shirts, brightly colored tops, vintage tees, camo pants, ripped jeans, leather jackets, or puffer vests. Remember to balance statement pieces with more subtle items. A relaxed fit is generally more flattering than tight or baggy clothing.
