How to dress well
How to dress well
How to Dress Well
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How To Dress Well: 20 Expert Style Tips All Men Should Try
It’s a cliche, but rules, it must be said, are there to be broken. Style is personal and, above all, individual. Some men can pull things off and others can’t. Some men are innately more conservative than others. So far, so contractual rider. But this all acknowledged, there are nevertheless well-tested guidelines which, if respected, help ensure that any man is dressed as well as possible – regardless of his own unique pizzazz in the wardrobe department. Think of these pointers below as being the foundation. You bring the bricks and mortar.
Get The Fit Right
There’s little point wearing good clothes if they don’t fit. Few things make a even a great garment look shabby than being too short or too long, too big or too small. So if something doesn’t fit – pay particular attention to across the shoulders and around the chest – don’t buy it. Or, as annoying as it is, don’t wear it anymore.
Of course, some dimensions on some items – suit sleeves and trousers, for example – can be altered. Find a good tailor and do just that.
Opt For Quality Over Quantity
With countless tonnes of clothing ending up in landfill each year, environmental awareness alone should be enough to convince you to buy less. But the incentive is doubled if you’re on any kind of budget or if you appreciate good value.
Higher quality clothes not only tend to look better, they also wear better and therefore last longer. Add in the fact that cheaper garments can suggest all sorts of ethical problems in terms of worker conditions, and saving up might literally save a life.
Care For Your Clothes
Much of what makes your style happens before you even get dressed. There’s the valuable thinking time put into what you’ll wear, of course. But there’s also the tending to the clothes you select. It’s tedious sometimes, but iron your dress shirts, dry clean your suits occasionally, polish your shoes, repair what needs repairing…
It’s not just because your clothes will last longer this way. You’ll look better. Think of all this preparation as being part of the same process as your general grooming.
Classics Endure
Fashion changes – that’s its very reason to exist. If you don’t want to keep chasing trends, or want to rise above it, wear the classics. These are those largely unchanging garments that have formed the bedrock of men’s style for many decades – from button-down shirts to Oxford shoes, straight-fit jeans to two-button, single-breasted navy suits.
Classic does not necessarily mean boring – you still style them in your own way. However, it does mean you’ll look dependably good at any time.
Do Sweat The Details
Anyone can put on clothes. It’s the attention you pay to how you put them on that matters. Some style rules feel overly finicky/uncreative but they do help create an overall good appearance: matching your belt leather to your shoe leather; wearing dress socks with dress shoes; tying a knot that’s right for your collar; not thinking your underwear doesn’t matter because nobody will see it. And so on.
It Pays To Accessorise
Either out of choice or necessity, your clothing can be conservative, even pedestrian, if you accessorise well. It’s in the accessories that you can express your individuality to anyone who’s looking for it – if you’re into watches, invest in a good, versatile one; step up the quality with anything you wear a lot, like belts, shoes or spectacles; introduce flair with highlight touches of colour and pattern on scarves, pocket squares or jewellery.
These tend to be the things people notice. You actual clothes are just backdrop.
Feel At Ease
Feel comfortable in your clothing – psychologically rather than physically (though, wisely, few men will suffer pain for fashion). Unless the occasion absolutely demands it – and sometimes it does – don’t wear anything that you don’t feel right in. It will show.
This doesn’t mean your comfort zone should be limited to T-shirts and sweatpants. You have to push yourself to find a style that’s yours. But make sure it is yours – and not someone else’s.
If In Doubt, Dress Up
Wearing the right clothes for the right setting is both important and respectful but it can be a complicated business. Dress codes are in flux. Some invitations still insist on using contradictory terms the likes of ‘smart casual’. If in doubt, dress up.
It’s the kind of advice your grandmother might give, but she’d be right: nobody ever felt out of place for being too smart. Not being smart enough, however, is painful.
Master Colour, Pattern & Proportion
Menswear has long been a terribly sober business, wrapped up in dated ideas of appropriateness and masculinity. But you don’t have to dress like an undertaker. Colour, pattern and proportion not only add interest to your clothing, they can help keep you interested in it too. Yes, they are tricky to master. You can expect to make some mistakes. But be bold and experiment occasionally.
Understand Clothing Craft
Crockett & Jones, Northamptonshire
You can only choose quality clothing if you take the time to examine what you buy – and understand what you’re buying. Look for close, regular stitching; opt (in most cases) for natural fibres; check the standard of finishing; plump for traditional manufacturing techniques like Goodyear-welting; although supply chains are immensely complex, consider the country of origin.
The internet is your friend – do the manufacturer’s claims stand up to scrutiny or are you being sold to?
Embrace Texture
Colour and pattern are both important, but if you really want to elevate an outfit, deploying some considered textures can add yet another dimension. Tactile fabrics like corduroy, silk, suede and fleece can generate a sense of depth or help to create a focal point.
Adding them to your wardrobe will arm you with yet another string to your sartorial bow and allow you to take simple outfits up a gear with ease.
Learn To Layer
Having a good grasp on layering will stand you in good stead when the weather begins to cool and outfit options multiply. Sure, throwing a winter coat on over a T-shirt does the trick, but it’s hardly as interesting as combining a knitted roll neck, a thick flannel shirt and an overcoat, is it?
Experiment with different combinations and use varied textures and colours to create contrast.
Have A Weekday Uniform
Even if your job doesn’t require you to wear specific clothes, having a go-to work outfit can still be useful. Not having to think about what to wear every day will save you time and enable you to perfect your look. It could be as simple as an overshirt worn over an Oxford shirt and jeans.
Buy a few colour variations of each and mix and match to keep things fresh. It’s also easier to add pieces to this set foundation, such as a sweatshirt or overcoat, to cope with changes in weather.
Find What Works For You
Let’s face it, we’re all different. What suits you may not suit someone else and vice versa. Style advice is all well and good up to a point but if you really want to dress well, you need to find what looks good on you and stick to it.
Build A Capsule Wardrobe
Having a fully stocked walk-in wardrobe fit for MTV Cribs might be nice but it doesn’t necessarily make it easier to dress well. We often talk about the virtues of a minimalist wardrobe and we firmly believe it’s a sure-fire recipe for sartorial success.
The secret lies in having the basics covered to the highest possible standard, resulting in a highly versatile clothing collection that will have your back across the whole spectrum of social occasions and dress codes.
Don’t Neglect Your Footwear
As Savile Row legend Hardy Amies once said, it’s impossible to be well dressed in cheap shoes. You can be wearing the finest clothes known to man, but if you top it off with subpar footwear it will all have been for nothing.
With that in mind, your shoes should never be an afterthought. Spend a bit of time and money on getting them right and everything else will fall into place.
Experiment With High-Low Dressing
Mixing upscale pieces with everyday essentials is a great way to spice up your style. With this technique, you can dress casual pieces up and smarter pieces down to cover a variety of situations. Try taking a more relaxed approach to tailoring by swapping the shirt out for a tee and the Oxford shoes out for some luxe leather sneakers.
Conversely, you could use the same idea to dress up a workwear staple like an overshirt with smarter pieces like cropped wool trousers, a fine-gauge roll neck and leather Derby shoes. Play around with it and see what works.
Dress For Your Age
People should be able to wear whatever makes them feel good. Still, if you want to look your best, it pays to have a bit of self awareness when it comes to what’s age appropriate. Skater hoodies, baggy jeans and giant bubble trainers may have been de rigeur when you were a 13-year-old boy. Now that you’re a functioning member of adult society, however, not so much. Stick to the classics and you can’t go wrong.
Invest In Quality Underwear
Hamilton and Hare
Dressing well isn’t all about what’s going on on the outside. How can one ever truly be considered properly dressed if what lies beneath isn’t up to scratch? Even if you’re going to be the only one who sees them, investing in nice socks and quality underwear will give your confidence a little boost and put a spring in your step.
Take a look at brands like Sunspel, Zimmerli, Hanro and Derek Rose for some of the best options around.
Find Inspiration On Social Media
Apps like Instagram can be great for sourcing a bit of style inspiration. Search hashtags to find things that interest you and follow accounts that speak to your way of dressing. It can also be good to follow some accounts that aren’t necessarily promoting the type of clothes you’d normally wear. Sometimes inspiration can be found in unlikely places.
Josh Sims is a London-based men’s style writer contributing to the likes of The Times, Wallpaper and CNN. He is the author of several books on menswear, including the wildly popular Icons of Men’s Style. He is also the former executive editor of Arena HOMME+ magazine.
How to Dress Sharp: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone (Without Being Too ‘Out There’)
By Khoi Nguyen — May contain affiliate links (Details) 4 Comments
How to dress well is a question that men begin to ask themselves at some point in life. The struggle with dressing sharp often comes from getting out of their comfort zone. This article will help for you to dress sharper and feel more confident without being too “out there”.
How to Dress Well: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone (Without Being Too ‘Out There’) article hero
» data-image-caption=»» data-medium-file=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/How-To-Dress-Well-As-A-Man-Hero.jpg» data-large-file=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/How-To-Dress-Well-As-A-Man-Hero.jpg» src=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/How-To-Dress-Well-As-A-Man-Hero.jpg» alt=»How to Dress Well: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone (Without Being Too ‘Out There’) | GENTLEMAN WITHIN» width=»1500″ height=»840″ srcset=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/How-To-Dress-Well-As-A-Man-Hero.jpg 1500w, https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/How-To-Dress-Well-As-A-Man-Hero-768×430.jpg 768w, https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/How-To-Dress-Well-As-A-Man-Hero-750×420.jpg 750w» sizes=»(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px» data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=»» data-jpibfi-post-url=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/how-to-dress-well-men-style-tips/» data-jpibfi-post-title=»How to Dress Sharp: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone (Without Being Too ‘Out There’)» data-jpibfi-src=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/How-To-Dress-Well-As-A-Man-Hero.jpg» >
It’s all worthwhile because being a well dressed, stylish man has its advantages in today’s modern society. Amazing things can happen when you start to care about your appearance.
Beyond all of the things that happen to you, you start to feel like a better version of yourself. That alone is reason enough to strive for better style this year.
HOW TO DRESS SHARP & DRESS WELL
Note: This is a long post and so I’ve turned it into a handy PDF that you can download for free and read at your leisure. Simply enter your name and email and I’ll send it right away.
Now, let’s get into 21 essential men’s style tips on how you can start dressing better today.
1. ESTABLISH A PERSONAL UNIFORM
various photos of president barack obama wearing a navy suit
Navy and red were the President’s go-tos while in office.
» data-medium-file=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Barack-Obama-Navy-Suit-Uniform.jpg» data-large-file=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Barack-Obama-Navy-Suit-Uniform.jpg» loading=»lazy» src=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Barack-Obama-Navy-Suit-Uniform.jpg» alt=»Barack Obama Navy Suit Personal Uniform» width=»1500″ height=»844″ srcset=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Barack-Obama-Navy-Suit-Uniform.jpg 1500w, https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Barack-Obama-Navy-Suit-Uniform-768×432.jpg 768w» sizes=»(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px» data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=»» data-jpibfi-post-url=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/how-to-dress-well-men-style-tips/» data-jpibfi-post-title=»How to Dress Sharp: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone (Without Being Too ‘Out There’)» data-jpibfi-src=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Barack-Obama-Navy-Suit-Uniform.jpg» > Navy and red were style staples of President Obama while in office.
Two main reasons for a man to establish his own personal uniform is to avoid decision fatigue and to save time.
In fact, many powerful men have adopted a personal uniform of some sort. President Barack Obama’s primary uniform while in office was the navy suit.
“I’m trying to pare down decisions. I don’t want to make decisions about what I’m eating or wearing. Because I have too many other decisions to make.”
Obama isn’t the only one, look at Mark Zuckerberg’s sea of gray t-shirts and hoodies or the late Steve Jobs’ iconic black turtlenecks and blue jeans. Simplicity and efficiency.
Adopting a personal uniform is perhaps the best thing you can do for your style this year. [Tweet this]
Steve Jobs’ look didn’t change much over two decades
» data-medium-file=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/evolution-look-steve-jobs.jpg» data-large-file=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/evolution-look-steve-jobs.jpg» loading=»lazy» src=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/evolution-look-steve-jobs.jpg» alt=»Steve Jobs» width=»900″ height=»375″ srcset=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/evolution-look-steve-jobs.jpg 900w, https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/evolution-look-steve-jobs-768×320.jpg 768w» sizes=»(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px» data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=»» data-jpibfi-post-url=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/how-to-dress-well-men-style-tips/» data-jpibfi-post-title=»How to Dress Sharp: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone (Without Being Too ‘Out There’)» data-jpibfi-src=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/evolution-look-steve-jobs.jpg» > Steve Jobs’ look didn’t change at all over two decades
Additionally, when you’re unsure of what to wear, a uniform can save the day. Think of it as your a go-to outfit of choice that you feel 100% your best-self wearing.
Do you have a closetful white or blue oxford cloth button down shirts (OCBD)? Or have you amassed a mighty collection of dress shoes? Those items are good candidates to be a part of your personal uniform.
My fall/winter personal uniform these days look something like this. Functional, simple, and stylish without having to think.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Locking down a personal uniform imposes simplicity to not only save you time, but also frees up your mental capacity.
2. LEVEL UP YOUR LAYERING GAME
All well dressed men know that dressing in layers is not only a smart, but stylish move. You can start with lighter, breathable and thinner layers closest to your body and thicker, heavier layers going over top.
On those chilly winter days, go with a base layer like a thermal or an undershirt. From there you can wear a button down or flannel shirt, then maybe a light down vest and finally a textured wool blazer with a stylish scarf to top it off. And if it’s frigid, you can throw on a down coat or topcoat with a pair of leather gloves.
Man wearing layers
Keep warm and stylish with multiple layers
» data-medium-file=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/winter-layers.jpg» data-large-file=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/winter-layers.jpg» loading=»lazy» src=»https://gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/winter-layers.jpg» alt=»Winter Layering» width=»750″ height=»1034″ data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=»» data-jpibfi-post-url=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/how-to-dress-well-men-style-tips/» data-jpibfi-post-title=»How to Dress Sharp: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone (Without Being Too ‘Out There’)» data-jpibfi-src=»https://gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/winter-layers.jpg» > Keep warm and stylish by dressing in multiple layers.
I’ve curated a gallery of stylish men dressed in layers if you want to see some examples.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Layering up can keep you comfortably warm and looking real dapper. The great thing about layers is they can be subtracted or added as the temperature fluctuates.
3. FIND A TAILOR YOU CAN TRUST
Tailor cutting fabric
A good tailor can help you look great | credit: Master Tailors Austin
» data-medium-file=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/tailor-you-can-trust.jpg» data-large-file=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/tailor-you-can-trust.jpg» loading=»lazy» src=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/tailor-you-can-trust.jpg» alt=»Tailor» width=»900″ height=»450″ srcset=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/tailor-you-can-trust.jpg 900w, https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/tailor-you-can-trust-768×384.jpg 768w» sizes=»(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px» data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=»» data-jpibfi-post-url=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/how-to-dress-well-men-style-tips/» data-jpibfi-post-title=»How to Dress Sharp: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone (Without Being Too ‘Out There’)» data-jpibfi-src=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/tailor-you-can-trust.jpg» > A good tailor can help you look great.
A habit of consistently stylish men is to develop healthy relationships with people who can help make them look and feel good. This includes, but is not limited to their barber, spiritual or career mentor, and yes, even their tailor.
Antonio Centeno of Real Men Real Style put this informative article together on finding a good tailor.
THE BOTTOM LINE
You don’t have to be all buddy-buddy, but it helps to have some sort of relationship with your tailor. The more he knows about you, your preferences and style goals, the better job he can do for you.
4. TAKE CARE OF YOUR CLOSET
Closet full of wardrobe essentials
Wardrobe Goals Pt. 2—credit | Pacman82
» data-medium-file=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Pacman-Closet-Goals.jpg» data-large-file=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Pacman-Closet-Goals.jpg» loading=»lazy» src=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Pacman-Closet-Goals.jpg» alt=»Pacman82 Closet» width=»750″ height=»750″ srcset=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Pacman-Closet-Goals.jpg 600w, https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Pacman-Closet-Goals-100×100.jpg 100w» sizes=»(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px» data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=»» data-jpibfi-post-url=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/how-to-dress-well-men-style-tips/» data-jpibfi-post-title=»How to Dress Sharp: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone (Without Being Too ‘Out There’)» data-jpibfi-src=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Pacman-Closet-Goals.jpg» > Closet goals.
All well dressed men know the importance of taking care of their clothing—from ensuring sweaters and knits are hung on quality wooden hangers to pressing and dry cleaning garments that require it.
They also know to utilize a shoe horn to easily slide into their best brogues and shoe trees to help their oxfords retain their shape and prolong their life.
Jeans on display
» data-image-caption=»» data-medium-file=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/jeans-care.jpg» data-large-file=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/jeans-care.jpg» loading=»lazy» src=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/jeans-care.jpg» alt=»Jeans Care» width=»900″ height=»435″ srcset=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/jeans-care.jpg 900w, https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/jeans-care-768×371.jpg 768w» sizes=»(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px» data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=»» data-jpibfi-post-url=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/how-to-dress-well-men-style-tips/» data-jpibfi-post-title=»How to Dress Sharp: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone (Without Being Too ‘Out There’)» data-jpibfi-src=»https://www.gentlemanwithin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/jeans-care.jpg» > How long do you go before washing your jeans?
And finally, another overlooked area is jeans care and maintenance. Most guys are washing their jeans way too often. You can go for much longer than you think without washing these trusty style staples.
Not only will your indigo and dark wash jeans be preserved, but you’ll be saving water from repeated wash cycles. The good old smell test goes a long way here.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A well kept closet may not be on your list of priorities, but take care of this often overlooked area and your style is sure to improve.
How to Dress Well As a Guy
This article was co-authored by Tavia Sharp. Tavia Sharp is a Certified Image Consultant and the Founder of Styled Sharp. With more than 20 years of corporate fashion experience, she specializes in helping others build a brand image through personal style, appearance, behavior, communication, and digital presence. Tavia holds a BS in Fashion and Apparel Design from The University of Delaware and has her Corporate Consultant Certification from The Academy of Image Mastery.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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This article has been viewed 1,154,564 times.
By dressing well, guys can give off the appearance of being confident, attractive, put-together men that any firm would want to hire and anyone would want to date. One’s attire is one of the first things noticed by others, and these first impressions are long-lasting. With a few simple steps, any guy can dress to impress everyday.
How to Dress Well: 9 Basic Style Tips for Men in 2022
Published on August 2, 2019 by Brock · Clothing and Style
Want to dress well but don’t know where to start? This simple men’s style guide reveals 9 things you can do today (without buying anything new).
Dressing well doesn’t have to complicated or expensive. And remember, dressing up ≠ dressing well.
Dressing well doesn’t have to be expensive. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It definitely doesn’t require you to wear a suit everyday or go out a buy a bunch of new stuff.
In fact, for most guys, the best way to improve your appearance is to start subtracting, not adding. Here’s what I mean:
If you’re like most guys, you probably have a lot of clothes that you never wear.
You probably have a bunch of stuff in your closet that doesn’t fit well. You either don’t wear it, or you do wear it, but it’s not doing you any favors.
If your closet looks like the top one, you don’t need to read any further: your captain is probably waiting for you on the yacht.
You probably have too many colors and patterns in your wardrobe.
You probably don’t know how to combine the individual items that you own.
And, most likely, you’re missing a few key pieces that will make getting dressed easier and take your style to the next level.
If you’re nodding your head right now – if any of these describe your situation – it’s okay. You haven’t done anything wrong. Most guys were never taught how to dress themselves properly (myself included).
Even the best parents often fail to pass this knowledge down to their kids, most likely because they don’t know how to dress themselves either!
Don’t worry. I’m going to lay out nine simple ways to start dressing better today.
Want to know the best part? Most of these tips don’t require you to buy anything new.
Note: if you’re a style expert, this men’s style guide will likely be too basic for you. But if you’re just getting started, they’ll be massively helpful.
Really think about each of these tips, and make it a goal to apply each of them over the next few weeks.
Once you start nailing the basics consistently, then you can start to experiment by adding colors, playing with silhouettes, wearing bolder accessories and mixing formality levels.
For now, let’s keep it simple. Here we go!
Tip #1: Size down
By far, the biggest style mistake men make is wearing clothes that don’t fit and flatter their build.
Trust me on this one. Oversized clothes used to be a huge problem for me…
For example, most men wear pants that are 2-3 inches too long for them (especially shorter guys).
Other common problems include sleeves that are too long, shirts that are too wide, pants that are too baggy and suits that are too big all around.
The vast majority of these problems can be fixed by sizing down.
Thanh Pham looking like a boss in clothes that fit impeccably well
Think you’re a size medium? Try a small.
Too embarrassed to wear XS? Swallow your pride and do it. Who cares what size shirt you wear?
Wear the fit, not the label.
Clothes that fit well (which usually means smaller clothes) look better and feel more comfortable. I’m not talking about skinny jeans or painted on shirts.
I’m just talking about clothes that sit relatively close to your body and follow your natural lines and angles.
Tip #2: Wear fewer colors
Some guys love combining multiple bright, vibrant colors for fun, stylish and eye-catching looks. They just feel good wearing these kinds of outfits.
And that’s fine. More power to them. Seriously, it can be a really cool look.
But most guys only wear colorful clothing because they don’t really know what else to wear.
This is too much color for one outfit, especially since both colors are very bright and saturated. | Source: Pinterest
Pink polo with purple stripes? Why not! Orange t-shirt? Sure! Pastel green button up? It’s on sale – get it while it’s hot!
The fact is, bright, colorful pieces are harder to combine into outfits. They’re harder to pair with the rest of your wardrobe.
And if you wear multiple colors in one outfit, things get a bit tricky. Sometimes even one color can make you look bad. For example, guys with fair skin are easily washed out in bright, saturated colors (learn more about color here).
For the most part, color is best used in small doses. Let’s call this a “pop of color”.
The only way to use color this way is to make sure your wardrobe consists mostly of neutral colors.
By neutral colors, I mean earth tones (tan, brown, white, cream, khaki) and greyscale (black, white and grey).
This palette can make up 80% of your wardrobe.
You can also add olive, navy and other shades of blue, as these are just as versatile and universally flattering as true neutrals.
These neutral colors look awesome on their own – I wear all neutral outfits all the time – but they’re also easy to combine with brighter, more eye-catching colors.
Neutral colors like tan and white are so easy to combine with green, blue and almost any other color you want to wear.
You can read all about the benefits of neutral colors right here (including some example palettes and outfits).
Here’s the bottom line: when it comes to color, less is more. When in doubt, stick with one pop of color per outfit.
Tip #3: Wear fewer patterns
Combining different colors can be tough. Combining different patterns that have multiple colors in them can be VERY tough, even for experienced fashionistos.
My advice? Stick with solid colors for a while. This is the best way to minimize potential mismatches.
Can’t go wrong with solid colors and simple, subtle patterns! | Source: Tim Dessaint
Once you get more confident about which colors go together, you can start wearing patterns (if you want to).
When you do wear patterns, try to wear one pattern per outfit. For example, if you wear a gingham shirt, wear a solid jacket over it. If you wear a plaid jacket, wear a solid tie.
Solid blue + solid white + pattern tie
You get the point.
I’d also suggest wearing patterns that only have 1-2 colors in them. For example, a navy gingham shirt has white and navy in it. It’s basically just like wearing a solid navy shirt.
Here’s an example of a pattern that’s very easy to wear (blue and grey checks).
A madras shirt, on the other hand, has several different colors, which makes it slightly harder to build an outfit around.
If you do wear colorful patterned shirts, be sure to keep the rest of your outfit very simple (neutral, solid colors).
But if you’re ever in doubt, just go with a solid color instead of a pattern.
Tip #4: Find a tailor
My first tip was to size down, but what about all of the clothes you already own?
Maybe you have some jeans that are too long or a shirt that looks too baggy on you.
You don’t want to get rid of these pieces. After all, you paid good money for them, and they still have plenty of life left in them.
So what do you do? You take them to the tailor and get them altered for a better fit.
Brock at the tailor
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again:
Tailoring is the secret weapon of stylish men. Ask the best-dressed guy you know if he has a tailor. I guarantee he knows them by name and visits them at least once a month.
Getting your clothes tailored can literally be a life changing experience. It was for me! And it’s way cheaper than buying new clothes.
If you want to learn how to find a tailor you can trust, read this article.
Tip #5: Upgrade your shoes
If you want a lot of bang for your buck, you should consider upgrading your shoes.
Most men are wearing the wrong shoes at the wrong time.
Boat shoes are NOT business casual…
I see guys wearing athletic shoes with casual outfits or casual shoes to business casual offices, or even the dreaded flip-flops-with-jeans look.
I’m not saying you should wear “fancier” shoes. I’m saying you should wear shoes that are appropriate for the occasion.
White leather sneakers > old running shoes
Boom. Instant upgrade.
Want to wear slip ons to the airport? Go for driving mocs, not those square toe loafers you bought with that JC Penny gift card your sister gave you for Christmas three years ago.
And no…no slides. They weren’t cool back in the day, and they’re not cool now, no matter what logo they have on them (looking at you, Gucci).
Not sure what shoes to wear? Get yourself a pair of brown leather chukka boots. They might feel weird at first, but I bet they’ll become the most worn pair of shoes in your closet.
Just remember: your shoes work hard. So make sure they’re working for you, not against you.
Tip #6: Add an accessory
One of the easiest and most effective ways to dress up an outfit is by adding accessories.
I’m talking about watches, ties, pocket squares, bracelets, rings, necklaces, hats and various other functional-but-probably-not-totally-necessary items that men tend to wear.
Even a boring outfit can be transformed and elevated with accessories. When you add an accessory or three, you’ll look so much more put together (but not like you’re trying too hard).
My go-to accessories are watches and sunglasses. I wear both almost every day.
My go-to accessories are watches and sunglasses. These are super practical and look great with any type of outfit, no matter how casual or formal it is.
A simple cuff style bracelet is also a great accessory for men. Eyeglasses also work well, even if they’re just for reading or looking at screens.
A simple metal cuff is an excellent accessory for men (easy to pull off too).
If you’re wearing a suit, go with a tie and maybe a pocket square (when in doubt, go with a solid white square).
Tip #7: Remove an accessory
Be careful with that last tip, my friend. It’s easy to go overboard with accessories, especially when you first start getting into men’s style.
I see lots of #menswear noobs and fanatics wearing a watch, a stack of bracelets, a hat, pocket square and tie, plus a fedora for good measure.
A not-so-rare sighting of a duo of #menswear peacocks at Pitti Uomo 🦚🦚
When you do this, it almost looks like a costume – and not in a good way.
Go with 2-3 tasteful accessories, max (i.e., watch + tie + sunglasses). When in doubt, just remember that less in more.
Like fashion designer Coco Chanel famously said:
Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.
The lady knew what she talking about, so I recommend heeding her advice!
Tip #8: Learn the dress code
Great style is like a great referee: it shouldn’t make mistakes.
So much of dressing well is just dressing appropriately for the occasion.
Have you ever seen someone at a wedding with an untucked shirt or casual shoes? They stick out like a sore thumb.
Similarly, there’s always the guy who went way over the top with a brightly colored three piece suit, pocket watch, velvet slippers…
Hilarious on the big screen, but not a good move IRL.
Both of these people are totally missing the mark and, ultimately, disrespecting the wedding party.
The underdressed guy lacks respect for the formality of the event. He should’ve read the dress code on the invitation!
The overdressed guy wants attention, but it’s not his day. All eyes should be on the bride and groom, not some overly tailored peacock.
Understated is almost always the way to go:
A classic, understated suit-and-tie look is perfect for pretty much any formal occasion. | @thegentnextdoor
Think about where you’re going. Is there a dress code? Maybe it’s explicit (a wedding), or maybe it’s unspoken (a job interview).
When in doubt, ask.
In most situations, the goal isn’t to impress everyone with your style. Even on a date, you want to look good, but you don’t want to overdo it.
Bottom line: try to dress appropriately for the occasion, even if it means you can’t wear exactly what you want to.
Tip #9: Layer up
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again:
Just like tailoring, layering is the stylish man’s secret weapon.
That’s why most guys who are into style love fall more than any other season. Cool weather means you get to wear layers without overheating, and layers look amazing (when done right).
You really can’t go wrong with: jacket > sweater > button up shirt
Here are some easy layering ideas anyone can pull off:
The possibilities are endless, and you can always check out the outfit archive for ideas and inspiration.
When our powers combine…
These tips for how to dress well may be simple, but when used in tandem, amazing things happen. We’re talking multiplication, not simple addition.
For example, if you combine layering with great color combos and proper fit, I can almost guarantee you’ll be one of the best dressed men in any room.
Proper fit + colors that go together + layers + accessories = great style
Actually, scratch that. I do guarantee you will be one of the best dressed guys in any room. Most guys can’t even figure out one aspects of style, let alone all three.
It’s not because they’re stupid. They just haven’t put the time in. Maybe they don’t care, or (more likely) they just don’t know that they don’t dress well. I didn’t know until my mid-20s. No one ever tells you this stuff.
But you’re reading this, which means you are willing to put in some time, energy and even money. So study these tips again, then start working on them.
And remember: it’s a marathon, not a sprint, so have fun and enjoy the journey 😉
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About Brock
Founding editor of The Modest Man, Brock is an aspiring minimalist who enjoys working out, spending time with his wife and family, traveling and creating great content. You can follow Brock on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
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