Fashion is an integral part of our lives. The way we dress has a significant impact on how we feel, how others perceive us, and even the opportunities that come our way. For men who want to step up their fashion game, improving your style can seem intimidating. However, with some key strategies, elevating your look is easier than you think.
Find Your Personal Style
The first step to enhancing your fashion sense is determining what clothing styles best reflect your personality and lifestyle. Consider the following when deciding on your personal style:
- Your age
- Your profession
- Your body type
- The image you want to portray
For example, a college student may opt for more casual streetwear, while a businessman would likely lean towards tailored pieces for a polished look. Identify 2-3 style descriptors for the image you want, like “refined”, “edgy”, or “intellectual” to help guide your fashion choices.
Build a Versatile Wardrobe
The foundation of good fashion is having a versatile wardrobe of essential clothing items that can be mixed, matched, and dressed up or down. Focus on building a collection of high-quality basics, timeless staples, and statement pieces in neutral colors like black, grey, navy and brown. Some versatile wardrobe essentials include:
- Well-fitting jeans in dark washes
- Crisp button-down shirts and sweaters
- Blazers and sports coats
- Leather shoes – oxfords, loafers, boots
Invest in pieces that align with your personal style and can be worn in many combinations for different occasions. Aim for depth over breadth in your closet.
Pay Attention to Fit
An often overlooked aspect of stylish dressing is wearing clothing that properly fits your body type. Most men’s fashion mistakes stem from ill-fitting garments. Pay attention to these elements of fit for all clothing items:
- Shoulders – shoulder seams should end right at the edge of your shoulders
- Sleeves – sleeves should end around your wrist bone leaving about 0.5 inch of shirt cuff showing
- Pants – pants should lightly graze the top of your shoes without pooling around your ankles
- Shirts – shirts should contour your torso without pulling at the buttons
Getting clothing tailored is well worth the investment to achieve an impeccable, polished look. Or seek out brands that offer cuts suited for your specific body type.
Master Accessorizing
Accessories are the finishing touch that adds visual interest and pulls an entire look together. Even basic outfits can be elevated with smart accessorizing. Some accessory staples to incorporate into your wardrobe include:
- Watches – leather and metal bands
- Sunglasses – aviator, wayfarer, or clubmaster styles
- Hats – wool fedoras, baseball caps, beanies
- Ties and bow ties
- Pocket squares
- Belt – match color to shoes
- Cufflinks and tie clips
When accessorizing, stick to one statement accessory as the focal point. For example, pair a printed pocket square with an otherwise neutral outfit. Accessories also present an opportunity to inject personality into your look through color and texture.
Experiment with Current Trends
While classic style never goes out of fashion, staying updated on current trends can inspire you to take risks and explore new territory in your wardrobe. Some of the latest men’s fashion trends gaining traction include:
- Oversized tailoring
- Bold prints and patterns – florals, graphics
- Chunky sneakers
- Streetwear influences – tracksuits, varsity jackets
- 70s style revival – wide leg pants, disco collars
You don’t have to fully commit to fleeting trends. But do consider subtly incorporating modern elements through accessories, statement shoes, or the odd trendy garment piece. This prevents your style from feeling dated.
Cultivate Good Grooming Habits
Well-fitting, stylish clothes will fall flat without good grooming as the foundation. Establishing strong grooming habits elevates your whole appearance. Be diligent about:
- Showering daily and using deodorant
- Thoroughly brushing and flossing teeth twice a day
- Consistently moisturizing skin for an even complexion
- Keeping nails neatly trimmed and filed
- Getting regular haircuts every 4-6 weeks
- Shaving facial hair frequently for a tidy look or properly maintaining beards and mustaches
Good grooming demonstrates self-care, confidence and poise – all attractive qualities. Investing a little time into daily grooming habits pays dividends in pulling off fashionable ensembles.
Confidence is Key
At the end of the day, fashion is about self-expression and embracing your individuality. The most stylish men radiate confidence and comfort in their own skin regardless of clothing labels or price tags. Some tips for boosting confidence in your fashion choices:
- Wear outfits that make you personally feel good rather than chasing trends
- Focus less on what others think and more on what reflects your personality
- View mistakes or fashion faux pas as learning lessons rather than failures
- Compliment and acknowledge others’ style
- Gradually build fashion skills at your own pace
Fashion is meant to be enjoyed. The more confidence and comfort you feel in experimenting with personal style, the more elevated your look will become.
