Looking stylish might seem intimidating for guys who don't keep up with the latest fashion trends. But improving your style doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With just a few simple hacks, any man can look sharper and feel more confident.
Focus on Fit
The right fit is the foundation of any great outfit. Clothes that are too baggy or too tight will make you look sloppy, no matter how nice they might be. When shopping for clothes, always try them on and check the fit in the mirror before buying.
Find Your Accurate Size
- Don't just assume you're a certain size - actual sizes can vary between brands. Always check the size chart and try the clothes on.
- Getting your measurements taken at a tailor or department store can help you determine your exact size in things like dress shirts, suits, and pants.
- Buy clothes that fit your largest measurement (usually your chest for shirts or waist for pants) and have a tailor take in any areas that are too loose. Well-altered clothes will highlight your best features.
Look For the Right Fit
- Shoulders and sleeves should end where they're supposed to. Fabric straining anywhere can throw off the whole look.
- Pants should never be too tight or have a saggy, baggy crotch. Go for a slim cut that flatters your lower body.
- Shirts should be trim enough to show off your physique but not pull at the buttons. Leave some room to move comfortably.
- Jackets and suits should lie flat with no pulling or bulging. The jacket sleeves should hit right at your wrist bone.
Know What to Tailor
Some areas of clothing can be easily altered for a better fit:
- Shorten or lengthen sleeves and pants legs
- Take in the waist or bring in the sides of a shirt
- Taper pants or slim baggy areas of a jacket
- Adjust the cuffs on shirts and suit jackets
- Hem pants to the perfect length
Check the Fit Regularly
As your body changes over time, so will your clothing measurements. Re-check the fit of your wardrobe periodically and take any ill-fitting items to the tailor. Don't hold onto clothes that don't actually flatter your physique anymore.
Keep it Clean and Crisp
Looking put together is so much easier when your clothes are fresh, wrinkle-free, and free of stains. Making laundry and ironing a regular habit is an easy style upgrade.
Wash Clothing on the Right Settings
- Read clothing labels and sort items accordingly before washing - hot water can damage fabrics.
- Wash most items on a cold setting to preserve color and prevent shrinking. Warm is OK for whites.
- Use detergent appropriate for the fabric like woolite for delicates or an eco-friendly option for everything else.
- For dress shirts, consider hand washing or dry cleaning to maintain a crisp look much longer.
Iron Properly to Avoid Damaging Clothes
- Iron fabrics inside-out to protect decorative exterior details from damage.
- Use the steam setting on tough wrinkles or cotton pieces like shirts. Avoid steam on wools and silks.
- Turn garments with different fabrics or heavy decor inside-out before ironing - iron embellished areas first, then flip right-side up.
- Always iron with the grain of the fabric, not against it.
Remove Stains ASAP
- Use pretreaters and hot water on fresh stains - don't let them set or dry.
- Look up remedies for specific stain types like oil, ink, etc. as some may require special techniques.
- For tough odor stains like sweat, soak the garment in a bath of white vinegar and water before washing.
- For collar stains, try using a soft toothbrush and baking soda or detergent paste. Gently scrub and rinse.
- If all else fails, take it to the dry cleaner.
Build a Versatile Wardrobe
The key to looking stylish effortlessly is curating a wardrobe full of versatile staples you can mix and match. Invest in these classics:
Slim Dark Jeans
A great pair of dark wash jeans in a modern slim cut looks sharp dressed up or down. Go for straight leg or skinny styles.
- Wear with tucked button-downs or polos and chukka boots for work casual looks.
- Pair with casual shirts or t-shirts and sneakers on weekends.
- Dress them up with a blazer and dress shoes for nights out.
- Look for stretch fabrics with a comfortable fit - they maintain shape well after washing.
Oxford Button-Downs
The oxford cloth button-down shirt (OCBD) is a versatile menswear staple. The casual cotton fabric makes it more laidback than a dress shirt.
- Tuck into jeans or khakis for a polished yet relaxed look. Avoid baggy fits.
- Layer under sweaters and jackets in colder weather.
- Roll up the sleeves during spring and summer. Stick to solid colors or simple patterns.
- Buttoned all the way up, they can work untucked for very casual looks.
The Perfect White Tee
A well-fitting white t-shirt looks great on any guy. The crisp white packs a punch and works as a neutral base for outfits.
- Look for soft 100% cotton in a slim but not clingy cut - it will hold its shape better.
- Pair with dark jeans and a khaki or leather jacket for an easy go-to look.
- Visible undershirts should always be fresh, white, and free of stains.
- Replace pit-stained shirts - keeping white tees looking bright might mean frequent replacing.
A Navy Blazer
A navy blazer instantly elevates any outfit. The dark color is universally flattering.
- Goes well layered over oxford shirts, polos, and t-shirts.
- Easily dresses up jeans for events and dates. Just add dress shoes and a tie.
- Opt for a slimmer cut - boxy blazers can look dated. Always leave the bottom button undone.
- Use silver blazer buttons for versatility. Brass buttons look more formal.
Choose Quality over Quantity
Building a stylish wardrobe is smart shopping, not excessive spending. Invest in a few versatile, high-quality items instead of cheap disposable fashion.
Skip the Trends
Trendy pieces come and go. Spend on classic styles you can wear for years, not fads.
- Focus on flattering fit and fabrics over flashy details.
- Simple colors like black, white, gray, and blue always look current.
- Timeless silhouettes and minimal detailing tend to endure.
Check Materials and Hardware
Inspect garments closely and learn indicators of quality:
- With blazers and suiting, look for working cuff buttons, sturdy shoulder padding, and neat interior stitching.
- For shirts, look for cleanly finished seams, buttons that don't gap, and reinforced buttonholes.
- With jeans, look at the stitching, rivets, and fabric thickness. Quality denim holds its shape and doesn't sag.
- With shoes, examine the sole stitching and inside linings. Quality leather uppers flex without cracking.
Buy Investment Pieces
Certain items are worth spending more on for longevity and daily wearability:
- Premium denim lasts for years and holds shape well, justifying the price.
- A high-quality leather belt can be worn daily and should outlast cheaper versions.
- Spending more on the perfect blazer you can dress up or down is a smart move.
- With good care, a well-made pair of dress shoes can be resoled again and again.
Polish Your Style with Accessories
The right accessories can level up basic outfits and make getting dressed easier. Choose accessories that complement your look.
Find Your Signature Watch
A watch is a must-have accessory with both fashion and function.
- Match metal tones - silver, black, or gold watch color should complement your belt buckle, glasses, etc.
- More casual, rugged watches go best with laidback looks and dark denim.
- Sleek leather strap watches add polish to button-downs and blazers.
- Use watch face size to accentuate your wrist - larger faces for big wrists, smaller for slender.
Invest in a Quality Leather Belt
A leather belt is a wardrobe essential. Look for one in black or brown full-grain leather.
- Match your belt color to your shoes - brown belt goes with brown shoes, black goes with black.
- Belt width should complement your physique - average 1-1.5 inches wide. Big guys can pull off wider.
- Look for a simple, elegant buckle that complements both casual and dressy looks.
- Make new holes only when absolutely needed - keep leather intact as long as possible.
Upgrade Your Eyewear
For guys who wear glasses, choosing the right frames is key:
- Glasses should complement the shape of your face - rounder faces look better in rectangular frames, etc.
- Lighter colored frames add visual contrast for guys with darker complexions. Tortoiseshell is versatile.
- Minimalist metal frames in silver, gunmetal, or black match any wardrobe.
- Go with classic shapes like Wayfarers or Clubmasters. Avoid oversized novelty frames.
- Keep lenses clean and smudge-free to complete the polished look.
Choose Versatile Outerwear
The right lightweight jacket upgrades any outfit. Smart layering pieces include:
- Leather jackets - bomber or motorcycle styles work for casual wear.
- Denim jackets - a classic that pairs well with jeans and chinos.
- Field or utility jackets - brings rugged edge to casual fits.
- Unstructured blazers - dress up outfits without being too stiff.
- Mac or trench coats - water-resistant options for rainy days.
Get a Flattering, Professional Haircut
An outdated or unflattering haircut can sabotage your style. Getting your hair cut regularly preserves a polished look.
Find a Style that Suits Your Face
Consider your face shape and features when choosing a hairstyle:
- Oval faces can pull off varied styles. Go for well-blended lengths rather than severe crops.
- Longer faces look better with some volume on top and short sides - avoid flat cuts.
- Round faces benefit from tidy sides and length on top to add definition.
- Square jaws and prominent features are balanced out with medium-long lengths.
Work with Your Hair Texture
Get a cut suited for your hair type:
- Curly locks need textured cuts with layers and face-framing shape. Let curls enhance your look.
- Coarse or frizzy hair benefits from shorter cuts that tame and control texture.
- Fine hair needs choppy cuts with texture. Precision cuts can make thin hair appear fuller.
- Straight, silky hair can pull off sleek cuts or add body with layered styles.
Find a Skilled Stylist
- Ask friends with great haircuts for referrals and read online reviews.
- Schedule a consultation to communicate your hair type, lifestyle, and goals. Be open to the stylist's input.
- Allow extra time for the cut if getting a new style - don't rush the process.
- Come with freshly washed hair so the stylist can see your texture accurately.
- Request tips on maintaining the cut's shape between appointments.
Conclusion
With some simple upgrades to fit, fabric, accessories, and grooming, it's easy to improve your style instantly. Investing in versatile classics that fit you well and getting the right haircut make looking polished effortless. Focus on flattering your best features, not chasing trends. With these essential style hacks, dressing with confidence is a breeze.
