I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how to dress well. I read books and articles, watched videos, and researched Pinterest tirelessly, but nothing seemed to help. The problem with most fashion advice is that the people behind those resources tell you to dress how they think you should. Nevertheless, creating a wardrobe shouldn’t be about following simple instructions. Creating a wardrobe should be a series of principles anyone can apply according to their unique style. With that in mind, I decided to write an article with some principles I swear by that helped me dress better as a man.
Fit Is King
If you take anything away from this article, I hope it’s this: fit is everything. You could have expensive or stylish clothes, but you’ll look bad if they don’t fit right. Fit is probably the most important principle of fashion, yet most people ignore it. If you showed an outfit to someone and asked them to explain why it works and doesn’t work, most of them would tell you without articulating why. When this is the case, fit is involved more often than not. Once you take the time to understand how an item should fit you, you’ll learn that lesson for life. When you get the fit right, you’ll look great in anything, even if you wear a plain white T-shirt and jeans.
Quality Over Quantity
At first, I thought creating a Capsule Wardrobe was impossible. But this isn’t as time-consuming or expensive as I thought. The most important aspect of creating a minimalist wardrobe is focusing on pieces that last. Key pieces like a jean jacket define how you look, and if you pick those pieces well, you can wear them for years. Your goal shouldn’t be to buy the most expensive items, but the best quality items you can afford.
Neutral Colors
Neutral colors (black, white, olive, navy, grey, and beige) give you a foundation to work with. Ideally, 80% of your wardrobe should have neutral colors. You can use the 20% for seasonal or pop colors. Most men think neutral colors make you look bland, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Neutral colors give the sense of a timeless look, and on top of that, they are versatile, so you’ll be able to mix and match items however you want.
Classic Over Trendy Pieces
You don’t need to wear anything flashy or trendy to look good. Timeless pieces are called that for a reason. Items like white sneakers, an Oxford shirt, or dark denim will remain stylish forever. For this purpose, you should get rid of every item of clothing with a visible logo on it. The problem with most trendy items is that they can’t be combined seamlessly with one another. This is why you go through your wardrobe and can’t find anything to wear. Also, clothes that are logo-heavy are perceived as childish and immature. Improving your style isn’t about creating something 100% original. Improving your style is about taking a classic and timeless look and putting a unique spin on it.
Accessorize
As long as you don’t over-accessorize, this is a category where you have some freedom to choose pieces you like. You can play around with bracelets, hats, belts, and watches. Regarding that last item, I’d argue most smartwatches look terrible, so make sure you choose something other than a black square with a screen. While it’s tempting to choose an expensive watch, some great choices are less expensive than you think. The Casio A168WG, for example, looks like a million bucks but only costs around $50.
Don’t Ignore Footwear
Shoes are an important item because most people notice them right away. Sometimes it’s easy that the old pair of sneakers you’re wearing are worn and have holes in them. With a little care and attention, you can get something that looks better for longer. I’m a fan of white sneakers like Stan Smiths, but there are limitless options in this department. Other than a pair of Stan Smiths, I’d also buy a pair of chelsea boots which are comfortable for walking everywhere and look great on anyone.
Clothes Are Nothing without Confidence
Don’t use clothes to compensate for a lack of personality. A lot of people might look at a capsule wardrobe and think that the person behind it is bland because they wear neutral colors and classic pieces. I disagree. A capsule wardrobe lets you look great and gives room for what matters the most. When you interact with people, the first thing they might notice is how you look. Once they get past that, they’ll notice your personality and your values. Flashy items get in the way of that and signal you’re overcompensating for something.
Ultimately, dressing well is a skill. As such, anyone can learn some timeless principles and put them into practice when needed. Many people think that dressing well involves spending a lot of money or that it’s a God-given gift you’re either born with or without, but those are just excuses. The problem is that telling yourself excuses is easier than taking action. I hope this short guide gives you the motivation you need to find a style that’s unique to you.