Introduction to Dressing Well
Despite spending more money on clothing than any other era, these days there are fewer genuinely well-dressed men walking around than ever before. In a world where dressing well means donning the latest designer duds or owning an expensive wardrobe, the art of dressing well with style and intention has become almost lost. Yet the impact of a well curated wardrobe is undeniable - it speaks volumes about who you are without saying a word. This guide is here to help you stand out in a world where genuine style is increasingly uncommon, showing you how to dress not just to impress, but to make a lasting impression.
Understanding Personal Style
Why Personal Style Matters:
First things first: what is personal style and why does it matter? Quite simply - the way you present yourself is a reflection of who you are. It's a way to speak without saying a word. When you dress in a way that is authentic to you, it shows. It communicates your personality, your values and how you want the world to perceive you. Developing your personal style isn't just about looking good, it's a way to boost confidence and feel comfortable in the way you present yourself.
Discovering Your Style Preferences:
Start by reviewing what you already own. Which pieces do you reach for the most? What colours do you gravitate towards? Is there a particular fit or style that makes you feel good? By taking a look at your current wardrobe you can start to identify the fundamentals of your personal style.
Finding Style Inspiration:
Inspiration can come from anywhere, for me it was my grandfather. He was (and still is) the best dressed man I know. If you are not sure where to start, look to fashion icons, movie stars or men whose style you admire. Browse fashion blogs, magazines and Pinterest boards. Don't be afraid to experiment. Try different styles and find what feels right for you.
Building a Versatile Wardrobe
Essential Wardrobe Pieces:
Once you have a better idea of your personal style you can start to curate a solid foundation. A versatile wardrobe doesn't need to be huge, it just needs to have the right pieces. Here are some versatile essentials that you should start with:
- Tailored Navy Blazer or Sports Coat
- Classic White Dress Shirt
- Grey Flannel Trousers
- Well-Fitted Dark Jeans
- Quality Shoes
Quality Over Quantity:
When it comes to building your wardrobe prioritize well made pieces that will stand the test of time. Invest in items made from high-quality fabrics and with good construction. This might cost more upfront but will save you money in the long run. Be patient, aim to spend 5 to 6 years curating a wardrobe you are happy with.
Tips for Mixing and Matching to Create Different Outfits
Dressing well would be monotonous without the interest of a variety of designs. A versatile wardrobe, although it may seem boring, allows for endless outfit combinations. Stick to a cohesive colour palette - this will make it easier to combine different items. Layering is a great way to create different looks with a small number of items. Experiment and be creative.
Mastering Fit and Proportion
Here's the thing: even the highest quality clothes will look bad if they don't fit correctly. Pay attention to how your clothes fit in key areas such as the shoulders, chest, waist and sleeves. Your clothes should compliment your body and its features. Read our Dressing Mastery article for a more detailed breakdown.
Tailoring for the Perfect Fit:
Don't under estimate the impact of a good alterations tailor. Buying ready to wear and having it altered will already put you ahead of 90% of men out there. Simple alterations such as hemming your trousers or adjusting the waist of a jacket can make a world of difference.
Dressing for Your Body Type:
The quickest way to transform how well you dress is to learn which clothing proportions best suit you and why. Compromise on quality if you must, but never on proportion. Dressing for your body type is a subject littered with misjudged directions and arcane rules.
Tips for Short Heavy Men:
There is no doubt that correctly cut clothes can help the short corpulent man in appearing taller and thinner. To lengthen the figure, the eye needs to be distracted from the waist line. The heavier man should always aim to dress "large". Close fitting clothes reveal more than they conceal so should be avoided. To give the illusion of greater height you must create the impression that the leg line is longer than it actually is. The easiest way to achieve this is to wear your trousers on or above your natural waist line, not below. This will elongate the trousers front line and give the illusion of height. Pleated trousers are a great option for the heavier man as they offer more fullness in the front so the trousers can hang straight from the waist. Trousers should offer a slight taper from the thigh to the bottom and sit on top of the shoe with a slight break. In relation to the torso, shorter men should opt to tuck in their tops. Jackets should be as short as possible but still cover the seat of his trousers.
Tips for the Short Slim Man:
Like the heavier frame, the thin man should dress large. Tightly fitted clothes will emphasise a narrow frame. A slimmer frame needs more breadth across his chest and shoulders. Shorter men should avoid outfits with noticeable contrast between upper and lower halves. Lighter colours can be worn to advantage for slimmer men and fabrics with strong vertical lines are also advantageous for this body type.
Tips for the Tall Men:
Taller men already have plenty of vertical lines so they need to create more horizontal ones. Clothing choices should be proportioned with plentiful width across the shoulders and generously fitting around the waist and torso. Trousers should be long in the rise with pleats to bring a fullness to the front. Large scaled patterns are a better choice than small patterned clothes which will only serve to exaggerate a tall man's height.
Tips for the Athletic Man:
With such an exaggerated V shape torso the goal is to add balance to the bulk of the shoulders and chest without sacrificing the overall athletic image. The jacket length is critical and should verge on the longer side, but not so long that it shortens the leg line. Choose a jacket with soft and natural shoulders (an unstructured blazer is a good choice). Avoid any padding around the shoulders so as not to play up the top heavy look. Avoid going too slim around the waist. Trousers should be cut as full as possible around the waist and the thighs and should be worn as high on the waist as comfortably possible.
Choosing the Right Fabrics
Common Fabrics in Menswear:
The fabric you choose can make or break an outfit. Here are the fabrics you should start out by choosing;
- Cotton - Breathable, versatile and easy to care for.
- Wool - Warm, durable and perfect for the colder months.
- Linen - Lightweight and breathable, ideal for the summer.
Selecting Fabrics Based on Season and Occasion:
Different seasons and occasions require different fabrics. You'll want to stick to lighter materials in the summer like cotton and linen. Heavier fabrics such and wool and cashmere are perfect during the winter months. For formal occasions choose high quality structured materials that hold their shape.
Accessorising to Enhance Your Look
Using accessories is the easiest way to freshen up your look and adding your personal style to a somewhat classic and core wardrobe. When wearing accessories less is always more. Choose pieces that compliment your outfit rather than command all of the attention. Match metals and colours to create a cohesive look.
Must Have Accessories:
Accessories are a great way of elevating your style and helping you dress better. Here are a few key items;
- Unique Watch - timeless accessory that adds sophistication. Try something vintage.
- Leather Belt - choose belts that match your shoes.
- Ties and Pocket Squares - perfect for those time when you want to dress up abit.
Conclusion
Dressing well doesn't have to be daunting. It's all about understanding the basics and gradually building on them with your own personal style. By following the tips in this guide you will be well on your way to dressing well and improving the way you present yourself to the world. Dressing well is all about making choices that reflect who you are and what you stand for. Remember fit, quality and versatility. Keep experimenting, refining and most importantly have fun with it.
