Some men look stylish and put together every time they step out. You get the sense that they don’t have to try at all and yet somehow their look just works. Perfectly.

Were they born with an innate skillset you weren’t lucky enough to receive? Absolutely not. Are there secrets and style tips for men that they’re following? Yes, there most certainly are. Let’s call them principles, and in this case, these men pay strict attention to the principles and know how to put them to work.

In an effort to ignore your wardrobe, you may tell yourself that you don’t care about the way you look – that your skills and personality are the criteria for which you should be judged, and that your image shouldn’t matter. And that’s understandable, because if success in this world were based on merit alone, it wouldn’t matter. But it’s not, and it does.

How you choose to present yourself affects your everyday life. Most likely more than you realize. It affects how you feel, how you interact with the world, and how the world interacts with you. The way you dress is an outward expression of who you are. It forms the basis of your impression on other people and your perception of yourself.

 

When it comes to personal style, your biggest asset is your strategy. Either you randomly buy clothing, hoping to create some semblance of a “look”, or you learn a set of guiding principles and master your wardrobe once and for all.

 

Well-dressed men understand that when they look like their most professional, put-together and capable selves, that the world relates to them accordingly and operates with them on a higher level. Clothing acts as the outward representation of their skills and personality, tying their positive attributes together into a comprehensive package. That’s why regardless of whether or not they have an interest in fashion, attention is always paid to maintaining their image.

 

While it may sound overwhelming, adopting this behavior is easier than you may realize. It’s also well worth the effort. Like any learned skill, it requires an understanding of the basics, a vested interest in the outcome, and a commitment to continuous practice and exploration. It is methodical and calculated, which means that unlike an innate talent, it is something that can be developed through applied knowledge.

 

Are you ready to take control of your image and reap the personal and professional benefits of being well-dressed? We’re here to help! As a full-service personal styling firm, we teach men from all walks of life how to look their best, and we’re here to do the same for you.

 

Scroll down to learn the top 10 best style tips for men, guaranteed to help you build a winning strategy for your wardrobe.

1. GET CLEAR ON YOUR MESSAGE

The first step in establishing your sense of style is to build your message. Think of this as your personal branding – an external package that shows the world exactly who you are on the inside and highlights your strongest qualities.

Begin by asking yourself how you’d like to be perceived by the people you interact with. Choose words that paint a vivid mental picture of the way you want to represent yourself. Adjectives like powerful, charming, sophisticated and intelligent, provide a measurement to assess your image against, so it’s important to get as clear and concise as possible.

When our Personal Stylists begin working with a new male client, selecting these adjectives is the first step in our process. Before knowing what your clothing will look like, it’s imperative that you’re clear on your message.

Keep in mind that you’re always driving your personal narrative, whether you’re conscious of it or not. What do you want your style to say?

2. IDENTIFY YOUR INSPIRATION

Men will often say that they’re just not “inherently stylish”, that they lack the understanding of how to put outfits together or what the ‘rules’ of fashion are. We like to challenge their argument by asking if they can identify someone whose style they admire. A man they want to dress like, even if they have no idea how to assemble the look.

And guess what? 9 times out of 10 they can list multiple references (all good ones), quashing their own assumption that they don’t have a sense of style.

They may not understand the how, which is often the reason they’ve told themselves that they lack an aptitude for fashion. Understanding how to do something is learnable, it’s teachable. But as with any goal, we must first put the framework in place before knowing how to execute it, and when it comes to style, that framework is based on a clear understanding of our preferences.

Whether it’s celebrities, politicians, TV characters, or co-workers, make a list of men you view as consistently well-dressed. This will help you narrow in on your preferences as you begin to identify what they all have in common.

If you feel yourself resisting this exercise, just lean into it and see where the discovery process takes you. As creatures of habit, it’s challenging to envision ourselves wearing something other than what we’re familiar with. For the time being, ignore the natural hesitation to step outside your comfort zone and instead focus only on who and what appeals to you.

3. FOCUS ON AUTHENTICITY

There’s often a misconception with men that they should wear something because it’s in style, because women like it, or simply because it’s what everyone else is wearing. But the problem with this thinking is that when you wear something that isn’t you, you feel like an imposter and it shows.

The clothing you wear is an extension of who you are. It should strengthen your image and be an expression of your true self. So don’t force it. The goal is to build an elevated sense of style based around a wardrobe you feel good in, one that lifts your self-confidence and gets you excited to interact in the world.

This is not to say you’re given a free pass to dress in sweats every day because they make you feel like your truest self. You can do better. Work on choosing pieces that fit with your message (step 1), align with your preferences (step 2), so that the way you present yourself is completely aligned with who you are.

If you’re unsure how you feel in something, take our authenticity test by asking yourself 3 simple questions: Does the outfit feel comfortable or will I be constantly adjusting it? Do I recognize myself in the mirror or am I trying to be someone I’m not? Does this clothing bring me joy and am I excited to wear it? If you answer yes to all 3, you’re good to go. If not, look for another option.

4. WIN THE FIRST IMPRESSION

People instinctively form strong first impressions of you. They do this very quickly and with minimal data – and they base it off the information you provide them with. While you can’t change their behavior, you can alter their perception to your advantage. Why would you want to do this? Because their impression sets the tone for the entire interaction, both in the present moment and throughout the course of your relationship.

How you dress represents who you are and tells people what to expect from you. And when you dress like an average man, you tell everyone you are average, and they should only expect average things from you.

But if you care about your image and are committed to putting in the work, then you are anything but average and should show the world exactly how outstanding you are.

Far too often a lack of attention to wardrobe holds people back. This is frustrating, because clothing certainly doesn’t determine one’s actual competence or credibility; it does however, influence others’ perception of those qualities – and that reality impacts opportunities.

Whether you’re re-entering the dating world, hoping to be considered for a promotion, or striving to land bigger clients, your image plays a role in the success of your outcomes. Luckily, the clothing you choose to wear and the way you wear it, is completely within your control. If you want to win the first impression, then take hold of your narrative and learn to dress in a way that shows the world you are far from average.

5. USE CLOTHING TO BUILD CONFIDENCE

A strong sense of confidence is what separates the men who operate within their comfort zone from those who go after bigger career opportunities, seek out new clients, ask for a raise, and take more chances in their dating life. It’s what drives them to make their voices heard and their presence felt, even when life tells them they’d be better off playing it safe.

When it comes to building confidence, often the right wardrobe can work like a suit of armor to give the extra boost you need to not just look the part, but to feel it too, and carry yourself accordingly. Putting on nice clothing makes you feel powerful, and that changes the basic way you see the world and the role you play in it. When used correctly, it fosters the ability for you to feel empowered, comfortable in your own skin, and above all else confident.

As you begin to develop your sense of style, learn to acknowledge that nice clothing is much more than just nice clothing. It’s your uniform for battle, worn to help you feel your best and perform at a higher level. It’s your external packaging, telling everyone how seriously you should be taken. Learn to relate to your wardrobe as an integral piece in establishing your self-confidence, without discounting its significance or writing off its necessity.

6. UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT YOUR BODY TYPE

Understanding your body type is a key piece in successfully achieving a great sense of personal style. When it comes to selecting the right clothing, it’s important to be honest with yourself about the body you have and choose cuts that enhance and flatter your shape accordingly.

Men have the tendency to wear clothing that is too big for them because it feels comfortable, or because they’re trying to disguise their physique and conceal certain insecurities. Unfortunately, this masking technique has the opposite effect.

Excess fabric and unnecessary wrinkles and sagging not only make your outline look sloppy, but also shorter and heavier. None of which are desired outcomes.

Accept and embrace your body as it is now, and don’t wait until you’re an ideal stature before committing to dressing better. Great style is attainable at any height, weight or shape.

With the right clothing and the proper fit, you look like you’re in charge of your appearance. The function of your wardrobe is to present your body in the best light possible, not to hide it and hope it goes unnoticed. This is a futile objective and will only do you a disservice by making you appear sloppy and careless. Learn to accept your body and shop for it accordingly.

7. ENHANCE A SKINNY STRUCTURE

Slender men often try to disguise their body by wearing larger clothing, thinking they’ll look larger themselves. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. By wearing clothing that is a size too big, you accentuate your smaller build by creating a saggy shape, where fabric hangs off your frame.

Conversely, choosing cuts that cling to your body further emphasize your skinny stature and have the tendency to make your proportions look frail. The sweet spot is right in the middle, with moderation being key.

Your go-to items should be ones that add weight while still being true to size. Suit jackets and blazers instantly create structure and are the slender man’s best friend, so be sure to have several in your rotation. Select styles where the shoulder seam sits right at your shoulder’s edge (too far over and you look like you’re wearing your father’s hand-me-down) and fit to the curvature of your torso. Layer sweaters over collared shirts and button downs over t-shirts to build out your frame. Choose bulky fabrics and heavy knits that add weight, while avoiding anything too thin or clingy.

On the bottom, stay away from super skinny jeans and pants that are too tapered as they only further accentuate a slender stature. Instead opt for a slim or straight cut, which adds volume on your lower half and makes you appear sturdier.

When you showcase your shape rather than try to conceal it, you own every inch of the space you occupy and show up in the world as the strong, powerful man that you are.

8. STREAMLINE A LARGER FRAME

When larger men opt for shapeless, baggy clothing, the visual distortion gets amplified, and in fact draws more attention to your weight while relegating your overall appearance. Instead of trying to fool people into thinking you’re slimmer than you are by covering your body in excess fabric, learn to streamline the shape you have.

Choose clothing that is fitted, and gives you a clean, clear and defined silhouette. Think of it as outlining your frame in a structured package, where your clothing works to contain everything that’s inside.

Your wardrobe should be stocked with blazers, sportscoats, light weight jackets and layering sweaters. These will assist you in achieving a proportional shape while framing out your torso. Choose suit jackets with a double vent to better cover your backside, and wider lapels to balance out your chest. On the bottom opt for straight leg, non-tapered trousers and jeans to lengthen your frame and help you appear longer and leaner.

Look for fabrics that are lightweight. They allow for better ventilation, without trapping heat inside, and also eliminate any issue of excess bulk.

9. WEAR CLOTHING THAT FITS

Fit is the number one most important thing when it comes to dressing well. If there is a style tip for men that trumps all others, this is it.

In addition to strategically enhancing your body type, your clothing also needs to fit your unique size, from your neck to your wrists to your inseam. It doesn’t matter if you’re in jeans and t-shirt or a three-piece suit. In order to maintain a polished sense of style your clothing must match your measurements.

This is why every well-dressed man knows the importance of having a go-to tailor. Someone who knows his body and understands how to adjust his clothing accordingly. The likelihood of something fitting you straight off the rack is rare. Unless you’re perfectly proportioned, it’s to be expected that you’ll need to make adjustments, and absolutely imperative when you get into suiting (see tip #22).

Men have a tendency to get overwhelmed after shopping and choose to leave clothing as is. Don’t settle for pant hems that bunch at your ankles or shirt sleeves that hang past your wrists. Not only are these alterations simple and affordable, but they instantly elevate your image and are well worth the added effort.

If something doesn’t fit initially, then it will never look right, so don’t waste your money unless you’re going to take the time to tailor it. Well-fitting clothing will complement your body, whereas ill-fitting ones will draw attention to your problem areas and make you come across as sloppy and careless.

When clothing fits, you not only look good, but feel good as well. Your posture improves and you carry yourself with more confidence, which affects the way you perceive yourself and the impact you have on others.

10. LEARN THE IMPORTANCE OF DRESSING SHARP, NOT FLASHY

A lot of men assume that to dress well, they need to stand out. And they naturally go about it in the wrong way. They think they need to recreate runway fashion, layer on accessories or out-do their peers, all in an effort to be deemed stylish. But what they fail realize is that when it comes to great style, less is often more. As well-dressed gentleman we want to stand out for being polished, not ostentatious. So it’s important to know the difference.

The easiest way to think about dressing sharp is to focus on the classics. Classics are classics for a reason; they’re time-tested essentials that always look good. They hold firm over time, and unlike trends, they pair well with one another – meaning that putting them together in outfit combinations always guarantees success. When you focus on mastering the classics, you create an almost fail-proof formula for your personal style. Where trends can end up looking tacky, classics will always be timeless.

Putting effort into dressing sharp means you undoubtedly emit an image of self-respect and self-worth. You stand out from the crowd and draw attention to yourself, not because your clothing is loud and flashy, but because you radiate a sense of excellence and maturity.