From Steve McQueen to David Beckham, every male icon has his own signature style.
But these guys are celebrities – why would average Joes like us need to develop our own ‘look'?
Simple: it shows that you're a man with direction and purpose. Drop the ball on this and you could end up looking disorganized and lacking in confidence! Don't be that guy!
If you haven't already, you need to start developing your signature style to learn how to dress better as a man.
As ever, I've got you covered.
#1 Dressing For Your Body Type
Knowing your body type and using clothing to highlight your best features is learned over time. Certain styles look better on your body shape than others, so don't convince yourself that you should be able to wear everything.
Figure out what pieces look best on your body. You can read about how to dress for your body type here.
Here are a few examples for you to consider when shopping for clothes to suit your body type:
- If you have heavy calves – opt for pleated trousers with a sharp taper.
- If you're a shorter man – Have your jackets fitted closely with a hem that ends at your hips.
- For guys with broad shoulders – wear a deconstructed jacket without padding.
- If you are tall and lean – wear a double-breasted jacket to add bulk to your frame.
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#2 Dressing For Your Lifestyle
You act rugged, look rugged, and enjoy rugged clothing and cars with big dirt-covered wheels.
A suit-and-tie (for the most part) is irrelevant to you. If you live the lifestyle of a cowboy, a jeans and boots outfit is more fitting for you.
Keep your job in mind when considering how to dress better as a man. No matter how much fun you want to have with your style, remember your career.
A high school teacher in a large midwestern city needs to look professional, but dressing in suits is going too far. Paying attention to the requirements of his job, he can wear sports jackets paired with jeans and check shirts. A tie would make him appear too stuffy.
A banker in a large city, on the other hand, has a job that requires a suit and tie every day. Despite the conservative mood in a bank, you can display a unique sense of style through flashes of color in your choice of ties, pocket squares, socks, and subtle patterns in the suit.
#3 How To Dress For Your Environment
Weather plays a crucial role in the development of your signature style.
Let's say you live in the northwest, and rain is an everyday concern for you. Chances are you're gonna need more than a crew neck t-shirt.
In of my favorite classic movies, Le Samourai, the main character is an impeccably dressed hitman stalking the rainy streets of Paris. Played by Alain Delon, the two elements that kept the character looking stylish throughout the film are a perfectly fitting trench coat and a quality hat. A great example of looking incredibly stylish despite the wet weather.
Cotton fabrics suit warmer weather. Heavier wools are required for colder climates. When considering how to dress better as a man, choose your clothes depending on the climate conditions you are exposed to the most.
#4 Finding A Style Icon
Get style-inspired. Is there an actor, a public figure, or a model who inspires you? Pick style cues from the way they dress and try to find common denominators in their lives and yours.
Are they of a similar build to you? Then adopt the cut of their clothes. Are they politically minded? Adopt the colors they wear.
Don't go overboard and start blindly copying someone else. Find elements of style that inspire you and incorporate them into your outfits.
Experiment with pieces that inspire you and identify what’s working.
If you find a great look that made you feel fantastic, write it down or photograph it.
What are the go-to pieces in your wardrobe? It could be a pair of oxblood double monks or your favorite white sneakers combined with dark denim trousers and a button-down shirt.
Imagine you had a rack full of these go-to pieces – what makes them so special? Figure out what makes your favorite items of clothing your preferred choice and shop with this in mind.
#5 Does Complexion Affect Style?
The essence of personal style is in choosing colors that compliment your complexion.
- Warm Complexion: If you tan easily and have soft brown or dark blonde hair, opt for shades such as brown, tan, red, and green.
- Cool Complexion: If you have dark or gray/white hair, dark eyes, and an olive or pale complexion, blue undertones will look good on you.
Find clothing and accessories that compliment your taste while enhancing your build to dress better as a man. Once you’ve found your go-to color and fit, incorporate these elements into your wardrobe.
#6 Dress In Clothes That Suit YOU
A signature style requires you to know who you are so that you can express your values through your clothes.
Cultivate a signature style that feels genuine to who you are.
You might have a working-class or military background and call Alaska home. Your signature style should incorporate aspects of your past. Use social cues in the way you dress to reflect what is important to your life.
An antique pocket watch to remind you of your late grandfather. A coat of arms stitched onto a blazer to remind you of a family allegiance. Working boots to remind you of your Texas roots. Whatever your choice, remember that personalized style can sometimes break accepted style norms.
Let your clothes be a reflection of your age.
Don't try to dress like a 13-year-old kid at 32. There are certain expectations that a man over 30 should dress maturely. A sports coat or blazer should be part of your look, if not a full suit.
Alternatively, if you are in your early 20s and not working in a job where a suit is required, opt for more casual attire. Jeans and a nice button-down shirt will do you fine.
#7 How To Shop Effectively
Before you open your wallet and splurge on your next shopping trip, consider the clothing items on your go-to list at home.
Make a mental note of your wardrobe likes, dislikes, and what you need before purchasing. This simple act prevents buyer's remorse.
Ask yourself the following questions when you need to make a clothing or accessory purchase:
- Does this item reflect my values and personality?
- Is it suitable for the environment I am exposed to daily?
- Does it inspire me?
- Will it work with my lifestyle?
- Where will I wear it and how often?
- Does it coordinate with at least 3-4 other pieces in my wardrobe?
- Can it be worn year-round?
Make your purchase if the cost of the item is justified after considering these questions.
Creating a signature look is an essential step in your sartorial journey.
Even if you have no intention of becoming a style icon, it helps refine your unique style and build a more functional wardrobe. Don't worry if you are not 100% or even 50% sure about what your style needs to look like.
Simply being aware of your go-to pieces and starting the process of developing what suits you best will catapult your style miles forward.
In today's article we covered:
- Dressing For Your Body Type
- Dressing For Your Lifestyle
- How To Dress For Your Environment
- Finding A Style Icon
- Does Complexion Affect Style?
- Dress In Clothes That Suit YOU
- How To Shop Effectively
Your style isn't just about the clothes you wear! Click here to discover 7 men's hairstyles women love!
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