Let’s be real - there’s no hidden formula or grand strategy to defining your personal style. Sure, if you were a fashion expert, you might have a billion “rules” to follow, but for most of us, it’s all about keeping things simple. Especially if you’re just starting to figure out your style, you need easy-to-follow, relatable advice.
Below are some personal tips I’ve learned that might help you out. And remember - you wear the clothes; don’t let the clothes wear you. 😉
Choosing the Right Colors
It sounds basic, but how many of us really know which colors suit our skin tone? This is a key factor in creating a style that looks effortlessly attractive.
Skin tones generally fall into three categories: warm, cool, and neutral. To figure out yours, check the veins on your wrist in natural light. Greenish veins mean you have a warm skin tone; blueish veins indicate a cool tone, and if it’s a mix or you can’t quite tell, you’re likely neutral.
The basic rule of thumb? Warm tones look best in warm colors, and cool tones pop in cool colors. Warm skin tones suit shades like red, yellow, orange, and brown. Darker skin tones can go for deeper shades like burgundy, mustard, and burnt orange.
Cool tones should gravitate toward blue, navy, purple, and gray, which will bring out a bright, healthy look. Neutral-toned folks - lucky you! You can pretty much pull off anything.
Fit and Body Shape Matter
Fit is everything when it comes to style, but balancing your clothes with your body shape is equally important. For example, if you have thicker thighs, pleated pants can help create a more flattering silhouette. If you’ve got broad shoulders, avoid shoulder pads and opt for double-breasted blazers to draw attention to the center. If you’re on the shorter side, go for fitted clothes and jackets that hit right at the hip.
The sooner you know what flatters your body shape, the fewer mistakes you’ll make in buying clothes that fit just right.
Buy in Bulk When You Find "The One"
Found the perfect piece? If a pair of navy trousers fits your style and you wear them often, don’t hesitate to buy another pair in a different color like black or gray. It might feel a bit indulgent, but if it works, it's worth having multiple options.
Don’t Chase Trends
Runway trends often take ages to become practical in everyday wear. And by the time they do, they’ve usually been toned down a lot. So don’t worry too much about what’s hot on the runway - just because floral prints are trending doesn’t mean you need to go all-in. If you're into florals, start small - maybe a tie with a subtle floral pattern.
Keep It Simple
Timeless pieces like white sneakers, slim-fit jeans, and crisp white shirts have stood the test of time for a reason. Think of them as the foundation of your wardrobe. Build around them, adding more trendy pieces as accents rather than the main focus.
Rotate Themes
There’s no need to overthink your outfits. If you’ve found a look you love - like navy pants, desert boots, a crew neck sweater, and a bomber jacket - stick with it! Just mix things up by varying the materials, colors, or layering techniques.
Minimal Accessories
When it comes to men’s fashion, less is more. Don’t stress over which bracelet or necklace goes with what outfit. Keep it simple. My go-to accessory is a good watch. Beyond that, a pair of sunglasses, a quality leather bag, and a couple of belts will cover all your bases.
Find Your Signature Piece
Whether it’s a favorite blazer, your go-to pair of sneakers, or those perfect jeans that make everyone say you look like Beckham - your signature piece is what defines your style. Having something that’s uniquely “you” helps solidify your personal brand. Think James Dean and his iconic white T-shirt or Steve McQueen with his Persol sunglasses. So, what’s your signature piece?
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