A Gentleman’s Guide to Elevating Your Style
While we’d all like to think people don’t judge others by their looks, you cannot argue that your outward appearance contributes significantly to the overall first impression you make on others. Let’s face it, if you meet someone in a pair of pyjamas or a three-piece suit, both looks are going to leave lasting impressions (for better or worse).
Whether you take a keen interest in fashion or not, paying more attention to a style guide and dressing for your age and build can make all the difference. While we’re not saying you have to completely change your wardrobe, minor tweaks and adjustments to your look can really pay off. If you’re ready to look suave and turn heads for all the right reasons, here are some tips on how you can elevate your style for the better:
Begin Investing in Well-Made, Classic Pieces
Although it’s incredibly tempting to opt for fast and easily accessible clothing, it’s always better to stick with classic, well-made pieces. They’re sure to pay off in the long run. Although it may take a little longer to find the right shirt, jacket, trousers, or coat at first, the effort that you do put in will be worth it in the long run. There are pieces that never really go out of fashion which can be combined with practically anything.
Whatever you do, just make sure to prioritise quality over price. Well-made garments last longer. If you have a wardrobe stuffed with cheaply made clothes, you’re going to be replacing them far more often. The only thing you should be updating regularly is your accessories.
Keep Up with the Latest Trends
For gentlemen who want to be more fashion-forward, it’s a great idea to start keeping up-to-date with trends. Those who enjoy looking stylish don’t want to be walking around in outdated styles. Staying in the know on all things fashion can help you stay relevant. In short, what you throw on in the morning speaks a lot about you as a person. What you wear and how you wear it tells others a short story about your life.
Understandably, there are countless fashion magazines and websites to look at which can become overwhelming quickly. To make things easier, why not check out fashion magazines like GQ, Esquire, THE FALL or specialist blogs like Men’s Flair? They have guides on men’s fashion trends that are sure to keep you in the know. You can look at their style tips and put them into action. Who knows, once you get more educated about fashion, you could become the next trendsetter!
Purchase a Well-Made Suit
If there’s one garment that all gentlemen need in their wardrobe, it’s a well-made suit. We don’t mean just any suit either. While you may think to pick up the cheapest one you find on the high street, we can guarantee the material and quality aren’t going to be top-notch. Whether you work in corporate, attend dinner parties, or have a wedding coming up, it’s always a good idea to splurge more on a well-made suit.
Having a suit that’s tailored to your shape will make you look suave and stylish. In a nutshell, your suit should look like it was made for you and not a completely different person. The best materials for a suit include wool and linen. Keep in mind the tiniest details too, like the layout of your cufflinks, tie, and shirt. In regard to colour, you can’t go wrong with a classic black suit. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not opt for navy blue? This colour is brilliant for casual events and occasions.
Look for Well-Made Smart Shoes
As you may already be aware, fashion is all about the little details. Aside from making sure your shirt and suit fit correctly, you need to put some focus on your shoes too. Smart shoes should be comfortable and elegant, and last you through the whole day without causing any unnecessary discomfort. Moreover, they should go well with your clothing when it comes to material, colours and patterns.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on shoes, but it does pay off to concentrate on the material. You can’t go wrong with leather shoes. Real leather is durable, breathable, and water-resistant. What’s more, they’re easy to clean, comfortable and stylish.
Buy a Quality Watch
While a lot of focus is put on clothing, accessories matter too. Once you’ve picked out an outfit, there’s nothing better than wearing a stylish watch on your wrist. A nice watch is sure to complete your look.
It’s good to invest in a well-made and well-designed watch. This investment will last you for many years to come, so it’s important to conduct research to find one of the highest quality. Like with any other item in your wardrobe, make sure your watch matches your style and goes well with your other garments.
Build A Tie Collection
Accessories are a brilliant tool for defining and personalising your look. With that said, it’s wise to have numerous ties in your wardrobe. That way, you’ve got one for all kinds of occasions. Just as with footwear, the pattern, colour, and fabric of your tie must blend well with the rest of your look.
If you’re after a sharp and crisp look, stick with darker colours or patterns that pick up the colour of your suit and shirt. For those wanting to make a more playful statement, why not pick something a little brighter or bolder in colour?
Choose a Signature Scent
Once you’ve invested in some high-quality attire, shoes, and accessories, it’s time to look at fragrances. After all, smell is one of the first things others notice about you. A suitable and exciting fragrance is a small detail that can have an enormous impact on how other people perceive you. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to spend time experimenting with different scents until you find one that feels right for you.
It’s best not to get the cheapest or strongest fragrances on the market. These can be overpowering to some people. Instead, look for smells that are more subtle and pleasing on the nose. If you’re going on a first date or holding an important business meeting, the cologne you wear really does make a difference.
Take Good Care of Your Clothes
You must make sure you’re taking excellent care of your clothes. You can’t expect them to last long if you’re not doing so, even if they are of high quality. If you do not know how to wash and dry your clothes correctly, you could end up with them shrinking. Some garments require more care than others. When purchasing new clothes, always read the product label instead of throwing everything into your washing machine and hoping for the best.
Also, ensure you’re hanging up your clothes once you’ve worn them. If you don’t, there’s the risk of your expensive pieces getting stretched out or wrinkled, which could make them unwearable.
While we all have our own style preferences, there are certain rules you should follow that are sure to transform your wardrobe for the greater good. Regardless of the season, there are plenty of long-lasting essentials you can stock up on that can be teamed well with anything to help you stand out on the street.