Looking sharp doesn’t necessarily require an endless budget or a personal tailor. While those elements certainly help, there are numerous other strategies to enhance your wardrobe and elevate your style. Below are 15 essential style tips every modern man should keep in mind to maintain a polished appearance.
Tuck Your Shirt with Military Precision
Tucking a shirt into trousers may seem straightforward, yet achieving a clean look without excess fabric can be tricky. The key? The military tuck. This technique involves pinching the surplus fabric on either side of your waist and tucking it neatly into your waistband. This method creates a streamlined silhouette, making a loose shirt look crisp under a jacket or blazer.
Lose the Belt
Billy Reid
A common belief is that style comes from layering on accessories, but often less is more. For instance, consider eliminating the belt. If your trousers fit properly, they won’t fall down — allowing for a more relaxed, effortless look. Embrace simplicity!
Soak it Up
Indulging in greasy takeout can lead to unfortunate stains on your shirt. Don’t fret; if a grease stain appears, reach for some talcum powder. Applying a small amount will help absorb the mark, giving you a fighting chance against the inevitable spill.
Whiteout
CLAE
Your white sneakers might look clean, but dingy laces can ruin the look. A quick soak in bleach can restore their brightness, giving your sneakers a fresh upgrade.
Perfect Your Sleeve Roll
Rolling up the sleeves of your shirt can instantly make a formal outfit look more relaxed. However, avoid rolling higher than two turns to prevent an overly casual appearance, which can resemble just finishing chores. Aim to roll to a point between your elbow and wrist for that laid-back vibe.
Fix “Shoulder Ears”
ASKET
If you’ve ever hung your knitwear, you might be familiar with “shoulder ears” — those unsightly bumps that appear over time. The simple fix? Wear the garment, dampen the affected area lightly, and massage it until it flattens. Let it air-dry for a quick restoration. For a better long-term solution, fold your knitwear and store it in drawers.
Colour Me Good
Billy Reid
Understanding how to use colours, patterns, and prints can dramatically impact your appearance. Knowing which hues complement your skin tone is crucial. For instance, darker colours can create a slimming effect, while vertical stripes elongate your figure. Be mindful of bright shades if you have a rosy complexion or pastels if you’re pale, as they can wash you out.
Lose the Socks
Velasca
Going without socks might seem insignificant, but it can significantly add to your overall aesthetic. It offers a casual, relaxed vibe and allows for a refreshing breeze on warm days.
Make a Statement
Velasca
To ensure your outfit appears curated rather than chaotic, avoid wearing multiple statement pieces at once. Limit yourself to one eye-catching item per look – a vibrant sweater or a patterned shirt can shine without competing against other bold choices.
Easy Breezy
L’ESTRANGE
While summer weddings are delightful, enduring heat in a wool suit is not. Choose lightweight fabrics like linen, and request thinner materials, like voile, for your shirt’s back. This way, you can stay cool even in formal settings.
Go T-Free
Buck Mason
To emulate the effortlessly stylish vibe of Parisian men, consider forgoing your T-shirt under a sweatshirt or jumper. Just be sure to apply extra antiperspirant for comfort.
Subdued Shoes
Velasca
While bold sneaker designs dominate current trends, opting for understated yet high-quality shoes can enhance your outfit without competing for attention. Remember, shoes are typically one of the first items people notice.
Declutter Your Wardrobe
ASKET
Often, staring at a packed wardrobe leaves us feeling like we have nothing to wear. This usually stems from having too many options. Streamlining your wardrobe to include only regularly worn pieces simplifies choices and reduces morning decision fatigue. The hanger trick—turning hangers after wearing items—can help identify what you actually use. After a few months, donate or sell pieces that remain unworn.
Learn to Layer
Wax London
While summer has its charm, winter’s layering possibilities can enhance your overall look and warmth. An open shirt over a T-shirt can break up your frame, adding a sleek effect and making you appear taller.
Matchy-Matchy
In tailoring, coordinating every leather accessory is less desirable than creating contrast. For instance, if you’re wearing a black leather watch strap, opt for matching black shoes. Aim for consistency in two of three leather items—belt, watch strap, and shoes—while allowing for variation to maintain a stylish appearance.
