Men's Style- The Basics

I have found one of my favorite things to do is help guys build new wardrobes.  Aid them in their evolution from Aeropostale tees to nice, patterned button up shirts and well fitted jeans!

A man in a well fitted suit...
Yes.

But there are still plenty of guys who still seem to be a little stuck in tee shirts and baggy jeans.  I'm not exactly sure if the main reason is because they don't want to have to take time to put stuff together. Or they don't want to seem, well, less masculine to other dudes.

If it's the first one, good news! It doesn't take long! If you have good clothes, then it will be just as fast to pick up a button up and chinos than it would to grab your faded jeans and that graphic tee you've had since you were 16.

If it's the other reason, also good news! I don't want you to dress in pink! I'm going to show you how to look sharp without looking questionable. You're welcome.

Look! even this adorable little boy can do it!

Actually, I just wanted to show the picture. Look at this kid, what a stud!

Ok so lets get started.

Here's the first rule to live by for the rest of your life in what you buy and wear: Fit.

Did you hear that?

FIT!!! 

I can't begin to explain how important this is.
Even more important than how much I hate short sleeved button up shirts on guys! (which is a lot, btw)

You can have a pretty boring, pointless, or stupid outfit, but as long as it fits you will look ten times better than the man standing next to you that is drowning in his clothes.

There's lots to talk about in fit, but just make sure you don't drown in it (both in how close it is to your body and in where it hits you length wise all around).

Oh!! Also, here's a huge deal:

NO PLEATS!

pleated pants only make you look more baggy around the hips, and even if you want to look bigger than you do, this is not flattering. Ever.

Also, along the lines of "looking bigger", buying baggy clothes doesn't help this. If you buy things that fit well you actually create a better illusion of looking in shape, rather than a big gelatinous blob, or even skinner.

What already works?

Next, you should clean out your wardrobe.
If it's bad quality, falling apart, or doesn't fit correctly (not just that it's too small, make sure it makes you look good) then you should throw it out.
If it does fit and is still in style (no tie dye headbands guys... lets just pretend that never happened) then awesome!

Now some basics:

I'm gonna name my (and a lot of fashion men will agree) top 10 basics every guy should own!

1.     Dark Grey Suit- every man needs at least one suit. Navy works just as well. Two or three button, single breast suits look good on nearly every body type. No pleats, and focus on fit!

2.     White Dress Shirt- perfect blank canvas. Avoid button collared to keep more versatility. Go for a good quality one, as this will get a lot of use.

3.     Navy Sports Coat/Blazer- nothing can pull an outfit together like a well cut sports blazer.  Navy also works well with any color and can be casual as well as work appropriate.  Avoid any brass or gold buttons, look for medium weight material to wear year round, and keep it simple (no double breast or four button style).

4.     Dark Jeans- look for a nice fit: not baggy but not skinny.  Stay away form designer labels that are visible.

5.     Black Dress Shoes- these will also be worn a lot, so invest wisely.  Avoid square toes, look for something rounder.

6.     Khaki/Chino Pants- typically khakis are more casual of the two, chinos are normally lighter and more fitted.  Either work great, as long as they fit you and your style.  Again, stay away from pleats!  Stick to a flat front.

7.     Sneakers- at least one pair, go for a subtle color that matches well with jeans chinos or whatever other casual pants you own.  Converse Chuck Taylor’s are a good bet for classic, lasting style.

8.     V-Neck Sweater- a V-neck allows this sweater to work great with a button up shirt, a t-shirt or polo, or by itself, expanding the versatility.  One with ribbed cuffs, collar and bottom help to fit your build more.  The V should be large enough for collared shirts but small enough to look normal over a tee.

9.     Watch- the only accessory on the list, but a very important one.  This small detail can make something you threw on look like an outfit.  Make this a nice classic choice- no sports watches.  Think, “What watch would get me into Ocean’s Eleven?”

10.      Polo Shirt- although it may not be a first thought, this piece works well in many situations.  If your wardrobe consists of mainly neutral colors, this is your chance to add a nice pop.  Try a deep red or dark green.  There are many options for fit, just make sure it fits your body.  And, as a general rule, never pop the collar or button the top button.

Now this isn't everything, obviously. You will need some great belts, ties, socks... these 10 are just the top things that if everything else in your closet were to burn, you might want to buy these things first.

And underwear, you need that.

Yeah actually go buy underwear first, then find these other things.

Defining it.

If you're gonna remix your style, there are four components that are the main factors in deciding what to do.

Most of these are pretty simple to understand.

• Only buy what you can afford.
• Keep in mind where you'll be wearing these things (as in your daily routine as well as weather)
• Obviously you need to keep in mind what you look like physically.  This is wear fit will help out so much! There is a lot of in-depth stuff I could talk about for how to fit each body type and what helps you look taller, thinner, etc, but in basics: make sure it makes you look good.
• Make it personal! If you don't like a pattern or color, don't buy it. Only go for things you like, cause if you don't love it in the store you won't wear it when you get home (thank you Blind Side)

Expanding and Layering!

After you've got all the basic, you can expand into other things.  This is where fun t-shirts and those cardigans would come in.  Maybe even a scarf if we're feeling adventurous!

Whoa, ok, scarf was too far? 

Just bring it back in.

No scarves, my bad.

Here I plan in explaining how to go beyond the 3 part outfits (top, bottom, shoes) and mix and match.

This adds individual style but it also allows you to be much more versatile with what you own, so you can do more with less!

But I'm gonna leave this for another post. Cheers!