Fashion has given each of us a headache at one point or another. The challenge of dressing fashionably when trends change every day is one which seems almost insurmountable on the surface of things. Nobody, other than a celebrity, perhaps, has the time or money to constantly reinvent their wardrobe when fashion styles trend and certain looks become outdated. It’s exhausting, and it doesn’t sound fun at all. You’re likely wondering why so many people put so much effort into fashion at all. Perhaps, as a man, you’re wondering whether fashion is even relevant to you.
It’s possible that you’re looking at things in the wrong way. When you view the task of fashioning a better look for yourself as a chore, then you’re obviously going to get things wrong. You might force styles which don’t work on you in an attempt to wear modern attire or accessories, but the truth i that fashion doesn’t go out of style as quickly as you might believe. Catwalks and shows in Paris might come out with seasonal wardrobes which seem entirely different to the last, but the rules of ‘good fashion’ for the everyday person have remained essentially the same for years. You simply need to dress well, comfortably and in a way which flatters your existing appearance. If that explanation is far too brief, then here are some detailed pieces of advice for those men out there wishing to cultivate and fashion a better look for themselves.
Your hair
Fashion doesn’t just stop at the clothes you wear. Fashion is about maintaining an overall appearance which aligns with popular trends, and there are certainly many trends which seep into elements of our aesthetic beyond attire. Your hair, above all else, is a fashion statement. Perhaps it’s easy to take the lazy route and simply shave your mop down to a manageable length every few weeks so that you don’t have to think about styling or making it look interesting, but there are more stylistic options for men’s hair than simply “short”. Styling wax could become your best friend if you want to get a little creative and adventurous.
You should be maintaining your locks with a good shampoo and conditioner to ensure your hair remains silky smooth (no, running water through it isn’t enough), but you should also be eating a healthy diet to keep your hair thick and strong. If it starts to thin or look unclean, a smart, clean suit isn’t going to cover that up. When it comes to fashion, there’s a practical element to maintaining a good appearance too; you need to be keeping yourself healthy and clean as well as ‘projecting’ a clean look.
Keep things straightforward and minimal
Yes, that’s right. You didn’t need to buy that lavish, flamboyant shirt which made you feel uncomfortable. Good style doesn’t require a ridiculous level of expense or that you try to fit yourself into clothes which might be your size but just don’t feel right in your brain. The key is to stop trying so hard. Okay, so it isn’t a good idea to wear a tatty band t-shirt and jeans which still have paint stains from that time you redid the walls in your house, but you don’t need to go to the other extreme to fix your fashion sense.
Sometimes a plain white t-shirt and jeans can do the trick nicely, but the key is to choose well-fitting clothes. Shirts that hug your body and jeans which aren’t tight but don’t billow around baggily are the key to success if you’re going for the minimal look. You can keep things basic with your clothing, which is just the way you like it, but you need to have the appearance of somebody who put in the effort to buy clothes which suit their figure and look good in order for you to improve your fashion sense.
Step out of your comfort zone
As I said, you don’t need to go all out with regards to the expense of your new wardrobe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a little adventurous with elements of your style. You’re trying to figure out what feels comfortable for you. You might have a rather basic but well-fitted look now, and there’s no harm in trying to accessorize and throw in a splash of something new. You could look into designers such as Bolvaint for a new pair of loafers if your old trainers or ‘smart’ shoes are looking a little tatty and ruining the entire look. It’s okay to try out new things and find that they fail, as you’ll still be narrowing down an idea of your personal style.
Shop with a friend
It doesn’t matter who the friend is. Perhaps it’s a family member, a partner or your best pal. Whatever the case, you shouldn’t shop alone. You might find yourself being misled by salespeople in retail stores or, even if you’re shopping online, you might make an impulse purchase on something that just isn’t your style. A close friend could warn you before you make a mistake, and they’ll also be far more honest than you might be to yourself. That being said, perhaps you shouldn’t shop with the friend who has an even lazier and disinterested approach to fashion than you.
Jewelery and other accessories
Accessories aren’t reserved for women. This is the twenty-first century, and fashion knows no gender. A watch is obviously the accessory of choice for most men, as it has been for centuries, but, once again, you might find that you stumble across something which compliments your style even more effectively if you step out of your comfort zone. Rings, cuffs and even chains can complement a minimalist style if you accessorize tastefully and cautiously. You don’t need to be overzealous when it comes to jewelry, but a tasteful cufflink on your shirt can add a small but highly-noticeable flourish to a smart shirt on a night out. Remember, it’s the little things that show you’ve made an effort with your fashion.
That said, why should you feel as though minimalism is your only course of action? You may find that rocking 22k gold jewelry could be a great way to tie an outfit together depending on your taste and style. Sometimes, a little well-designed bravado can make a huge difference to how confident you feel and how awesome you look.
Remember, it’s the little things that show you’ve made an effort with your fashion.
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