If you’re like most guys, you don’t need a complete wardrobe overhaul. You probably only need five or six targeted changes to fix the things that are dragging your current wardrobe down. And if you manage to do that, you’ll end up looking good without spending a ton or stepping too far out of your comfort zone.
Here to start:
Start with Fit
Nothing upgrades a wardrobe faster than wearing clothes that actually fit your body. A $30 shirt that fits well will always look better than a $150 shirt that doesn’t. This is the single highest paying change you can make and it costs nothing more than paying attention.
- Top shoulder seams shirts and jackets should sit at the edge of your actual shoulder. It doesn’t hang off the side of your arm or pull tight on your back. It should rest right where your shoulder ends.
- Pants should sit at or just below your natural waist, depending on the style. This should include enough room for you to move comfortably (but not so much that they bunch up when wearing a belt). The hem should break slightly above your shoe or sit just above it.
- T-shirts should skim your torso without clinging to it. If you can see every outline of your midsection, it’s very tight. However, if there is enough extra fabric to grab a punch, it’s too big. The sweet spot is close enough to show off your overall shape without looking like a second set of skin.
If you have clothes you like that don’t fit perfectly, a tailor can fix most problems at a decent cost. While you should check prices, hemming pants, shirts, or shortening sleeves costs $10 to $25 per alteration in most markets.
Create a Core Foundation
Most of your wardrobe should be versatile pieces that are easy to put together between them. If every item in your wardrobe is a statement piece but nothing goes together, getting dressed becomes quite a challenge. A strong foundation of basics that all work together to give you dozens of outfit combinations from a relatively small number of items.
- Start with a well-fitting pair of dark jeans. (Avoid distressed or acid washed, which come and go in style.) A clean, dark wash that looks good with sneakers, boots or shoes is always a safe bet. In fact, dark denim is one of the most versatile items you can own.
- Simple t-shirts in white, black, navy and gray form the base layer on which everything else is built. Invest in slightly better quality here than bargain bin basics. A t-shirt with a heavier fabric and a good neckline that holds its shape in the wash will look great. It’s also noticeably better than a thin, cheap alternative that spreads.
- A few well-chosen graphic tees can add personality to your foundation. The right graphic tee is paired with jeans and sneakers for a casual weekend look or even under a blazer for something more put together. The key is to choose designs that have some personality and intent behind them rather than generic logos or graphics. The Mad Hatter Co. has some very unique and stylish graphic t-shirt designs that don’t break the bank.
- A button down oxford in white or light blue goes well with jeans, chinos or trousers. You can wear it rolled up or unbuttoned and have the sleeves rolled up or buttoned up. It is one of the most versatile items in a wardrobe and can fit into almost any setting.
Obviously, your exact wardrobe will look different than the next guy. However, if you keep these basic fundamentals in mind, you’ll never look out of place.
Upgrade your footwear
Shoes are more noticeable than most men realize. But you don’t need a dozen pairs of shoes. You need three or four that cover 90 percent of the situations you’re in. This includes (1) a pair of clean, minimal sneakers in white or a neutral color; (2) a pair of leather or suede boots. (3) a pair of loafers or clean shoes. and (4) a special pair of sneakers for the gym or doing things outside.
Pay attention to color coordination
You don’t need to be an expert in color theory to become one fashionable. But you must avoid combinations that clash. A few simple guidelines cover most cases.
Always remember that neutrals go with everything. Black, white, grey, navy and earth tones like olive, tan and brown pair well. If your basics are built around these colors, adding a piece in a bolder color works because the rest of the outfit doesn’t compete with it.
However, you want to avoid too exact a match. A navy shirt with navy pants and navy shoes looks like an outfit. On the other hand, a navy shirt with gray pants and white sneakers looks good.
Own your gaze
A well-built wardrobe is not about chasing trends or dressing up more often. It’s all about fit, proportions and pieces working together.
Sometimes it just means understanding how to wear the right basics for a put-together look. Ready to start getting your look?
