How to develop style as a man?
Developing personal style as a man may involve several aspects. While mindset is and goal setting is key, the outside-In coaching is all about understanding and expressing identity through your clothing and grooming choices. So How do you begin to develop style as a man? What you may not realize is that your current style identity (or lack there of) is expressing something whether you are trying...or not. So it’s best to continue you reading if you’ve decided you’d like to control this non-verbal narrative, or save us both the trouble if you’d rather continue leaving it open for interpretation. In order to successfully best develop your personal brand image, this process must be authentically you in consistently effortless fashion (pun intended). Here are some steps to help you develop your style:
1. Know Your Body Type
- Assess your body shape: Understanding whether you are tall, short, broad or slim. Love yourself and embrace where and who you are. Don’t wait until you get where you plan or hope to be. It’s a process. Embracing who you are will help you choose clothes that fit well and select choices most flattering to your physique. Adjust when necassary.
- Finding the right fit: Clothes that fit well are key to looking stylish. Avoid anything too tight or too loose, yet fit is also impacted by make, model and fabric. Understand your measurements, relative to a garments ‘fit’ (not just size label). Current trends are about 25% of the equation.
2. Understand the Basics of Fashion
- Wardrobe essentials: Start with classic pieces like a well-fitted white shirt, dark jeans, a blazer, and versatile high quality shoes. This is not about following trends, yet more about building a foundation. View your wardrobe as a puzzle, fitting in pieces that are part of creating a larger cohesive picture.
- Color coordination: Learn the basics of matching colors. Neutral tones (black, white, grey, navy, and beige) are versatile and can be combined easily, and begin to understand what color are most flattering to you, and which to avoid.
3. Build a Capsule Wardrobe
- Quality over quantity: Invest in high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched and most importantly stand the test of time. Be intentional and thoughtful to turn this necessary cost, into an investment.
- Timeless pieces: Focus on timeless items that won’t go out of style quickly. Avoid trendy, fast fashion option made with low quality synthetic fabrics as this will lead to failed out of shape puzzle pieces that can’t create a larger picture.
4. Experiment and Find Your Style
- Try different styles: Experiment with various styles to see what resonates with you. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone occasionally. There will be some growing pains, hiring a Clothing Coach or other professional is a major hack to avoid this, depending on your overall budget. It’s either time or money, just remember you often get what you pay for.
- Incorporate trends selectively: While trends can be fun, choose only those that suit your style and personality. Environment is important to factor in, as there are times where it is best to blend in over standing out, depending on your goals of course. This is where you begin to understand wardrobe as a language.
5. Pay Attention to Details
- Accessories: Incorporate accessories like watches, belt, and hats when appropriate to add personality to your outfits. These details can often make the best ice breakers and invite more engagement, especially when networking or interviewing.
- Grooming: A well-groomed appearance complements your style. Maintain a regular grooming routine, including haircuts, skincare and facial hair maintenance. This is of equal importance to wardrobe selections as far developing a recognizable and memorable personal brand image,
6. Develop Signature Elements
- Find your signature: Whether it’s a particular type of jacket, color, a favorite pair of shoes, or a specific accessory...-having a signature element can set your style apart. Be original, authentic and most importantly, memorable.
- Consistency: Consistency in your style choices helps build a recognizable personal brand. You get better at it, and it becomes who you are. You are what you eat…you also are what you wear. There’s a reason why I am consistently repetitive with certain points. 😉
7. Seek Inspiration
- Look at style icons: Observe how well-dressed men put together their outfits. This could be celebrities, public figures, or even stylish friends. Look a little closer as to why that style turns you on, and emulate, DON’T IMITATE.
- Fashion media: Read fashion magazines, blogs, and follow social media accounts dedicated to men’s fashion for ideas and inspiration. Remember, use these tools more in view of a trendsetter, and don’t follow the trend trap.
8. Be Confident
- Confidence: The most important aspect of style is how you carry yourself. Wear your clothes with confidence and own your look. The best part about executing the above, is this feature gains prominence naturally. And it shows.
Practical Tips
- Tailoring: Get your clothes tailored for a perfect fit. Think beyond suits, maybe a sweater or tee should be altered?
- Footwear: Invest in good quality shoes; they can elevate your entire outfit. (It’s hard to be cheap here and get away with it)
- Seasonal adjustments: Adapt your wardrobe according to the seasons, incorporating appropriate fabrics and layers.
Developing your style is a journey that involves understanding self. Through experimenting and study, you can refine your choices over time. Remember style is not just about following fashion but about expressing who you are.