Alright, let’s talk style. There’s a point in every guy’s life where you realize that what you wear actually matters. You might not want to become a fashion expert, but at least looking like you put some thought into it. That’s the sweet spot. I’ll walk you through what I’ve learned, step-by-step, using these “Ten Commandments of Menswear.” It’s stuff I wish someone had told me years ago. Let’s go!
1. Invest in Quality
There’s an old saying, “Buy cheap, buy twice.” It’s so true when it comes to clothes. I used to go for whatever was on sale, thinking I was a genius with all the “deals” I was finding. But those cheap shoes? They fell apart. The shirt? Shrunk after one wash. At some point, I got tired of replacing everything every season and realized that quality saves you time, money, and headache in the long run. Think of it like an investment. Spend a bit more upfront, and your closet (and wallet) will thank you.
2. Keep It Classic
Trends are fun but trust me, keeping it classic wins every time. You can have a few trendy pieces, sure, but make the core of your wardrobe timeless. Think well-made shoes, tailored blazers, quality jeans, and solid t-shirts. Every guy should have a navy blazer, a couple of crisp white shirts, and a good pair of jeans. When in doubt, go for classic over trendy. You’ll look put together today—and still look good when you’re flipping through old photos years from now.
3. Use a Tailor
This one’s a game-changer. I used to buy clothes off the rack and figure if it fit, it fit. But one day, I had a friend drag me to a tailor, and I was amazed. That jacket that was just “okay” on me? It suddenly looked like it was made for me. A good tailor can make even affordable clothes look high-end. So if you find something you love but it’s not fitting quite right, just take it to a tailor. Trust me, it’s worth the minimal cost.
4. Fit Over Price
You know how some guys walk around wearing all the high-end brands but still don’t look right? That’s because fit is everything. If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t work—no matter how much it costs. Focus on clothes that fit your body type. Don’t get caught up in designer logos or what’s “in” right now. I found a couple of brands that work well with my build, and I stick to those.
5. Fitted, Not Tight
There’s a difference between fitted and tight. Fitted means it compliments your frame, allowing you to move comfortably. Tight just means uncomfortable and often a bit awkward. Take jeans, for example. Go for a slim fit if that works for you, but stay away from the super-skinny look unless you want to feel like you’re in a straightjacket. Find that balance where you look put together but not restricted.
6. Learn the Rules So You Can Break Them
First things first: learn the basics. There’s a reason people look up to guys like Steve McQueen, James Dean, and Gianni Agnelli—they nailed their style game by sticking to the basics before putting their own twist on things. Figure out what fits you well and what works for your lifestyle. Once you get comfortable with the rules, you can start breaking them in a way that makes sense for you. Fashion’s supposed to be fun, so find your groove.
7. Master the Tie (Yes, There’s a Trick)
Learning to tie a tie is a rite of passage, but a lot of us never got it quite right. If your dad didn’t teach you or you’re still struggling with that Windsor, let me make it easy for you—just learn the Four-in-Hand. It’s clean, simple, and works with just about anything. You’ll look sharp without the hassle, and you can skip the endless tutorials trying to figure out a knot that doesn’t suit you.
8. When in Doubt, Go Simple
When you’re not sure what to wear, go with something classic and simple. A navy suit, dark shoes, white shirt. Done. Whether it’s a meeting, a date, or just a formal event, this combo is always a safe bet. I’ve lost count of the times I went back to this when I was in a rush. Building a foundation of basic, quality pieces makes it easy to look good with little effort.
9. Take Care of Your Stuff
Once you start investing in quality, take care of it. Shoes need regular polishing, jackets need the occasional dry clean, and jeans can’t handle being thrown in the wash after every wear. Use shoe trees for your leather shoes, and store items properly. These little things will keep your wardrobe looking fresh and extend the life of your pieces.
10. Wear What Makes You Feel Good
At the end of the day, the most important rule is that you feel good in what you’re wearing. If it doesn’t make you feel like a champ, put it back. Confidence is the ultimate accessory. When you wear something that fits well, that you know looks good on you, it shows. So go for pieces that make you feel comfortable and confident—things you want to reach for day after day.
