Fashion
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9 minute read
No one is saying you need to be a fashionista, and this isn’t about being a metrosexual. It’s about not-being a caveman. There is a minimum, baseline level of knowledge you should have on this topic. If it helps, think of it like this: your clothes are a form of communication. They convey messages about who you are, your personality, and your values. Just like how you choose your words carefully when speaking, you should also be mindful of the clothes you wear.
Imagine addressing all these facets of your life and becoming a well-rounded person, but then you show up to a meeting in a wrinkled t-shirt and flip-flops. It doesn’t matter how smart you are or how much you know; people will judge you based on your appearance. This is not about being vain or superficial; it’s about being aware of the messages you’re sending and making sure they align with who you are. Like many other topics, this is about making informed choices and being intentional about how you present yourself to the world.
The Basics
This is not an exhaustive guide, but it will give you a solid foundation to build upon. The goal is to help you understand the basics of men’s fashion, so you can make informed choices about your wardrobe.
1. Color Coordination
- Belt and Shoes: Match your belt color to your shoes.
- Black shoes with a black belt.
- Brown shoes with a brown belt. For shades of brown, aim for a close match.
- (Optionally) even match your wallet to your shoes and belt.
- Color Families: Understand that certain colors complement each other.
- Black pairs well with cool tones like blue and gray.
- Brown complements warm tones like earth colors.
2. Fit Over Brand
- Proper Fit: Clothing should fit well—neither too tight nor too loose. A well-fitting outfit enhances appearance more than high-end brands.
- Tailoring: Consider tailoring for a perfect fit. A good tailor can adjust clothing to suit your body shape, making even inexpensive items look expensive.
- Avoid Baggy Clothes: Baggy clothing can make you look sloppy. Opt for tailored or fitted options that flatter your body shape.
- Avoid Overly Tight Clothes: While fit is important, overly tight clothing can be uncomfortable and unflattering. Aim for a balance between fitted and comfortable.
- Tight AND Loose: If you are going to wear something tight, balance it with something loose.
- Tight shirt with loose pants.
- Loose shirt with tight pants.
3. Occasion-Appropriate Attire
It’s worthwhile, especially in your early 20’s to invest in establishing a base wardrobe that can be adapted to various occasions. Here are some guidelines for different settings:
- Casual Settings: Opt for well-fitted jeans or chinos paired with clean sneakers and a simple t-shirt or polo.
- Work/Interviews: Choose dress pants, a button-down shirt, and dress shoes. Add a blazer if necessary.
- Formal Events: A well-tailored suit in a neutral color, complemented by a tie and polished dress shoes, is appropriate.
A blazer is a type of jacket that is typically made of solid-colored fabric and has a more structured fit than a casual jacket. It is often worn as part of a business casual outfit, but can also be dressed up for formal occasions. A blazer can be paired with dress pants, chinos, or even jeans for a polished look. It is a versatile piece that can elevate your outfit and make you look more put-together.
Why this is significant is because if the budget doesn’t allow for a full suit, a blazer is a great alternative. It can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for various occasions without the need for a complete suit. For example:
- Casual: Pair a blazer with jeans and a t-shirt for a smart-casual look.
- Business Casual: Wear a blazer over a button-down shirt and chinos for a polished yet relaxed outfit.
- Formal: Combine a blazer with dress pants and a tie for a more sophisticated appearance.
4. Wardrobe Essentials
Here are some essential items to consider for a versatile wardrobe:
- Tops: Plain white and black t-shirts, button-down shirts, and a versatile blazer.
- Bottoms: Dark jeans, chinos in neutral colors, and dress pants.
- Outerwear: A denim jacket, leather jacket, and a tailored overcoat.
- Footwear: Clean sneakers, brown and black dress shoes, and boots.
- Accessories: A classic watch, a leather belt (in black and in brown), and a simple wallet.
- Undergarments: Invest in quality underwear and socks. They are the foundation of your outfit.
- Suit: A well-fitted suit in a neutral color (navy, gray, or black) is essential for formal occasions. Ensure it fits well and is tailored to your body shape. This will be useful for job interviews, weddings, funerals, and other formal events.
You could say there are a few types of t-shirts:
- Inside The House: These are the t-shirts that you wear inside the house, often as pajamas or loungewear.
- Underwear: These are the thin, cheap t-shirts that are often used as undershirts. They are not meant to be worn alone.
- Worn or Ripped: These are the t-shirts that are worn out, have holes in them, or are otherwise not presentable. They are often used as pajamas or loungewear. These might have formerly been Casual or Dress t-shirts, but now they have been demoted to only being worn inside the house.
- Outside The House: These are the t-shirts that you wear outside the house, often as part of a casual outfit.
- Casual: These are the t-shirts that you wear casually, often with jeans or shorts. They can be plain or have graphics on them.
- Dress: These are the t-shirts that are meant to be worn as part of a dressier outfit. They are often made of nicer, thicker materials and have a more tailored fit including thicker hems on the sleeves and bottom.
If you are leaving the house, you should be wearing a proper t-shirt that is either Casual or Dress. If you are wearing a t-shirt that is Inside The House, you should be wearing it under a shirt, or as pajamas. If you are wearing a t-shirt that is Worn or Ripped, you should be wearing it inside the house, and not outside.
Avoid Graphic Tees: Graphic tees come across as juvenile and unprofessional. They are often associated with a lack of maturity or seriousness. If you want to wear a t-shirt, opt for a plain one in a solid color. If you do opt to wear a graphic tee, just understand how it will be perceived.
5. Grooming and Maintenance
- Personal Hygiene: Regular grooming, including haircuts and skincare, complements your attire.
See Hygiene for more information.
6. How to take care of your clothes
- Clothing Care: Keep clothes clean, ironed, and in good condition. Proper maintenance extends the life of your wardrobe. Dry clean things like suits and some dress shirts (check the label). Wash jeans inside out to preserve color. Use a gentle cycle for delicate fabrics. Don’t mix colors and whites in the wash.
- Taking care of shoes: Clean shoes regularly, use shoe trees to maintain shape, and store them properly. Invest in a good pair of shoes; they can elevate any outfit. If you invest in a good pair of shows, know that cobblers still exist and are an economical way to keep your shoes looking good for decades.
What is a Cobbler?
A cobbler is a skilled tradesman who repairs and maintains shoes, boots, and other leather goods. They can fix everything from worn-out soles to broken zippers. If you have a favorite pair of shoes that are starting to show signs of wear, consider taking them to a cobbler for repair instead of throwing them away. This not only saves money but also reduces waste. When shoes are made of leather, they can last almost indefinitely with proper care. Every few years you can get new soles put on them, and they will be like new again.
What is “Ironing”?
Ironing is the process of using a heated tool (an iron) to remove wrinkles and creases from fabric. It helps maintain a polished appearance for clothing. The steam is the most important part of the process. It relaxes the fibers in the fabric, allowing them to be reshaped.
When you use an iron, keep it moving so that no one part of the fabric gets too hot. Then, as you readjust the fabric, park the iron upright, on it’s heel. NEVER leave a hot iron face-down on the fabric, or even the ironing board. This will burn the fabric, and potentially start a fire.
For casual clothes, fold them when you get them out of the dryer before they get a chance to wrinkle. Consider buying an inexpensive folding board to help you fold them quickly and consistently.
For dress clothes, hang them up immediately after you’ve ironed them. This will help them keep their shape and prevent wrinkles. Use a good quality hanger that is appropriate for the type of clothing you are hanging up. For example, use a padded hanger for delicate fabrics and a sturdy wooden hanger for heavier items like suits or coats.
This means that if you use a poor-fitting hanger, it can leave creases in the shoulders of your shirts for example, which can be difficult to remove. Make sure that items hung up in a closet are hanging naturally without being crammed together.
If you wear suits, consider investing in a valet. Also, while getting ready, it can be helpful to have over-the-door hooks.
What is “Dry Cleaning”?
Dry cleaning is a process of cleaning clothes using solvents instead of water. It is particularly effective for delicate fabrics that may be damaged by water or traditional washing methods. Check the label on your clothing to see if it requires dry cleaning. This is typical for things like suits, silk shirts, and certain types of dresses.
If it does, take it to a professional dry cleaner. For a suit, this might cost $20 to $30 (or more). It usually takes a few days to get it back. If you have a suit that you wear often, consider getting two suits so you can rotate them. This will help them last longer. If you need the suit on the same day, most dry cleaners offer same-day service for an extra fee.
Resources
Books
- “Details Men’s Style Manual” by Daniel Peres: A comprehensive guide covering various aspects of men’s fashion.
Podcasts
- “Dressed: The History of Fashion”: Explores the rich history behind clothing choices.
- “Menswear Style Podcast”: Offers insights into current trends and timeless styles.
YouTube Channels
- Gent Z: Focuses on men’s fashion and lifestyle.
- Real Men Real Style: Provides practical style advice for men.
- Gentleman’s Gazette: Focuses on classic men’s style and etiquette.
- He Spoke Style: Offers guidance on refined and versatile dressing.