Guys - it's one month into the new year, and you made a resolution to update your style, right? If you haven't started, or you're not sure where to begin, don't stress. It's not as difficult a journey as you may think, and if you're hesitant or overwhelmed, you can start small.
There are a couple of paths you can take: add one or two things to your regular routine - or even easier, just change something that you're already doing. Both do require some work - adding means another step in the mornings (but a simple one), and change means breaking one habit to start another. Either way - a few baby steps will start you down the path, and once you get a taste of it, there will be no stopping you...
ADD A LAYER OVER
Layering is one of the key ways to build dimension in an outfit. It allows you to play with an additional color, pattern or texture other than just your shirt. And c'mon - it is winter, so you can't say it's too hot to throw on a sweater (but grab a cardigan you can unbutton, just in case...)
photos: left - iamgalla.com; top right - suitsupply.tumblr.com; bottom right - tsbmen.com
ADD A LAYER UNDER
Adding a visible t-shirt under your button-down shirt is another way to add interest to your look. Think of it as the primer before you put on the paint - it keeps you warm AND it extends the life of your shirt (since you won't need to launder your shirt after every wear).
photos: top left, bottom left - urbsuburbstyle.com/blog; right - jetterlife.tumblr.com
CHANGE TO PRINT
You're already wearing a shirt, so why not make it a printed one? You can still wear the colors you’re comfortable with, but in a waaay more interesting way. And printed shirts are a great way to show some personality – so let the world see who you are…
photos: top left - guystyleguide.tumblr.com; bottom left - iqfashion.tumblr.com; right - pinterest.com/urbsuburbstyle/his-style
CHANGE COLOR
If you’re apprehensive about change, then take something you’re already doing and tweak one aspect. You already put on a sweater/a jacket/pants – so just change to a colored one. Moving from a stable of neutrals to some bold color is like giving your look a shot of caffeine – you’re suddenly awake!
photos: left - modasagafalabella.pe; top middle - thefashionisto.com; bottom middle - s983.photobucket.com/user/ThisisnotnewPHOTOS; right - blackboytrystan.tumblr.com
CHANGE YOUR JEANS
One thing to remember about jeans: darkwash jeans go with just about anything. Period.
photos: left - j.crew; top middle - themodusvivendi.tumblr.com; bottom middle - tsbmen.com; right - welldressedman.tumblr.com
CHANGE TO A BLAZER
Make sure your update is an upgrade by throwing on a blazer in place of your windbreaker or hoodie. Blazers run the gamut from dressy to casual, from structured to laid-back, from form-fitting to loose and easy – so pick one that’s appropriate for the occasion and be ready to get some stares (in a good way).
photos: top left - gq.com/style; bottom left - hellomaninpink.com; bottom middle - tsbmen.com; right - thesartorialist.com
CHANGE YOUR SHOES
Shoes can make or break or look. So start making your look. Trade your ratty sneakers for cool ones, your casual slip-ons for desert boots, your square-toed worn down dress shoes for classic never-go-out-of-style ones. You’ll be so glad you did.
photo taken at the Sam Malouf store in Burlingame, CA
CHANGE YOUR SOCKS
If you’re not ready to have fun with patterned shirts or colored pants – then at least try it with socks. Socks are a great little surprise to show when you’re walking to work or when you cross your legs in a meeting. It’s like a little wink that let’s them know you’ve got style, you just don’t want to flaunt it…
photos: urbsuburbstyle.com/blog
