When it comes to fashion, many guys often ask the same question: “What’s in style right now?” While it’s a valid question, it’s important to remember that finding your style goes beyond following trends. The first question you should ask yourself is: “What’s my lifestyle?”
As someone who spends a lot of time thinking about style, I’m here to help guide you through the process of discovering your personal style. The truth is, style isn’t just about the clothes you wear—it’s about expressing who you are. If you’re not yet sure who you want to be, take the time to figure that out first.
To start, forget about the buzzwords like D&G, Prada, chinos, bracelets, or rings. These are simply tools for expression, but the real goal is to express your unique personality through what you wear. Understanding the message you want to convey is the key. Once you know that, you can use clothing to amplify that message in an impactful way.
Defining Your Personal Style
A great way to start is by thinking about the words that describe you best. Ask yourself which of the following traits resonate with you:
- Classy
- Playful
- Business-minded
- Fun-loving
- Introverted
- Extroverted
- Childlike
- Cute
- Warm
- Friendly
Feel free to add your own descriptors, too. The goal here is to get a better sense of who you are, so you can pick clothing that aligns with those traits. This exercise will also help you avoid blindly following every trend I recommend. My suggestions are tailored for different types of people with different tastes, so the key is finding what works for you and your message.
Filtering Your Choices
Once you have an idea of what represents you, it’s easier to filter out the pieces that don’t align with your identity. Just because something is fashionable doesn’t mean it’s a good fit for you. Style isn’t just about looking good—it’s about expressing who you are. It needs context.
Let’s look at a few examples to make this clearer.
Example 1: Embracing a Childish Vibe
Let’s say you identify with the word “childish.” This could mean you want your clothing to reflect a playful, carefree spirit. You might want to look for t-shirts featuring animated characters or fun prints. However, avoid items with overly loud logos or sarcastic messages. Instead, aim for designs that are playful without being too juvenile.
Example 2: Radiating Warmth
If you want to express that you’re a warm, approachable person, choose clothing in warmer tones like yellow, orange, and red. These colors naturally convey friendliness and positivity. Earthy tones, such as browns, greens, and purples, can also work well to enhance that warm and relaxed vibe. Combining warm and earthy colors will help create a grounded, welcoming look.
Example 3: Showcasing Fun
For those who want to convey a fun personality, patterns are a great way to express that. Patterns like checks, stripes, paisley, and polka dots are all excellent choices. They add variety and draw attention in a playful way. Don’t worry if the options are limited for men—there are plenty of stylish ways to incorporate patterns into your outfits.
Style is Personal
Every aspect of your personality, every emotion, can be reflected through your clothes. The key is to put thought into it. By aligning your wardrobe choices with who you are, you’ll naturally build a stylish look that truly reflects your character. Take the time to consider what you want to communicate with your clothing, and you’ll find that it becomes much easier to curate a wardrobe that feels authentic and confident.
Remember, one minute of planning can save you five minutes of execution. So think ahead, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a wardrobe that speaks volumes about who you are.
