• Men's Fashion Basics

Men’s Fashion Basics – Part 90 – The Next 5 Steps

So let’s assume you read my article a few months ago on the top 5 rookie mistakes guys make when dressing themselves, be it work or play. After going through it and realising that it was pretty much describing your current personal style, you decided to make a change. You started wearing the right size suit, tucking in your dress shirt on nights out and threw away that mad collection of square-toed shoes (because your feet are NOT square my friend). But where do you go from here? It’s easy to learn from your mistakes – because a lot of the time they’re easy to pinpoint and simple to correct – but progression is difficult. Let’s face it, now that you’ve fixed the most glaring and/or offensive faux pas, there’s something comforting in continuing what you were doing and playing it safe. However, the reality is that taking the next step isn’t as hard or daunting as it may initially seem. If you follow the five simple rules below then you will be well on your way to a more fashionable and stylish you.

1. Fit Is King

I don’t just mean your suits. This is rule No. 1 of style – all day, every day. Men’s style comes down to creating clean lines and strong silhouettes, and these are impossible to achieve if you are swamped in excess material. Always try on clothes before you buy them to make sure they fit you properly and think hard about the purchase if they don’t. Find yourself a decent tailor and things get even easier. With just a few nips and tucks, a tailor can make even the most basic of pieces look like they were made for your body. Along with getting the fit right in the shop, these guys are the missing link between making an inexpensive item appear very expensive.

2. Branch Out From Denim

There’s a whole new world out there away from your trusty pair of 501s. A pair of neutral chinos or some grey wool trousers work just as well with all the pieces you normally wear with your jeans but provide variation, style and a point of difference when thrown together.

Lookbook Inspiration

Key Pieces

• Asos Slim Chino
• Asos Skinny Chino
• Topman Khaki Skinny Chinos
• Shore Leave Burgundy Carrot Chinos
• Topman Brown Check Skinny Chinos
• Gucci or D&G on their clothing they’re now fashionable is almost criminal. Before you decide to purchase an item, be honest with yourself and ask if you’re buying it because of the brand or because you love the quality and style? Good fit and quality construction/design can be found at all price ranges if you’re willing to put in the effort.
  

  Final Word

  Now I appreciate these are extremely general beginner steps for those of you just setting out in your sartorial adventure. If you’re looking for more information in regards to specific items of clothing, then I suggest you start typing them into our search bar and reading up. There are also probably plenty of you out there who were already nailing all of these steps anyway. But it’s always nice to have a little refresher and help out the new guys, right? As always, FashionBeans is about sharing knowledge – so why not leave a comment and let us know what you think? Did any of these steps help you at all? What advice would you give to someone looking to become a more stylish version of themselves? Matt Allinson

  

  Matt Allinson

  Matt graduated from Leeds University in 2009 and is currently studying for an MA in Multi-media Journalism at Bournemouth University. He is in charge of the Men’s Fashion Basics section which provides you with a step by step guide to becoming a stylish individual in any situation.