Introduction
One of the basic conditions of fashion is that it never stays still. You can be assured that each and every season a new colour, item or look will be pushed on the runway and reported as a trend. Whilst many will make only fleeting visits, others are here to stay.
We here at FashionBeans are unabashedly vocal advocates for the timeless, classic and versatile capsule wardrobe. We place a lot of emphasis on wearing what you know and what you are comfortable in. We want to help you guys dress well – not just on those special occasions, but every day of the year.
At the same time, we won’t simply sit back on our laurels and announce our work is done just because we’ve covered pretty much every basic you really need to know. There is a wealth of knowledge available on these pages that would help even the most fashionably incompetent man transform his image, but offering just one take on what is a vast and ever changing social schema is not the FashionBeans way.
Recently, we have covered the resurgence of the skater boy, neon and fluorescent colours and what to learn from Pitti Uomo 2013 with an eye towards the upcoming spring/summer season. Looking back, we’ve also highlighted the Chelsea boot, the updated sports luxe trend and the gentrification of denim. Considering the more challenging aspects of fashion and trends is what makes this website unique.
The world of fashion and style is about much more than just the little niche we carve out for ourselves. It is much larger than this website and it is much more than the collective image we, as a community, have created.
As well dressed men, we know what we like and we like what we wear. But in a world that offers so much more – which requires so much more – is being a one look man enough?
The One Look Man
Let’s preface this by saying that there is much to be said for being a man with just one, solid look.
You are almost guaranteed consistency, because everything in your wardrobe works with everything else and it is all geared towards one purpose: making you look good. You will always be comfortable AND confident – the reason you’ve constructed your look is because you like it and it suits you – and this will make a huge difference to the way you perceive yourself and the way others perceive you.
It cannot be underestimated how much of a difference confidence makes. Honestly.
Being a one look man shows an understanding of style and clothes. It also shows you can pinpoint certain items, trends and styles that you can work into your own look whilst carefully considering fit, fabric, quality and colour.
You certainly shouldn’t feel inadequate or underdressed if you fall into the ‘one look’ man category. On the contrary, you have achieved what a vast swathe of the population has either failed to do or are currently blundering their way towards. Being well dressed is nothing but a positive.
Are you a man who adores heritage clothing? You can still create a wide variety of outfits, but would you benefit from expanding your horizons?
No situation will ever be the same as the last. Every social event has different parameters and asks different things of the participants. You may very well look great on holiday in Paris, complete with your sharpest tailoring and vibrant bohemian flair, but try wearing a double-breasted jacket to a sweaty gig in a pub rammed full of dirty teenagers and you’re going to look out of place.
This is, of course, quite an extreme example but it’s just as relevant in everyday situations – it is possible to overdress.
Being able to modify your style, making it more formal or more casual at the flick of a switch, gives you that edge that most others lack. You are adaptable and versatile and able to react to any situation. Keep your roll neck jumper, tweed trousers and brogue boots and wear them as much as you like but don’t throw away your skinny jeans, battered Vans and plaid shirts; you never know when you might need them.
Think Outside Your Box
The world of clothing and everything associated with it is bigger than any of us can ever hope to comprehend. There is so much going on that I think it would be naive not to take an interest in what is going on outside the bubble you have created for yourself.
Whether you take influence from heritage looks, the prep scene or street style looking past the things you know you like to the things that might challenge your perceptions or are a little out of the ordinary is a great way to expand your horizons and discover something totally new. You never know what might jump out at you.
Pushing yourself to try new things will take your wardrobe to a whole new level, it will make it more exciting and more varied, it will throw up new possibilities and give you the freedom to wear whatever you want, whenever you want, without being restricted by your style.
A varied wardrobe offers you the opportunity to mix and match and change things to suit not only your situation but also your mood. If you want to dress like a Hipster for a day then you can, if you want to look Mediterranean the next, you can. It makes your style, truly yours.
Are you a man who adores heritage clothing? Why not try another approach this season – preppy, work wear or Mediterranean inspired looks could help take your personal style to the next level.
Final Word
There are no right or wrong answers here. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a one look man; consistency, proper dressing and a sense of style is something most people would kill for. But there is also nothing wrong with pushing things a bit further than you normally would. Being able to appreciate and comprehend at least some part of another style or someone else’s look is a great way of rounding out your own image. So next time you look at your wardrobe, ask yourself: am I a one look man?
- How varied is your wardrobe?
- Do you like to mix things up with new styles and items?
- How do you dress; mood, situation, or both?
- Do you like to change your style on a day-to-day basis?
Let me know in the comments section below. Will
