Men - here's how to make your outfits look more interesting and contemporary
When clients come to me, they want to replenish their wardrobes but also they want to know how to update their style to be more modern and contemporary, and often how to take it from being a bit ordinary to being just that bit more "edgy" and exciting without them looking silly or like they're trying too hard.
Maybe you too, feel like you don't dress too badly now but know you've got a bit boring and could look better, and would love to make some tweaks to your outfits to look more modern and a touch different to the 'norm'.
The problem is you don't know where to start......and that's why I've put this blog post together! It's exactly what a couple of recent clients asked me.....they were definitely going along the right lines and had a pretty good idea of what their styles were but they just needed my help to take it one step further. I gave them loads of ideas during their Colour & Style Consultations and Wardrobe Edits on exactly how they could ramp up their style so it still felt like them, only better.
If you feel the same, keep reading.........
Go for a looser shape
Currently the overall silhouette in menswear is moving away from the very slim styles we've had for years, to a much looser, boxier fit - so in order to update your look then it's time to embrace this, if you haven't already.
If you want to break yourself in gently, then opt for a slightly looser, straight cut pair of jeans, some pleat front trousers with a tapered leg, a raglan sleeve coat, or boxy fit chore jacket.
The Folk 'Assembly' pant are a good place to start - they're loose but not too baggy. I've bought them with a few clients in the past year in varying colours and fabrics, and they've found them easy to integrate with the rest of their wardrobe and super comfy too!
This coat, which I put on my last blog and bought with a client this week too, is also great. The raglan sleeves give it a modern look, but if you don't want it too slouchy you can size down. That's what we did for my client - he could have got either but we went for the smaller one as he's a slim 5'8" guy and the bigger size was in danger of just looking too big rather than contemporary.
If you're a larger guy and welcome the idea of some larger, looser fits then go for some wide leg chinos, loose cut jeans, a boxy fit 3 button casual blazer and an oversized longer length coat.
Make a subtle statement with your accessories
Two guys could wear a very similar outfit, but the accessories they choose can completely change it, and it's a great way for each to express their personality.
To add a bit of a trendier edge to your outfit, try some sporty white or cream socks. The ones with a ringed stripe at the top are particularly 'now' to wear with white trainers (so they give the effect of high tops) and turned up jeans, or loafers. I saw a guy in Trunk Clothiers this week, wearing them with loose cut 501s and this sweater and it looked great.
Or if white is a step too far in the sporty direction for you, then go for a bright or pastel colour (see above middle), or a marl pair to add some interest, colour and texture to a plain white shirt and jeans.
An oversized scarf like this Cos one (on the right) which is influenced by the original Acne style will give a modern twist to a classic outfit, or a cotton bandana tucked into the neck of your sweater, so you just see a glimpse, looks really contemporary...... it works with a crew neck, with a shirt or even with a roll-neck.
Add some chunky coloured trainers (see last image below) into your shoe rotation, to give you a break from the white leather ones which you've no doubt been wearing on repeat!
Switch your beanie for a watch cap (which sits closer to your head) to update your headwear, and go for a bright colour and fuzzy texture if you want even more of a 'look'.
Pay attention to the details
Want to look like you’re in the ‘know’? Most of my personal shopping clients don't like big logos and I agree. Here are some with much more subtle branding and detailing that not everyone and his dog will know!
The gold numbers on the outside of Common Projects trainers (which indicate the style number, shoe size and colour code) are distinctive but not 'shouty', once you know what you're looking for. Along the same lines, the Martin Margiela brand is instantly recognisable by the 4 white stitches at the back neck of the garments, without having the brand name emblazoned all over it. You'll also be able to tell as there's often elbow patches on the sweaters like this one too.
Perhaps one that's less well known is the V shaped Western style yoke on the back of Officine Générale shirts - a subtle detail but a favourite of mine. Another one I've discovered recently is the shadow patch stitching detail on the L.E.J. sweaters - I'm not quite sure if this is a signature detail of theirs or just for this season, but I love it! Also Private White VC have copper zip fastenings on their jackets and coats which are unique and something they're known for.
Style it in your own way
The best example that springs to mind of how this is done really well, is in the Drake’s lookbooks – they take classic pieces and style them brilliantly so they become really different and interesting. It's sometimes the way they put the colours together, random coloured socks that don't seem to go with anything else in the outfit but still look fantastic, or the mix of casual styles and tailoring.......sweaters under blazers, hoodies under smart overcoats, caps with tweed blazers, or trainers with formal trousers. Take inspiration from these lookbooks and see if you can do the same in your wardrobe.
Other styling details I've noticed recently are how that 80s trend of putting a sweater over your shoulders has come back.....it can be a practical way of carry an extra layer with you, or using a sweater as a scarf.
Plus the mix of bright (even neon) colours and fuzzy textures (like brushed wool or mohair) with more traditional fabrics like tweed. I love this mix of contemporary and conservative which gives a whole new look.
Combine interesting colours and patterns
Unusual combinations of colours can work brilliantly together - like the pale pinks above with the toffee colour. Or it could be different shades of the same colour – like apple green and khaki. Make sure they do tie in somehow though and don't wear too many different shades at once, otherwise you could risk looking like you've got dressed in the dark. It's definitely something to experiment with though, as some things are really lifted by being put with a less obvious colour.
Or look at ways of combining patterns to give a fresh look, like the example in the middle picture and a another one here.....if you go for similar tones in colour, it shouldn't be too hard to mix up the patterns.
Also think about the textures you wear - especially if you're wearing more neutral colours - combining matt and shiny, fuzzy and flat, rough and smooth can really add a new dimension and character to your outfit.
I hope that's given you some food for thought, and inspiration as to how to put things together in your wardrobe or what to go out and buy.
But if you don't know where to start, and feel bored with your style and would like some help to ramp it up in 2024 (without going over the top) then click the button below to check out my new 2024 Style Dial Up package, and let's get you on the right track!
Feel free to email me with any questions.
"Sarah provided an amazing service, giving well-personalised expert and patient advice, tailoring her notes and recommendations perfectly to my tastes and proving to be a real expert in her field. Highly recommended."
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