If, like me, you’re more comfortable in a tent than a boardroom, you might just be a Basic Bro. At least as far as your fashion sense is concerned. Suits might not be your desired attire, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress well and look great!
Basic Bros have many good reasons for dressing casually, and I’m grateful it’s socially acceptable for people to wear a wide variety of options, from grunge to dandy and everything in between. It’s also possible to look sharp in a casual outfit if you keep the following in mind:
Jeans are a great staple for any wardrobe.
Since jeans were historically worn by manual labourers, they suit the Basic Bro image perfectly. Denim is incredibly durable, so a great investment. I’d advise a straight cut, no distress jeans (You can check out this post for more advice on shopping jeans). Name brand jeans are a great way to flex while staying true to the Basic Bro aesthetic.
T-shirts are a language of their own
Wearing jeans and a t-shirt is only one step up from tank-tops and shorts, so may not be appropriate for certain jobs or events. But it’s certainly a good look if your jeans are nice and your t-shirt makes a statement. Although a plain tee can work for a simple look, especially if you’re wearing a jacket, and t-shirt that’s interesting in some way (a fun colour/pattern or name brand) is great if that’s your whole look.
Chinoes are more formal, while still being casual
They also come in a greater variety of colours, so are great to expand your style options without going so far as to wear suit trousers. Like jeans, chinoes are hard wearing, and give off a rugged vibe that works nicely for Bros.
Button front shirts are essential
Although Basic Bros are pros at surviving with minimal style effort, there are occasions and places where a shirt is required. Although many are averse to wearing button fronts, they’re actually just as comfortable as t-shirts, and bring a sharpness to ones dress that signals success and competence. Having a white button front shirt on standby will let you navigate through the situations where a t-shirt is not an option.
A button front shirt also looks great with jeans (no distress) or chinos, and in our modern are this look is really as ‘business casual’ as you need to be most of the time.
Dressing Up and Down
With these few items at your disposal you’ll be able to navigate most situations without compromising your Bro standards, and look sharp and successful while doing it. If you want to stick to the basics, but sharpen up your look a bit:
1. Tuck in your shirt or t-shirt. This not only neatens up the look, but also lets you show off your belt. Ensuring everything is well ironed is obviously essential.
2. Add an accessory, like a tie or a pocket square and you’ll magically turn your basic outfit into a style statement.
3. Wear leather shoes instead of fabric ones, and your look will become instantly more formal. Dress shoes are obviously great, but sneakers can be snaz too.
4. Having your clothes altered to fit correctly will also elevate your style phenomenally! And yes, we alter jeans and t-shirts!
Once you’ve mastered the Basic Bro look, it’s time to develop your inner Dandy, check out my Suit Guide below:
—Introduction to suits– Brief History of Suits – The Trouser’s Fit – The Jacket’s Fit – The Waistcoat’s Fit – The Shirt’s Fit — Off the Peg Suits – Made to Measure Suits – Bespoke Suits – Some Suit Mistakes –
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The Green Tailor 
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