Not every man wants to wear a three piece suit everyday, and we live in a diverse world with a wide range of fashion options. From grunge to dandy and everything in between, this guide will help you feel more confident and look more polished in your chosen style. To explore the topic of the long, slow trend of men dressing more casually you can read this article. But in this atelier we dress sharp!
Dressing casually does not mean dressing carelessly. It’s important for your style to reflect your personality, and bring you comfort and confidence in the proportions that work for you. In a curated wardrobe, each piece accurately reflects your individuality, and pairs well with your other clothes. Let’s build a basic wardrobe around a few staple items:
Jeans are a great foundation
Historically worn by manual labourers, jeans are great for the everyday man. Denim is incredibly durable, so a great foundation for your wardrobe. You can read more about what makes jeans amazing here. I would opt for the traditional dark navy, straight cut, no distress, 100% cotton jeans as the best long term investment.
Here is a guide on buying the right jeans for you. If you’re feeling adventurous you can look into different fits, and black or light blue jeans. I personally would never buy pre-distressed or pre-faded jeans. If that’s the look you’re going for, then do it yourself through regular wear so that your distress patterns reflect your unique life.
T-shirts can be fashion
As with your jeans, the fit is very important. We can apply the same fitting rules as for shirts, and apply the same logic: solid colours are the best foundation as they’re the easiest to pair with the rest of your wardrobe. If you enjoy logos, bold colours or graphics, let it reflect your unique personality.
One step up in style would be V-neck t-shirts and golf shirts. These keep the casual game going while being subtly more fancy. Visible and/or loud logos are a double edged sword. I like to flex with obscure designers or obvious knockoffs, but otherwise avoid turning my body into a billboard.
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, chinos are hard-wearing, and give off a rugged vibe. If you’re starting your wardrobe opt for neutral colours like beige and blue. But don’t be afraid to expand your collection with the colours you like!
For an even better look you can ensure a good fit, especially in the length of your chinos. The same fit rules as trousers apply, and you can read more about that here.
Button shirts are essential
Although t-shirts and golfers are fine for most everyday attire, there are occasions and places where a button 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 almost any situation.
A button front shirt also looks great with jeans (no distress) or chinos, and in our modern day this look is really as ‘business casual’ as you need to be most of the time. As you’re surely accustomed by now: start with solid neutral colours, and let it be a reflection of your personality.
An easy upgrade is to have the shirt properly fitting, and here is a simple guide on what’s important in a shirt’s fit.
Shoes make a big difference
Open-toed shoes I would reserve for your own house, camping and the beach. Otherwise I feel closed shoes signal that you’ve made an effort, even if it’s just grocery shopping. Swapping trainers for leather shoes will instantly elevate even a simple outfit.
Leather shoes need’t be overly formal; sneakers, loafers, boots or vellies all strike an excellent balance between comfort and style. I work in a suit every day, but most formal shoes give me incredible back pain because of the heel. I may be justifying myself a little, but I feel vellies are sufficiently formal shoes for the post-pandemic world.
Whatever you choose, keep your shoes clean and in good condition.
Dressing Up and Down
With these few items at your disposal you’ll be able to navigate most situations without too much decision fatique, and look sharp and successful while doing it. If you want to upgrade your look a little:
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. It is acceptable and even common to untuck your t-shirt, but we’re not trying to be common. Here is a discussion on the topic.
2. Add an accessory. A belt, watch, tie, pocket square or tasteful hat—and you’ll instantly make the outfit feel more intentional and give it your personal flair.
3. Keep everything clean and ironed. Repurpose stained clothes for camping and hiking, or donate them, but don’t wear them in public if you can help it. If you must patch, do it professionally or artistically.
4. Having your clothes altered to fit you comfortably will definitely elevate your style dramatically. Alterations also introduce the option to personalise your clothes, which is the best style statement of all: being unique.
Once you’re comfortable with your basic style, you’re ready to explore classic tailoring. The suit has been refined over centuries into one of the best garments a man can wear. Start your journey with the 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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