We’re all visual creatures, even though some might say they don’t pay attention to visual appeal. But, how can that be 100% true when it takes us 7 seconds to make a first impression? Of course, the first impression is just that – an impression. It can be momentary, it can be fleeting, and it can be wrong. However, when it comes to being perceived as sophisticated, one cannot be perceived as such if they aren’t sophisticated. We’ll share the key tips if you want to be a man who enjoys the kind of men’s style that is seen as sophisticated.
Do not copy
Do not try to be someone else. You should seek inspiration online, on Instagram, Pinterest even from stylish men around you. But, while you’re seeking inspiration, do not lose yourself and try to become that person. It leads to just being a copy, not developing a sophisticated style inspired by those you admire. Find a way to channel the inspiration and emulate the sophistication.
Quality over quantity
Men’s style is not about having all these trendy items in your wardrobe. It’s about having quality pieces you can wear. People wear clothes, not the other way around. Cheap clothes might look good for the first few wears, then they will lose their form and won’t last long. Whenever you go shopping, choose the quality that will last you a while. A quality pair of jeans, a suit that fits well, a soft sweater, shoes that fit and look great, and a pair of sneakers you can mix and match should all be quality pieces you can always reach for in your wardrobe.
You can learn how to dress well
Some people know how to wear clothes in a way that their outfit is as captivating as their personality. These people are also known as those with style. But this doesn’t mean that it’s a character trait; it means they learned how to dress well and in style.
You can also learn this skill, as dressing well should be seen as a skill. The good kind of men’s tyle is not about wearing the most expensive pieces of clothing; it’s about how you wear and combine pieces of clothing. Style is a personal thing, so think about the outfits you own that increase your self-esteem first. Think about outfits that make you feel good, apart from making you look stylish and sophisticated. Use these as inspiration to create new outfits and practice how to dress well.
The right fit is more important than the price tag
The way clothes fit will always matter more than their price tag. Some people look great in a white shirt and a pair of jeans. Even Lana Del Ray sang about “blue jeans, white shirt” and how such an outfit leaves a long-lasting impression. The key is to always get the right fit, to find a model that fits your body and your size. If it just looks good, but it doesn’t fit, it isn’t for you.
Master the classic style first
Let’s use this example – people who make exquisite three-tier cakes learned how to make a basic cake first. In terms of men’s style – before you develop a unique style that has the elements of classic, modern and trendy, master the classics first. Own a white shirt and a white sweatshirt that fit perfectly. Pair it up with jeans or well-fitting trousers and elevate the look a bit with one of the modern wood watches. When it comes to watches, you don’t have to play it safe and pick a grey stainless steel watch because a watch is a classic piece on its own.
Get a good pair of jeans, classic white sneakers and Chelsea boots, a leather jacket, blue dress shirt, black suit, turtleneck, or thin knit jumper, a denim jacket and a trenchcoat, quality socks that can be colour coordinated and quality underpants. These are just some of the classic items you should own, which you can later combine with trendy items.
Turn to trends later
The key to wearing trends is to master the classic first. When you know that you can dress nicely in a sophisticated way, you can recognise which of the trends can further elevate your wardrobe. While a trendy piece like a specific colour can elevate your outfit, it will further enhance your style and the way you carry yourself. The rule is to master the classics first so that you can turn to trends later.
Invite colour into your wardrobe
Maybe you’re already sophisticated and stylish, but you do not dabble with colour. Everything in your wardrobe is either white, black, blue, or grey. But what about lime green, for example? You can get sneakers in shades of green and elevate your blue-jeans-white shirt outfit. However, if you don’t feel comfortable wearing the colour of the season combined with your classic pieces, don’t sweat. There are still many neutral shades you can wear with style and be stylish and sophisticated.
Take care of yourself
A sophisticated men’s style also includes taking care of yourself. The entire lifestyle can make or break your outfit, so prioritise taking care of yourself first so that you’ll want to take care of your style as well. Prioritise sleep over a wild night out. Eat well so that you’ll fuel your body for success. Exercise and ensure you get the daily steps. It will be good for your physique and your wallet to take your legs for a walk, not just your car for a spin. Sophisticated and stylish men enjoy life first and take care of themselves along the way because nothing your buy or wear will compensate for poor lifestyle habits.
Lastly, don’t forget about the right accessories like glasses that frame your face well and sunglasses that look stylish on you. It’s always better to wear a belt than to have low-hanging trousers or jeans. Lastly, know when it’s time to go to a barber to get your hair sorted out and your bear trimmed. Sophistication is observed in the details like a freshly cut beard and a good haircut. Everything else just complements the way we take care of ourselves and work on ourselves.
