I hear from a lot of guys who want to start dressing better; they’re just not sure where to start. These men don’t want to go from zero to Fashion Week’s front row overnight with a complete closet overhaul, but they realize that what’s in their wardrobe is no longer working. So how can you start dressing better without your friends and family thinking you sneaked off to appear on one of those cable makeover shows?
Create a new shopping list
No need to go cold turkey on your closet’s current contents. The next time you go shopping, look for items made from luxe fabrics and slim cuts. You own enough cotton T-shirts to last a lifetime, and your jeans could probably use refreshing. Check the tags for more interesting textures (think wool, cashmere, linen) and labels denoting the item is a slim fit. Trying on new kinds of clothes can be scary, but you’ll never look any different if you keep buying the same things over and over.
Phase clothes in
Update your wardrobe in a way that feels gradual, rather than abrupt. This will be easier on your bank account anyway. You don’t want to suddenly go from faded bootcut jeans to a three-piece suit. You can, however, go from faded bootcut jeans to a dark, straight-leg jean without causing too much whiplash among the folks who see you every day. From there, the jump from jeans to cords or khakis doesn’t feel so scary. Later, graduating from the khakis to a pair of wool trousers (or the aforementioned suit) will be even easier.
Ease your way up the well-dressed ladder
No need to abandon your hoodie-and-holey-jeans off-duty uniform all at once. After you trade up your jeans, maybe next you’ll swap out your dirty old sneakers for a pair that’s fresh and clean (and clearly not meant for the gym, track or court). The hoodie gets stuffed in the back of the closet in favor of a V-neck sweater. And on and on. Do this with all your clothes, and you’ll slowly amass a closet full of great-looking, quality clothes, without anyone accusing you of going full “Zoolander” on them.
