How To Upgrade Your Wardrobe In 10 Easy Steps - Style Tips For Men

Upgrading your wardrobe is something everyone does at least once in their life. Whether you're starting a new career, entering adulthood, or discovering an interest in style, these nine easy upgrades will help jump-start your journey into becoming the best dressed person in the room.

Don't feel pressured to spend your entire paycheque to upgrade your wardrobe. Purchasing one or two new pieces a month is a good way to pace yourself and avoid going into debt or regretting your purchases later.

Add Patterned Button-Up Shirts To Your Wardrobe

A piece for any age, a patterned button-up shirt is a fun, semi-casual upgrade to your wardrobe that can be worn on its own for a slightly dressed-up casual look or under a sport jacket for a semi-formal occasion. A simple paisley, floral, or polka-dot shirt can add a bit of youth to your overall look without making it seem like you're trying too hard.

Either long-sleeved or short-sleeved button-up shirts can convey the image that you're serious, but also have an outgoing side. Some brands have more formal patterned shirts (like two-toned stripes or multi-coloured polka-dots), while others can go the opposite direction and have famous paintings or pop-culture collages on them. Find what works for you and use them to your advantage.

Swap Your T-Shirt For A Polo Shirt

Originating in India in the mid-19^th century and quickly adapted by English soldiers stationed there, the polo shirt has become an iconic piece of clothing in the world of sports, from polo to tennis to golf. You don't need to be an athlete to pull off wearing one.

Polo shirts have become a warm-weather essential for many style aficionados. They can easily be dressed up or down and are available in a wide array of colours and fabrics. Look for fabrics such as Jersey and Pique. These two fabrics are derived from cotton and will keep you cool during those hot summer months. 

When choosing a polo, consider going with neutral colours like black, tan, olive, dark blue, or white. These colours are very versatile, so you can wear them with pretty much anything. Some polos come with contrasting collars and/or sleeves. 

If you are feeling adventurous or want to add a hint of flair, find a bolder option that works for you. But whatever you do, don't pop your collar.

Dark Wash Jeans Are A Staple For Many Stylish Men

Jeans are a staple of the modern wardrobe. With unmatched versatility, they can quickly become the go-to choice for pants. While they should never replace dress pants or trousers, there is a more formal choice when it comes to the denim we love.

Dark-wash jeans toe the line between casual and formal. You can go casual with a t-shirt and sneakers, throw on a leather jacket for a masculine look, or even style them with a button-up shirt and sport jacket for a smart-casual outing. The sky's the limit when it comes to dark-wash jeans.

Finding a pair of dark-wash jeans is quite easy. Almost every jean brand will have at least one, if not multiple, styles. Look for a pair in a cut you like that fit well (avoid skinny jeans—they are not a wise investment) and give you enough stretch so you don't have to worry about ripping your pants if you bend over.

Invest In A Pair Of Chinos Or Khakis For More Formal Outings

A fantastic alternative to jeans, chinos and/or khakis can be a fun addition to your wardrobe. Both come in a variety of colours and materials, giving you an abundance of choices. Chinos and khakis fill the gap between jeans and dress pants on the formality scale. Like dark-wash jeans, they can be dressed up or down depending on your style.

You may be asking yourself "What's the difference? Aren't they both the same?" This is a common misconception. While people, and companies, use the terms interchangeably, there is a difference between chinos and khakis. Here's a crash course on the characteristics of both chinos and khakis:

Chinos – Typically made with lighter fabric, legs are tapered, stitching is visible, and they can be pleated but typically are not. Chinos are considered more formal.

Khakis – Made with heavier fabrics, legs are straight, stitching is hidden, typically pleated, and legs are cuffed. Khakis are more casual.

Know Your Tailor And Visit Them When You Get New Clothes

Most pieces of clothing purchased off the rack are in universal sizes (S, M, L, XL). If you really want your clothes to fit properly, take them to a tailor. A tailor will be able to hem, tuck, and contour your clothes so they flatter your body type. They can also alter your outfits to make them look bespoke.

A trip to the tailor should be viewed as an investment, not as an extra cost you are reluctant to pay. A well fitting suit or even pants will help your overall aesthetic. Properly sized clothes will make you look more professional and people will notice. Always take your clothes to a tailor if you want to look your best.

Tailors will typically take measurements like arm length, chest, and waist. If you ask politely, they can write down those measurements for you so that you'll have an idea of what will fit next time you go shopping for something bespoke or made to measure.

Wear A Belt 

Not only are belts fashionable, but they also serve a purpose. If you want to avoid showing off your underwear, or even worse, your butt crack, consider wearing a belt.

Some argue that no outfit is complete without a belt. If you find yourself wearing suits or tucking in your shirt, wear a belt. Belts are stylish and offer an easy solution to plumbers' crack (apologies to all the plumbers out there). They come in a wide variety of materials such as crocodile, calfskin, ostrich, canvas, nylon, and even faux leather, among others.

Belt tips:

• If you are planning on going formal, wear narrow belts with smaller buckles. Stick to leathers and solid colours.

• If you are going with a casual outfit, wider belts and bigger buckles are fine. You can also wear bolder colours and more casual materials like canvas and nylon.

... Or Wear Suspenders For A Vintage Look 

Suspenders are the grand-daddy of belts. Before belts, people used suspenders to keep their pants up. Once considered a dead trend, suspenders have been making a comeback in the world of style. No longer just for lumberjacks and hipsters, suspenders can be worn with any outfit that requires you to tuck in your shirt.

Suspenders come in two designs: clip-on and button. Both function to keep your pants up. There is debate over which design does a better job, but if you find one style works better for you than the other, use that one.

Suspenders are to be worn under a vest or jacket, although if you are just wearing a tucked-in shirt, the suspenders can lay overtop. Adjust them properly so they aren't rising up or falling.

Similarly to belts, suspenders come in a variety of material, patterns, and thicknesses. Leather is best suited for formal occasions if your suspenders are visible. Thinner suspenders are considered more formal. If your suspenders are under a vest or jacket, don't fret about the material, pattern, or size.

But NEVER Wear A Belt And Suspenders At The Same Time! 

If you wear a belt and suspenders together, you will most definitely get a call from the department of redundancy department. Since belts and suspenders solve the same problem, wearing both at once isn't going to keep your pants up twice as effectively. Pick one or the other.

Invest In Quality Shoes

Shoes are an important part of any wardrobe. Not only do they provide comfort and protect your feet from the elements and danger, but they also play a vital role in your outfit. While sneakers and skate shoes are great for lounging around and some light physical activity, having a few different pairs of shoes to pick from will ensure you are ready for any occasion.

First and foremost, invest in a quality pair of dress shoes. These should be black polishable shoes like oxfords or derbies. Dress shoes should have a low profile, thin laces, and little to no designs, patterns, or broguing. These types of shoes are versatile, meaning they can be worn in any semi-formal or smart-casual events all the way to ultra-formal events like black or white tie.

If you are an active person, or plan to become one, investing in a good pair of trainers or running shoes will benefit your joints, especially if you are engaging in high impact sports like running. Find shoes that fit properly, provide support and comfort where you need it, and allow you to move freely. Here is a simple guide from Runners World that goes into more detail on how to choose the right running shoe for you.

Never assume your size. Always try on training or running shoes and walk a little bit to get a feel if they are right for you.

Other types of shoes we recommend:

• Single or double monk strap shoes

• Chelsea or Chukka boots

• Loafers (penny, tassel, or horsebit)

• Moccasins

Start Wearing A Watch 

When it comes to accessories for men, none are more popular than a wristwatch. A watch is a symbol of maturity and a visual sign that you value your time. Most people who wear a watch use it as a tool. It tells the time (and sometimes date) without all the distractions that come with looking at a smartphone. Some may argue that watches are irrelevant in today's age, but we disagree.

Tens of thousands of different designs and styles exist to choose from in all price ranges, from a simple Casio F91W digital watch under $25 (Read our review: Casio F91W Digital: A Great Daily Wear for more information on this affordable workhorse) all the way to five-, six-, and even seven-figure luxury timepieces. For a full list of watches we have reviewed, click here.

Find a watch that suits your lifestyle and the message you intend to convey. You can build a small collection of watches to fit any occasion. Our article How Many Watches Does A Modern Gentleman Need explains, in detail, what types of watches you need to start your collection.

Wear A Fragrance Daily

Applying 2-3 spritzes of a quality fragrance before leaving the house is often a good idea. Depending on the season and/or occasion, you can find fragrances to suit whatever you are planning on doing. From office-friendly, non-offensive shower-fresh scents to strong, polarizing scents, there's a fragrance for practically every occasion.

Fragrances, like watches, also come in a variety of price ranges. Most big-box discount stores carry a wide selection. Take time to sample different fragrances to find out what best suits you. 

If you are going to test a fragrance, spraying it on your skin is preferable to using a paper test strip, since body heat, sweat, and skin chemistry can affect how a fragrance smells. Read our guide How To Properly Test Fragrances Before Buying for more tips and tricks that will help you find the right scent.

We recommend using websites like Fragrantica for customer reviews and polls on fragrances. We wrote an entire article on 9 Reasons Why You Should Wear A Fragrance that goes into more detail. 

Note: Certain spaces like offices and medical buildings may be 'fragrance-free', as some people in these areas have adverse reactions to the chemicals found in fragrances. These could be allergies, asthma, or headaches, among other side effects. Avoid wearing fragrances if you know you will be in a fragrance-free area.

Summary 

While clothing doesn't fully define a person, it does help send a message to others about who you are. By upgrading your wardrobe, you are making a conscious decision to not only look your best, but to show others that you are a mature, intelligent human being.

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