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6 Subtle Style Tips That Will Make You Look Amazing
Subtle style choices like fabrics, colours, and patterns can transform your outfit from drab to designer with barely any extra time or energy. Being considerate of your choices and overall appearance will not only make you look better but will also gain you compliments and can even boost your self-esteem.
In this article, we will review 6 subtle style tips you can begin using right away. These tips work well in situations where you want to make a great impression like a first date, important meeting, or fancy party. On with the list:
Subtle Style Tip #1: Remember Fit Is King
The most important style tip to remember is that fit is king. Wearing clothes that are either too big or too small not only throws off your proportions but gives the impression that you cannot dress yourself. An ill-fitting piece of clothing may make people wonder if you are even aware that your clothes are three sizes too big.
Most off-the-rack clothes are designed to fit a wide array of body shapes and sizes. If you are just beginning your style journey, we highly recommend spending some time with a tailor. Armed with a tailor's tape measure, they can give you your most important measurements including:
- Neck circumference
- Chest
- Shoulder width
- Sleeve length
- Waist
- Inseam length
- Outseam length
Most tailors will do this service for free. However, if you are going to a clothing store just to speak to a tailor, we advise purchasing something small like a pair of socks or pocket square to show them your appreciation.
Wearing clothes that complement your body shape and size gives off a bespoke appearance that will have most people wondering if your clothes are custom made. Tailored clothing will also have more sentimental value as well, since you had it altered to fit your exact proportions.
Subtle Style Tip #2: Add A Splash Of Colour
Adding a splash of colour to your outfit is not just a subtle way to boost your style, it also makes you more memorable. An orange pocket square or pink ascot will help you stand out during important events like interviews, meetings, and even dates.
You can easily start adding colour to your outfit in small ways; a pocket square or ascot with a bold paisley pattern, a panama hat with a colourful band, or even brightly coloured shoe laces on your oxfords. Once you are comfortable with this, begin adding colour elsewhere like chinos, shoes, and even shirts.
Be sure to add colour with intention. This can be achieved by learning about colour theory. Our article A Beginner's Guide To The Colour Wheel explains colour theory, warm colours vs. cool colours, shade, tone, and tint. A quick read through the article will provide you with enough information to help you make better decisions on which colours to wear together.
Subtle Style Tip #3: Combine Different Fabric Textures
Combining different textures adds depth and subtle visual interest to your outfit. This is especially useful if you are going for a monochromatic look. Combining soft fabrics like silk, cashmere, and linen with corduroy, tweed, or wool will up your overall look by a few points.
When combining different textures, avoid layering similar ones directly on top of or next to each other. This can dull the effect and make your outfit look washed out. Alternate between soft and hard fabrics whenever possible to really draw eyes in.
This effect can be accomplished with casual attire as well. Wearing a denim or leather jacket will add visual appeal. Be aware that large pieces made of heavy fabrics are not recommended in warmer months. You may find yourself sweating uncontrollably.
Subtle Style Tip #4: Leverage Your Look With Patterns
Adding one, two, or even three patterns to your outfit will make you look incredibly dapper. Like textures, patterns add visual interest and depth to your outfit. Even the addition of a patterned pocket square or scarf can boost your look with minimal effort.
Patterns can help make colour coordination easier too. Having your main colour as secondary or tertiary colours in your patterns gives you more freedom to experiment with other colours in your outfit. This makes your ensemble appear more intricate and visually appealing.
When combining patterns into your style, pick one bold pattern and one simple pattern. This will prevent your outfit from looking too busy. Never place two similarly patterned pieces directly beside each other, and try to separate patterns with solids to avoid visual clutter.
Simple repeating patterns like polka-dots, stripes, and checks are safe to wear at almost any level of formality. More intricate patterns like paisleys and florals are better suited for semi-formal outfits.
Subtle Style Tip #5: Add An Accessory (Or Two)
Adding accessories to your outfit will instantly improve your look. Wearing jewelry like a ring, necklace, bracelet, or watch signifies to others that you pay attention to even the smallest of details. When choosing jewelry, it is best to pick smaller pieces over anything large, loud, or blingy. The latter can give off the impression that you are trying too hard to get attention.
Timeless accessories like sunglasses and hats (fedoras, flat caps, and Panama hats, for example) can work with almost any level of formality. Be aware that casual versions like sports shades and baseball caps should not be worn when wearing any semi-formal or formal attire.
An often overlooked accessory that can really make an outfit pop in spring and summer is a decorative lapel flower, otherwise known as a boutonniere. Most boutonnieres are made of fabric, which means you only have to buy them once. Try adding one to your outfit if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors.
Pocket squares are a great addition to your suit jacket or sport coat. It is always a good idea to pop in a pocket square whenever you put on a formal jacket. If you want to learn more about pocket squares and how to incorporate them properly, read these articles:
Subtle Style Tip #6: Incorporate Different Neckwear
When most people think of neckwear they think of the traditional tie. While this type of tie is great, there are other neckwear options that you can incorporate to upgrade your style. The bow tie has been in and out of popularity over the decades but is still considered a timeless accessory for gentlemen.
A classic black bow tie is considered the most formal, but bow ties are available in a wide variety of patterns and colours suitable for just about any occasion.
One of the oldest types of neckwear is the scarf. Scarves come in a wide range of fabrics, patterns, and colours. A thin silk scarf can add flair in warmer months and a heavy cashmere scarf can keep you warm in colder months.
You can learn more about scarves (and several other types of neckwear) in our article Transform Your Look: The Ultimate Neckwear Guide.
Another great neckwear option that commonly flies under the radar, especially in North America, is the ascot. Ascots have a deeply rooted history dating back to the 1600s (back when they were often referred to as 'cravats') yet continue to be worn by people all over the world today. If you want to learn more about ascots (and cravats), look at these articles:
Summary
In a world of casual attire, it does not take much to stand out from the crowd. Once you begin to use these subtle style tips, you will notice that many well-dressed people implement these tips all the time. It takes a careful eye to make subtle decisions, but when used correctly, people will begin to wonder who that dapperly dressed gentleman that just walked by was.
Interested in other style articles? Read these next:
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