This transition phase between dressing like most other people and looking sharp can be awkward. It can be even more awkward if you have no idea what to do or where to start. Some of us are fortunate and are born into families that are already successful and fashionably inclined, but let's face it, most of us aren't. For the majority of people, we need to learn style and professionalism ourselves.
It is usually a tedious process-- one full of trial and error-- but it is one that is well worth the struggle. In today's post, I'm going to try to help ease the struggle by giving you four tips and tricks that really helped me start dressing for success.
It is usually a tedious process-- one full of trial and error-- but it is one that is well worth the struggle. In today's post, I'm going to try to help ease the struggle by giving you four tips and tricks that really helped me start dressing for success.
This post is primarily for people interested in transitioning styles or people who need to start dressing-up for work, not necessarily those who already look sharp.
Without further delay, let's get into it:
Tip #1: Emulate Others.
I actually started to notice different styles and mannerisms long before I started to make the change myself. Noticing other people and trying to emulate their style can be incredibly beneficial especially for those of you who have no idea where to begin.
Without further delay, let's get into it:
Tip #1: Emulate Others.
I actually started to notice different styles and mannerisms long before I started to make the change myself. Noticing other people and trying to emulate their style can be incredibly beneficial especially for those of you who have no idea where to begin.
I would say spend at least a few months observing different styles and use your observations to begin to create your own.
Now, the easiest place to start to notice different styles is in the movies or on television. Personally, I spent a couple years watching the soap opera, Days of our Lives. If you've ever seen a soap opera you know that two things are consistent: the storyline is incredibly cliche and that fashion/style is a big part of the show.
Now, the easiest place to start to notice different styles is in the movies or on television. Personally, I spent a couple years watching the soap opera, Days of our Lives. If you've ever seen a soap opera you know that two things are consistent: the storyline is incredibly cliche and that fashion/style is a big part of the show.
Typically, you're not going to find trendy outfits on such shows; instead, you're going to see classic pieces like three-piece suits and polo shirts.
I won't get into too much detail, because frankly, it is kind of embarrassing to admit this, but I learned a lot from particular characters on the show.
It doesn't have to be a soap opera though. Maybe you're into action movies or crime dramas. Just find four or five different characters who you could envision yourself as. In essence, you want to become these characters, at least from a stylistic perspective.
In addition to fictional characters, look around at those you cross paths with on a daily basis. Maybe you live on a college campus and admire the style of some of your professors or maybe you go to a country club and really like how others are dressed. Whatever the case, you want to find people who exemplify a style or trait you could see yourself using.
It can feel a bit strange at first, but after awhile you'll become a master observer and be one step closer to having the style you want or perhaps need.
Tip #2: "Just Do It"
I don't know how serious Shia LaBeouf was when he gave his infamous "Just Do It" inspirational speech, but serious or not, it is really good advice and definitely applicable when it comes to changing your style. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who are thinking about changing their style but never do because they think about the potential negative thoughts others might have.
What will they think about me?
What if I stand-out?
What if they make a joke?
What if they mock me?
The best way to overcome these thoughts is, simply put, to just do it. Wear that sports jacket. Put on that waistcoat. Rock those polo shirts. The trick is to do it before you overthink it. LaBeouf's video is a bit comical because of how intense he is in it, but I definitely recommend you watch it if you haven't already seen it. His advice doesn't just apply to style, but it applies to anything in life. Really wholesome stuff!
Tip #3: Find Colors You Love
Figuring out exactly what you want to wear can be the most challenging part of dressing-up. You could potentially put so much time into deciding what outfits you specifically want to wear that the negative thoughts noted above have a chance to creep in. Remember: don't overthink it. So if you find yourself struggling to figure out what you want your style to be, I recommend instead considering which colors you want to primarily wear. Believe it or not, this can help.
Let's say you're someone who really loves pastel colors: light blues, greens, yellows, and pinks. You most likely will not want to implement many three-piece suits into your wardrobe because typically such clothes are darker, more conservative colors. Instead, you are going to want to look at linen sports jackets or polo shirts and chino pants because these pieces typically come in lighter pastel colors. Of course, you probably will want one or two pastel colored suits but they won't be the center of your wardrobe.
Tip #4: Find Your Center piece (i.e. your signature piece)
Often times, it is easiest to base your entire wardrobe around one or two key pieces. These pieces are going to be the substratum of your entire wardrobe, your go-to when nothing else feels right. People will eventually associate you with your signature piece-- just like if you have a signature scent-- so you want to make sure it's something versatile and classic like wearing a sports coat or wristwatch.
It seems to me that many people when starting out seem to try to create outfits instead of simply curating individual pieces. I know I did when I was younger. And see, the problem with thinking like that is that you're going to have to put way too much thought into a single outfit-- the shirt, the pants, the socks (maybe), the shoes, the belt. There's a lot of thought that could go into creating an outfit like this, and what did I say before about overthinking?
Right.
You don't want to do it. You just want to find something you love and work with it. You could even start implementing your new clothes into your current wardrobe that you're trying to get rid of. This may be a more comfortable way to transition into your new style.
For example, when I really started transitioning styles I started with a simple black sports coat. That's it. I still wore my old loose fitting shirts and baggy jeans, but because I started wearing a coat every single day it became my centerpiece over time. Everything else in my current wardrobe was built around the coat. Get it?
So instead of buying a number of completely new outfits I began with a single sports coat. The rest is history!
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I won't get into too much detail, because frankly, it is kind of embarrassing to admit this, but I learned a lot from particular characters on the show.
 |
| James Scott as E.J. Dimera from Days of our Lives had a huge impact on me when I was younger. E.J always wore dark, conservative colors, expensive looking suits and sports coats, and always looked like a million bucks. Although I didn't buy my first coat until years after he left the show-- and I stopped watching-- I have to give James Scott some credit for my style today (Photo Credit: Days of our Lives Pintrest) |
It doesn't have to be a soap opera though. Maybe you're into action movies or crime dramas. Just find four or five different characters who you could envision yourself as. In essence, you want to become these characters, at least from a stylistic perspective.
In addition to fictional characters, look around at those you cross paths with on a daily basis. Maybe you live on a college campus and admire the style of some of your professors or maybe you go to a country club and really like how others are dressed. Whatever the case, you want to find people who exemplify a style or trait you could see yourself using.
It can feel a bit strange at first, but after awhile you'll become a master observer and be one step closer to having the style you want or perhaps need.
Tip #2: "Just Do It"
I don't know how serious Shia LaBeouf was when he gave his infamous "Just Do It" inspirational speech, but serious or not, it is really good advice and definitely applicable when it comes to changing your style. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who are thinking about changing their style but never do because they think about the potential negative thoughts others might have.
What will they think about me?
What if I stand-out?
What if they make a joke?
What if they mock me?
 |
| (Photo Credit: quotespics.com) |
The best way to overcome these thoughts is, simply put, to just do it. Wear that sports jacket. Put on that waistcoat. Rock those polo shirts. The trick is to do it before you overthink it. LaBeouf's video is a bit comical because of how intense he is in it, but I definitely recommend you watch it if you haven't already seen it. His advice doesn't just apply to style, but it applies to anything in life. Really wholesome stuff!
Tip #3: Find Colors You Love
Figuring out exactly what you want to wear can be the most challenging part of dressing-up. You could potentially put so much time into deciding what outfits you specifically want to wear that the negative thoughts noted above have a chance to creep in. Remember: don't overthink it. So if you find yourself struggling to figure out what you want your style to be, I recommend instead considering which colors you want to primarily wear. Believe it or not, this can help.
 |
| Robert Redfern as Jay Gatsby in the 1974 version of The Great Gatsby. Here, Gatsby shows Daisy his collection of colorful shirts. (Photo Credit: The Eye of Faith Vintage) |
Let's say you're someone who really loves pastel colors: light blues, greens, yellows, and pinks. You most likely will not want to implement many three-piece suits into your wardrobe because typically such clothes are darker, more conservative colors. Instead, you are going to want to look at linen sports jackets or polo shirts and chino pants because these pieces typically come in lighter pastel colors. Of course, you probably will want one or two pastel colored suits but they won't be the center of your wardrobe.
Tip #4: Find Your Center piece (i.e. your signature piece)
Often times, it is easiest to base your entire wardrobe around one or two key pieces. These pieces are going to be the substratum of your entire wardrobe, your go-to when nothing else feels right. People will eventually associate you with your signature piece-- just like if you have a signature scent-- so you want to make sure it's something versatile and classic like wearing a sports coat or wristwatch.
It seems to me that many people when starting out seem to try to create outfits instead of simply curating individual pieces. I know I did when I was younger. And see, the problem with thinking like that is that you're going to have to put way too much thought into a single outfit-- the shirt, the pants, the socks (maybe), the shoes, the belt. There's a lot of thought that could go into creating an outfit like this, and what did I say before about overthinking?
Right.
You don't want to do it. You just want to find something you love and work with it. You could even start implementing your new clothes into your current wardrobe that you're trying to get rid of. This may be a more comfortable way to transition into your new style.
 |
| One of my new signature pieces: the waistcoat. |
For example, when I really started transitioning styles I started with a simple black sports coat. That's it. I still wore my old loose fitting shirts and baggy jeans, but because I started wearing a coat every single day it became my centerpiece over time. Everything else in my current wardrobe was built around the coat. Get it?
So instead of buying a number of completely new outfits I began with a single sports coat. The rest is history!
---------
Still unsure how or where to start?
That's ok. It can be a daunting task especially if you're figuring everything out on your own. Trust me. I went through it.
So in order to help you out further, I've included a short list of items that will surely add a jolt of professionalism to your wardrobe:
Suits (x2): They don't necessarily have to be three-piece suits, but I think it is crucial that newcomers to the style world have at least two suits, one black and one either charcoal or navy blue. These are the epitome of classic style, and as such, you are going to want to wear these colors to job interviews, career fairs, et cetera. I would avoid anything with patterns, at least at first.
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| I know a lot of people discourage wearing a black suit for general purposes, but it is probably my favorite to wear. It's simple, clean, and you can do so much with it. I highly recommend starting your collection with a black suit! |
Sports Jackets (x3): Wearing a sports jacket is a great alternative to a suit because it is both professional and casual. Sure you won't see most people wearing a sports jacket while at a bar, but when you do see someone wearing one, you'll know that person means business. I would get a brown, tan, and grey jacket to start, albeit, the beauty of sports jackets is that there are so many different options. Don't overthink it though!
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| Older picture of me wearing a sports jacket more casually. I'm not a huge advocate of wearing sneakers with a jacket, but considering I was on my way to the airport, I wanted to go with comfort over style. |
Oxford Button-Ups (x5): These are going to be your go-to shirts for when you wear a jacket or suit. They're classic, eloquent, and make anyone look a bit more professional especially the lighter colors. For that reason I would start with two white shirts, one light blue, one yellow, and either a pink or lavender depending on if you like wearing pink.Why these colors, you might be wondering? Because they will match with virtually all of your jackets, and will make dressing-up a bit easier.
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| A white Oxford button-up will likely be your most worn if dressing-up. White is a super versatile, formal color. Make sure you check out my in defense of white post to learn all the reasons I love wearing white. Pretty much any light color will work for button-ups though. You can also go with darker colors, but they won't likely go with as much as the lighter colors. |
Chino Pants (x3): Chino pants are essentially what sports jackets are to suit jackets. They're both professional and nonchalant. The reason I say chinos and not khakis is because I feel like you have many more options when it comes to chinos; that's not to mention how much more comfortable I think they are. I would start out with a navy blue, tan, and off-white colored pair. Again, because those colors will match with virtually anything
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| I love Chino pants for two main reasons: they come in a variety of colors and they can either be worn professionally or casually. Here, I'm wearing a grey pair with a stone colored linen shirt. Perfect combination for the warmer weather! |
Dress Shoes (x2): You might think your shoes aren't that big of a deal, but my friend, you are gravely mistaken. Having the right pair of shoes can be the difference between looking like a million bucks and looking like $100. In fact, having a good assortment of shoes is actually part of my Big 4 of Style. To start out, I would get two pairs: one black and one brown. You'll probably wear your brown shoes more often, but black shoes are a bit more formal. Everyone could use a good pair.
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| I would get a pair of black dress shoes before anything else especially if you start by getting a black suit. There's an old rule that says you shouldn't mix brown and black, which actually is one of the few traditional rules I adhere to. |
Belts (x2): To be worn especially with your suits and sports jackets, I feel it's compulsory to have a black leather and brown leather belt. You don't have to get anything fancy, and in fact, I don't think you should, but try to get thinner belts because these are seen as more professional. Much like shoes, there's a common myth that your belt doesn't matter as much, but trust me, it does.
Neckties (1-3): Neckties are becoming more and more archaic in many industries, and not many guys are apt to wear one, including myself. But a necktie just makes you stand-out in certain instances like job interviews, and therefore, even if you don't plan on regularly wearing a tie, I think it's still important to have at least one. If you're going to just buy one, I would go with a solid black. If you want to get a couple more, I would go with blue and silver. Nothing flashy either. Make sure to stick to solid colors at first.
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| Despite often forgoing the necktie, I own about a dozen different ones. This Burgundy tie by Tommy Hilfiger is perhaps my favorite. Because I usually don't wear one, I normally go for a loose knot. But if you were to make ties your signature piece, you would see that there are many different ways you can wear one. |
A Wristwatch: Nothing says that you're mature and professional quite like a classic wristwatch, one with an analog clock, not a smartwatch. Not A Smartwatch. This will essentially be the icing on the cake, and very well could become your signature piece as time progresses. Personally, I don't have a big collection of watches, but I have a few different ones to switch it up. To begin, I would either go with a black leather band watch or a silver metal bracelet watch. If interested in the former, check out my unboxing video from 5/3 in which I talk about such a watch I bought.
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| There's something incredibly formal about a black leather strap watch. Would look optimal with a black suit! |
Of course, there are many many more items you could get to enhance your style like pocket squares, tie clips, and waistcoats, but I think if you start by curating the above pieces you'll be well on your way to dressing for success!
Also, keep in mind, that when starting off, you should never look for luxury materials or fabrics. Ok, maybe for your suits I'd recommend going with wool, but for everything else, I think polyester would be fine. I didn't start consistently wearing wool jackets until I felt 100% comfortable and confident in the polyester ones I had. I guess, if you have the money to go straight away for wool or cashmere than do it but many of us don't.
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Well, there you have it. Four tips to help you on your way to looking sharp, plus a list of beginners items that I think would add a bit of professionalism to your wardrobe. Obviously, if you have any questions or want me to elaborate on anything feel free to contact me on my Facebook page or email me at tnpersona@gmail.com. I'd be more than happy to fill in the blanks.
-Ryan S.
Well, there you have it. Four tips to help you on your way to looking sharp, plus a list of beginners items that I think would add a bit of professionalism to your wardrobe. Obviously, if you have any questions or want me to elaborate on anything feel free to contact me on my Facebook page or email me at tnpersona@gmail.com. I'd be more than happy to fill in the blanks.
-Ryan S.
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