How to Build a Stylish Wardrobe (Guys)

Co-authored by Melynda Choothesa

Last Updated: September 3, 2024 References

With all of the various options for fashion that are available these days, everyone should have a wardrobe that makes them look their best. Looking good means feeling good! Though it can be difficult to dress stylishly as a guy, with the internet, a host of options in men’s clothing stores, and a little bit of time searching for the right clothes, you can create the wardrobe of your dreams.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Identifying Your Style

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Searching on male fashion websites such as GQ, Esquire, AskMen, or other e-magazines will give you a good idea of what men’s fashion looks like today. Identify a few looks, celebrities, or garments that you find interesting and would want to try out for yourself. Keep these in mind throughout the process of selecting pieces of clothing to put in your wardrobe.
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Identify what style you’re looking to achieve. Think about whether you would like to be perceived as sporty, edgy, classic, hipster, or something entirely different.
- A sporty style incorporates items such as sneakers, athletic wear, baseball hats, sweatshirts and sports-themed t-shirts.
- An edgy style can incorporate pieces with dark colors, leather jackets, boots, and scarves.
- Classic style is more business-y and involves button-down shirts, slim dress pants, dress shoes, and suit jackets or blazers.
- Hipster style is defined by flannel shirts, graphic t-shirts, slim-fitting pants, retro-style canvas sneakers, and beanie-style hats.
- However, you don’t have to define yourself by just one style! There are many articles of clothing that fit into many different styles that can create a core wardrobe for you to choose from.
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Take a look in your closet, and keep the clothing that reflects current fashion and suits your physique. Basics such as a good t-shirt or dress shirt may do wonders for your look, and provide an excellent base from which to start your new style. ^{[1]
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Try on any piece of clothing you want to keep. Make sure it fits properly in all of the right places. If it doesn’t fit properly and you aren’t able to get it tailored to fit, put it in a pile to donate to charity. If it needs to be tailored to fit properly, place it aside and take it to be fitted as soon as possible so you don’t forget about it. ^{[2]
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- It may be helpful to have a second opinion while trying on clothes, so reach out to an honest friend and ask them if they’ll assist you with the process of narrowing down your wardrobe.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Building a Core Wardrobe

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1
Make a budget. It will be helpful to have an idea of what you are looking to spend in relation to how many articles of clothing you will need to buy. This will determine what stores you should be shopping in.
- There are options for any budget, with fast fashion such as Express and H&M, mid-priced options like Macy’s or other large retailers, and high-end options such as Saks or Nordstrom.
- Keep an eye out for sales, especially online! You never know when you might find a great deal.
These items are staples in any man’s wardrobe, and you never know when you will need to use them. White and pale blue are universally flattering colors for button-down shirts, as well as small prints involving light colors. They’re versatile and will match any color of pants. ^{[3]
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EXPERT TIP

Melynda Choothesa
Professional Stylist & Fashion Designer
Melynda Choothesa is a Costume Designer, Wardrobe Stylist, and Art Director with over 10 years of fashion consulting experience. She has worked on creative direction for fashion shows, costume design, and personal wardrobe styling, both in Los Angeles, California and internationally for clients such as Akon, Kathy Ireland, and Aisha Tyler. She has an Associate of Arts in Fashion Design from Santa Monica College.

Melynda Choothesa
Professional Stylist & Fashion Designer

Look for versatile pieces that you can mix-and-match. The idea is to create a functional wardrobe, so you can just change a few pieces depending on where you need to go. For instance, if you're going to work, but you have a date afterwards, you could wear a nice shirt, a blazer, and slacks to work. Then for the date, you could just take off the blazer and change into a pair of sneakers.
Colors like white, black, navy blue, olive green, and gray will match with most of the other articles of clothing in your wardrobe. They’ll help you create a casual look.
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Purchase one or two pairs of solid-colored jeans. Dark wash jeans will match many other garments. Make sure the fit is the correct one for your body type. There are a few different styles of pants, including skinny, slim, regular, relaxed, and loose. ^{[4]
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- Most men prefer a close, but not tight, fit. Try on a few pairs to see how they look on you and what you feel most comfortable in.
Navy, olive, grey, or black will work best. You can use this to layer up for warmth during the colder months or just to wear by itself for a more casual look. Make sure that it is well-fitting and lightweight. ^{[5]
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Purchase at least two pairs of dress pants. Colors such as grey, black, khaki, or tan will work best with your other garments and make matching easy. Again, ensure that the pants are well-fitting and flattering on your body. If necessary, get measured so that you can make sure you’re purchasing the right size! ^{[6]
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- There are also options such as chinos and cords, which are less professional but can still work well with any wardrobe. ^{[7]
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Purchase one or two pairs of casual shoes. Pick your favorite style, but make sure they are comfortable and in a color that will match most of your wardrobe. Black and brown are the most popular options. ^{[8]
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- Casual shoes include canvas sneakers, boots, loafers, leather sneakers and oxfords.
Depending on the weather where you live, you might need a heavier jacket. Select one that can transition from heavy to lighter depending on the weather. If you live in an area with a lot of rain, it might be helpful to purchase a rain jacket.
Every adult man needs a well-fitting suit. You never know what opportunity might arise for you to wear it. Go to a store that specializes in fitting for men’s suits. Select a color such as black, navy, or gray. ^{[9]
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Purchase at least one pair of dress shoes. These will go with your suit as well as your dress pants and button-down shirts. Select a color such as black or brown that will complement your wardrobe. ^{[10]
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- Ensure that the shoes are comfortable and fit properly. You may want to walk around the store a bit while trying them on.
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Try every selected article of clothing on while in the store. Again, make sure you have an honest friend accompanying you. Check the clothing for the quality of the fabric and stitching, any tears or stains, and your ability to move in the piece. Inspect the seams closely and make sure the stitches are tight and close together. Have your friend check the fit of the garment on you as well. ^{[11]
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- Ensure that the buttons aren’t loose and there are no loose strings.
- A good quality fabric will feel soft in your hand and have no tears, stains, or marks.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Finding Unique Pieces

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Besides being functional, a watch can pull your look together and show your style through accessorizing. Pick one that isn’t too large or too small, that fits well on your wrist, and that you can clearly read. ^{[12]
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If you live in an area with a lot of sun or with intense summers, sunglasses will definitely be useful. They can help communicate a mysterious vibe and complete your look when you’re dressing casually. Choose a pair that complement your face shape and aren’t too large or small for your face.
These will help to create an endless amount of different looks from a small number of outfits. Accessorizing with a tie, hat, belt, or even jewelry can take your outfit to the next level and make you stand out in a way that is unique to you. ^{[13]
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If you’re into the edgy look, this may be a real leather jacket. For someone interested in looking sporty, it might be a great pair of sneakers. These pieces will make you stand out and really pull together any look that you make with the basics that you purchased.
Consider subscribing to magazines such as GQ or Esquire that specialize in men’s fashion. This will keep you updated and on-trend and thinking about new ways that you can style the pieces that you already have.
It might be a good option for you to have a few garments that you rotate through seasonally, such as a lighter coat for spring, a few bulky sweaters or turtlenecks for autumn and winter, and tank tops for summer. This will keep your wardrobe constantly feeling refreshed and new, and it will prevent you from repeating outfits over a short period of time. ^{[14]
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Tips

Always wear clothing that fits. Too small, and it will make you look strange as a hem is too short, or as every detail of your body shows through your shirt. By the same token, clothing that is far too big drowns the body and makes you look shorter and larger than you are.

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Try to have a variety of colors and styles to mix and match, and always focus on neutrals like black, brown and white.

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Be sure to have seasonal garments. Also, have garments for casual events and those for professional and dressy occasions.

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Warnings

Don't be afraid to be an individual. If you like a garment and it fits, wear it!

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When trying out the clothes at home, do not remove tags, you never know how you're going to feel about the clothes in a week. Only remove the tags when you are sure you're going to wear the clothes.

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Try everything on before you buy it.

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How to Build a Stylish Wardrobe (Guys)

Steps

Identifying Your Style

Building a Core Wardrobe

Finding Unique Pieces

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Tips

Warnings

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