How to Dress Well As a Man: Wardrobe Essentials & Style Advice

Find your personal style and build the perfect wardrobe

Co-authored by Tannya Bernadette and Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: December 21, 2024 Fact Checked

By dressing well, you can give off the appearance of being confident, attractive, and put-together, which can open many doors. Your attire is one of the first things other people notice about you, and we're here to help you make the best possible impression. Read on for a complete guide to building your style and dressing well, with advice from style and image experts.

How to Dress Better as a Man

Build a wardrobe of basic, classic pieces including jeans, T-shirts, button-downs, and dress pants. Choose high-quality items that fit well and flatter your body shape. Add flair to an outfit with a single statement piece, like a patterned jacket.

1

Develop your own personal style.

Download Article

Get inspiration from social media and people around you. Pay attention to what you like about the styles of those around you and make note of it. It can be your favorite musician, actor, or even your best friend. If there’s something about their style that you enjoy, emulate it to get a sense of what works for you.
- When developing your style, personal stylist Susan Kim suggests trying out different looks to see what works for you. A style mood board is helpful, but don’t copy every look you see. Instead, develop a style that's authentic to you.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Susan Kim
  Professional Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 4 May 2021.}
- Make a Pinterest board of outfits and styles you like so you can have your favorite looks in one place. This makes it easier when picking out individual pieces.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
- If you’re struggling with finding a style that works for you, buy books on finding your style or reach out to an expert for advice via email or social media.

2

Build a core wardrobe with basic pieces.

Download Article

Get simple pieces, like solid-colored T-shirts, jeans, and dress pants. These pieces will help you build a core wardrobe. They'll also pair well with the rest of the clothes in your rotation, as they’re versatile and easy to style. With the basics, you’ll have simple pieces that look good, which will help you develop a sense of confidence.
- Once you’re comfortable in the basics, experiment with your wardrobe to see what outfits look the best on you.
- Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Some clothes may feel a bit weird to wear at first, but the more you incorporate them into your wardrobe, the more comfortable they will be.
- Mix and match using the swap trick. This is when you take a simple, neutral outfit and swap one of the pieces with something that’s colored or patterned. This will help you get comfortable with louder pieces.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}

3

Shop for classic styles.

Download Article

Look for timeless pieces to add to your wardrobe. White T-shirts, button-down shirts, a leather jacket, or a pair of Oxford boots will pair well with a majority of your wardrobe, providing you with versatile styling options.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- It's totally fine to add a few trendy pieces that suit your style, like harem pants or an oversized puffer, but aim to have a core wardrobe full of clothes that you can re-wear and that will never go out of style.

4

Dress for the occasion.

Download Article

Choose clothes that are appropriate for wherever you're headed. Follow the dress code for any events you're attending, and choose more formal outfits for more formal events. For instance, if you're going to a job interview, ask your contact what kind of attire their applicants usually wear. Wear either business casual or business formal attire. It's better to be overdressed than under-dressed for an interview.
- For professional networking events, industry conventions, or formal dinners, invest in a good suit. Choose a darker, classy color for increased versatility; grey, dark blue, and black are excellent choices.
- For formal occasions, dress to impress, as it’ll show that you respect the event, and are involved in the moment. Dressing up will also make you look more involved, approachable and confident.
- When it comes to patterns, stylist Tannya Bernadette says that louder patterns should be saved for special occasions. If you enjoy patterns, though, go for it! There aren’t necessarily any rules.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tannya Bernadette
  Professional Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 10 May 2019.}

5

Wear clean shoes that match your outfit.

Download Article

Choose shoes that match the level of formality you're going for. For formal occasions, go with black formal shoes like Chelsea boots. For casual occasions or a sporty look, wear a pair of comfortable sneakers.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Try to stay away from wearing athletic sneakers all the time, as they can make you look younger or seem more casual.
- A variety of shoes will help you dress appropriately for different occasions. Varying shoes day-to-day helps keep your look fresh, and your shoes will last longer.
- While formal shoes are expensive, they're a great investment to make, especially if you take care of them.
- Cheap or uncomfortable shoes can bring down the whole outfit. Badly fitting shoes can also affect your posture and mood, which can weaken your look overall.

6

Add accessories that complement your outfit.

Download Article

Accessories add extra flair that elevates your style. Often, the difference between looking put-together and looking casual is in the details. High-quality accessories can make even simple clothes look great. Matching your accessories to your outfit will ensure that everything flows well and show others that you care about what you wear.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- For formal occasions, always look for a great tie to add style to an ordinary suit.
- If you want to wear a hat, choose one that suits the level of formality. Baseball caps are fine for hanging with friends or running errands, but something more sophisticated like a fedora is better for days when you're dressing up.
- Wear jewelry sparingly. Too much jewelry can come off as loud or overbearing, but a stainless steel chain or ring can create contrast and add flair to a simple outfit.
- Bernadette suggests using cufflinks to express yourself. If you’re a gamer, get a cufflink with your favorite video game character. If you have a dog, get cufflinks with them on it.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tannya Bernadette
  Professional Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 10 May 2019.}

7

Choose clothes that fit well and flatter your figure.

Download Article

Sizes may differ between brands and stores, so try before you buy. Choose items that are fitted and not too tight or baggy. Look for clothes that suit your body type, highlight your best features, and give you the ideal proportions—wider at the shoulders and narrower at the hips.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If you’re having trouble finding a piece that fits you, try the "pull 3" method. Grab your current size, a size up, and a size down, then try them all on to see which fits best.
- Find brands that cater to your body type. Sharp says that you’ll likely find some stores or brands that tend to fit you better than others.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tavia Sharp
  Certified Image Consultant
  
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}
- Find a good tailor. Often clothes off the rack simply don’t fit, but can be made to fit with simple adjustments. If something doesn’t fit right at the hips or shoulders, a tailor can make adjustments to your liking.
- Bernadette says that when it comes to suits, fit is the most important. Make sure your suit is well-fitting, which means you have enough room to comfortably move in it, particularly around the shoulders and torso.^{[11]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tannya Bernadette
  Professional Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 10 May 2019.}

8

Go for quality over quantity.

Download Article

A few high-quality pieces will last longer than a lot of Iow-quality pieces. Fast fashion provides lots of low-quality options, which are enticing for first-time fashionistas. But in return, many pieces are damaged or unwearable after a few months. To avoid this, opt for the highest quality materials you can afford and sturdy construction.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- This is especially true for basic pieces like pants and more formal pieces that you expect to wear for a long time.
- You don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money on clothes, but always look for quality. Plan to spend more money on more important pieces, and less money on trendy items or things you will wear out quickly, such as T-shirts.
- Visit high-end stores and try on their clothes to get a feel for what type of quality you like.
- Buying from an expensive brand doesn’t necessarily guarantee quality. Use your best judgement when picking clothes no matter where you shop.
EXPERT TIP

Alena Le Blanc
Personal Stylist
Alena Le Blanc is the Personal Stylist and the Founder of Le Blanc Label. Based in San Francisco, California, Le Blanc Label is the leading personal stylist brand for sustainable style transformations. Alena and her team specialize in seasonal wardrobe refreshes, closet edits, styling for special events, travel, photoshoots, and general personal needs. Alena has been featured in podcasts including EMPOWERED BY WMN, I Am Fearless, and Mind Power Meets Mystic. Alena received her BFA in Fashion and Apparel Design from the Academy of Art University.

Alena Le Blanc
Personal Stylist

Invest in high-quality garments. Instead of lots of trendy fashion, choose a few well-crafted, timeless pieces you can wear in many ways and never go out of style. Doing so will ensure you look your best, promote sustainable choices, and build a sophisticated and enduring style.

9

Wear colors that look good on you.

Download Article

Choose colors that complement your skin, hair, and eyes. The colors on your clothes reflect onto your skin, eyes, and hair, and depending on your particular features, some colors will be more flattering than others. Experiment with different colors, and find the ones that suit you best.
- If you have blue or green eyes, try wearing a blue shirt or tie to bring them out. Also, certain shades of red or brown might contrast with your eye color.
- If you have fair skin and dark hair, consider wearing clothes that complement this contrast. Tans or khakis might blend in with your skin and hair and take attention away from the outfit.
- Some colors, like fluorescents and mustard yellows, are popular for a season. So have up-to-date colors in your wardrobe. Still, though, buy colors that make you feel and look good, regardless of the trends.
- Some colors, like brown, khaki, gray, and navy blue, are classics that don’t go out of style. Consider your skin tone and how you feel when you wear them. Solid-colored clothes without logos are a mature look.
EXPERT TIP

Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’

Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant

The color wheel can help you figure out what colors complement each other. If you’re struggling, use the color wheel and look at which colors sit together. For example, blue and green work really great together, so do pink and orange.

10

Shop sales and thrift stores to maximize your budget.

Download Article

Look for clearance and holiday sales to save money on quality clothing. The clearance rack and thrift stores are great ways to find quality clothing that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. You’ll also help the environment if you shop secondhand, as you’ll be recycling clothes that would have otherwise been sent to a landfill.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- When thrifting, make sure to inspect the clothes for stains or holes, as they are pre-owned.
- Holiday sales are a great way to beef up your wardrobe, as retailers are trying to sell their stock and make a profit.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
- To look more expensive, personal wardrobe stylist Paul Julch says to keep it simple. Focus on how your accessories pair with your outfit and make sure your shoes are clean, as they'll make or break your look.^{[15]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Paul Julch, MA
  Personal Wardrobe Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 29 July 2020.}

11

Choose clothes that make you feel confident.

Download Article

If you feel good, you'll look good! Be comfortable, yet stylish. If you're uncomfortable, people may be able to tell, and it may make your outfit less appealing. While it’s comfortable to wear sweatpants, a baggy t-shirt, and running shoes all the time, it could give the message that you don’t care about what you wear.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- There are plenty of presentable clothes that are also comfortable. Making style a priority on top of comfort is very possible.
- Tuck in your shirt, unless it’s a t-shirt. You may hate tucking in your shirt, but according to Julch, “tucked in, in general, is always more flattering.” It accentuates your waist and looks more dressed up.^{[17]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Paul Julch, MA
  Personal Wardrobe Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 29 July 2020.}
- If clothes are made from a comfortable material but are still uncomfortable, this may be a sizing issue.
- Always plan for the weather. If you’re sweaty or shivering, your look may suffer because of it.

12

Buy clothes that reflect your personality.

Download Article

Choose pieces that you love. Certified Image Consultant, Tavia Sharp says you should be thinking about how your style reflects your personality and to create an image that matches it.^{[18]
X
Expert Source

Tavia Sharp
Certified Image Consultant

Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.} Just make sure that your outfit is appropriate and reflects an image that’s true to you.
- If you have a casual, quiet, no-nonsense personality, it’s perfectly acceptable to have a simple wardrobe with just a few, well-made, basic items, like a simple white T-shirt or blue jeans.
- If you’re dramatic and like to make a statement, reflect that in your clothes. Shirts with big shoulders or flared pants can help with that. Just exercise a little restraint so you don’t go overboard.
- Having mature, professional clothing is essential, but you can add some fun pieces to your wardrobe, too. Finding a style that’s unique to you and your age can help maintain your youthful look.^{[19]
  X
  Research source}
- Dressing well doesn’t mean that you have to follow a lot of rules for tailoring and “what every well-dressed man should have.” Dress according to your personality and wear what makes you feel good.

13

Wear clothes that represent you, not a brand.

Download Article

Clothes that represent a brand don’t necessarily show your personality. It makes sense to wear clothes that represent your interests, but you still want a personal flair. Select pieces that resonate with you and make you feel good, but avoid being a walking advertisement for a brand, a sports team, or musicians.
- Draw attention away from a brand or logo by wearing a flannel or jacket over your top or by wearing eye-catching pants.
- Be careful wearing shirts that display offensive or sarcastic statements. Some people may take offense to them.
- If there is a celebrity you admire, it’s perfectly fine to use them as inspiration. Just make sure that you take your own activities and physique into consideration.

14

Take care of your body so you feel your best.

Download Article

Maintain good hygiene and posture. Having a good grooming routine will keep you smelling fresh, which can help boost your confidence.^{[20]
X
Research source} Stand up straight and project confidence when you're out and about.
- Don’t wear too much cologne. Instead, spray a few times when you’re getting ready. That way, your smell will be soft and subtle instead of overwhelming.
- Get a haircut that is flattering and up-to-date. A good haircut should complement the shape of your face. A good hair stylist can help you choose one.
- Don’t slouch, fidget, or have an overly exaggerated walk. Your clothes will look better if you carry yourself with ease and confidence.

What Are Some Common Mistakes Men Make When They're Wearing Their Dress Shirts?

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How can men improve their style?

Tavia Sharp
Certified Image Consultant
Tavia Sharp is a Certified Image Consultant and the Founder of Styled Sharp. With more than 20 years of corporate fashion experience, she specializes in helping others build a brand image through personal style, appearance, behavior, communication, and digital presence. Tavia holds a BS in Fashion and Apparel Design from The University of Delaware and has her Corporate Consultant Certification from The Academy of Image Mastery.

Tavia Sharp

Certified Image Consultant

Expert Answer

The first step is understanding that your style is a personal reflection of your personality. When shopping for clothes, always be asking questions like "How does my style reflect who I am as a person?" or "What words do I want people to use when they describe me?" Try to create a style that reflects that image.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 9
Question

How can I make my outfit more unique?

Tavia Sharp
Certified Image Consultant
Tavia Sharp is a Certified Image Consultant and the Founder of Styled Sharp. With more than 20 years of corporate fashion experience, she specializes in helping others build a brand image through personal style, appearance, behavior, communication, and digital presence. Tavia holds a BS in Fashion and Apparel Design from The University of Delaware and has her Corporate Consultant Certification from The Academy of Image Mastery.

Tavia Sharp

Certified Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Think about stepping outside of your comfort zone a little bit. You might try some new colors, play around with some new patterns, or even test out different styles and silhouettes. Don't be afraid to take a little risk!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
Question

How can a guy look hot?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Being hot is combination of having a smart and clean appearance, displaying friendly and likable body language and interacting with other people in a charismatic way (such as making people they're important to you). You’ll find lots of helpful tips in the wikiHow: How to Be a Hot Guy.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 6

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Make sure your clothes are clean, ironed (if necessary), and in good shape.

Thanks
Helpful 59 Not Helpful 9
Don't overdo the cologne. A little is nice, a lot is not.

Thanks
Helpful 179 Not Helpful 50
If you're on the larger side, don't wear tight clothes as an outer layer. They will restrict your movement and bring down the outfit. Instead, wear tight clothes as a first layer and then wear something loose over that.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0