The Evolution Of Men’s Fashion
From royal robes to jeans with holes, the early days of men’s fashion were primarily a symbol of status and luxury. As times have progressed, men’s fashion has evolved into much more. Clothes can be practical, and expressive, and can even go as far as symbolizing who you are as a person.
As Erasmus best said, “Divitiae vestis virum facit,” which is Latin for “clothing makes the man.” Knowing your style can greatly help you stay on trend and make a powerful silent first impression.
Should I Care What My Style Is?
Imagine this: You’re walking into a room, and all eyes are on you. That first impression? It’s your clothes and style—they speak volumes without you even saying a word! We all say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but let’s be real—the cover is there to catch your eye and make a statement. What are you saying about yourself the moment someone sets eyes on you? Do you want to look casual, athletic, sophisticated, or be the next trendsetter? Do you want to let people know the hobbies, shows, or music you listen to? It can all be told through your clothing. It’s imperative to know what message you’re sending people as soon as they see you.
Different Types Of Styles For guys
Smart Casual
The smart casual style blends professionalism with a relaxed touch, striking a perfect balance between polished and casual. This style encourages you to ditch the tie and embrace comfort while still looking like a sophisticated professional. You can wear a blazer paired with your favorite jeans or, for something more expressive, pair the blazer with your favorite graphic tee. This style is versatile as it can be worn for almost any occasion. It should be fitted to your body type, so not too loose and not too tight. Go for this look if you want to appear sophisticated.
Key wardrobe elements for a Smart Casual look are:
- Jeans (Non distressed/ No holes)
- Blazer/Jacket
- Chino’s/Slacks
- Leather accessories
- Boat Shoes, loafers, chelsea boots (Or your favorite fashionable boots)
- Classic Watches
Streetwear
Street Style is casual, comfortable, and extremely expressive of various subcultures. There’s a huge emphasis on shoes, graphic tees, and accessories. Street style incorporates elements from skateboarding, surfing, hip-hop, and pop culture. Outfits can range from extremely tight to loose-fitting, depending on the look you’re aiming for. This style is a very open concept, meant to be interpreted based on what has influenced an individual’s life. Opt for this look to convey a bit about yourself to anyone who might notice you.
Key wardrobe elements for a Streetwear look are:
- Trendy Sneakers
- Graphic Tees
- Cargo pants, ripped Jeans, zipper jeans
- Hoodies/Sweaters (many times oversized)
- Bucket hats, baseball caps, and cross-body bags.
Athleisure
Athleisure is a fashion trend that combines athletic wear with leisure style, creating a balance of style and comfort. This style is by far the most comfortable and can be extremely functional. You can layer to stay warm or wear performance-based fabrics to keep cool. Having a full range of motion while on the go is a luxury most clothes don’t offer. This style is more focused on color coordination rather than unique clothing or accessories. It reflects a lifestyle of health and wellness, making it great for any casual social gathering with friends, working out, or running quick errands.
Key wardrobe elements for an Athleisure look are:
- Comfort
- Breathable fabrics/Cotton blends
- Hoodies/Sweaters (Gym wear)
- Sneakers
Rugged
The Rugged style will always be in season. With an emphasis on masculine and durable fabrics, this style remains a timeless testament to enduring appeal. Drawing inspiration from the outdoors and traditional masculine pursuits, it includes essentials for any guy’s wardrobe: a pair of jeans, a good pair of boots, and a quilted flannel.
Key wardrobe elements for a Rugged look are:
- Flannel
- Demin and leather
- Boots
- Functional clothing
- Knitwear
High End
High-end/Experimental fashion can encompass anything from quality material clothing to designer brands. For almost any hobby or piece of clothing, there is likely a designer brand version of it. High-end fashion doesn’t restrict you to only suits but introduces a new element to infuse into your style. For example, it’s a bit ironic, but there are high-end street style brands; these are well-known street brands that are globally recognized yet maintain a street style. This allows a lot of room for individuals to incorporate high-end elements into their preferred style or to dress around the brand they love.
Key wardrobe elements for a High-End look are:
- Name Brand
- Quality clothes
- Unique/Custom clothes
Which one are you?
Which one of these styles speaks to you? Maybe your wardrobe is already leaning towards a style and you didn’t know it, As people we are rarely “all in” a specific style. As we grow and change so do our hobbies and preferences. You could be a mix of some styles while taking smaller elements from others. The most important part is being a reflection of yourself and being confident in the style you chose and choose to represent. If you’re reading this and you still have no idea what your style is, think carefully about what you feel good about and what you enjoy doing. Start from there and keep making changes until you feel it’s an accurate representation of yourself.
Note: If you don’t have the basic concepts for color coordination, no matter what outfit you choose it’s not going to look as good as it could without well-thought-out colors. Click here for a simple guide to color theory and how to use it to dress better!