8 points to improve your fashion sense｜How to dress stylishly for men

I want to be fashionable, but where do I start? I don't know what clothes suit me.

Many men have such problems. In fact, being fashionable is not just a matter of having a natural sense of style; it is a skill that anyone can improve with basic knowledge and practice.

In this article, we will explain in detail, with specific examples, eight points that men can use to improve their fashion sense.

From everyday dressing to special occasions, master the tricks to look stylish.

What is good taste in clothing? Basic Concept

The first step in improving your fashion sense begins with understanding the essence of "tasteful clothing.

Many people tend to think that "fashionable = wearing trendy clothes," but true fashion is about knowing yourself, choosing appropriate clothes that match TPO, and wearing clothes that are appropriate for the occasion,COLORHowever, true fashion is about knowing yourself, choosing the right clothes for the right TPO, and being aware of the balance between the two.

Simply wearing expensive or trendy clothes will not truly improve your sense of style. By first knowing yourself and learning the basic rules of dressing, you will be able to choose clothes with confidence.

Understand your body shape.

The first step in becoming fashionable is to accurately understand your own body shape.

Stand in front of a mirror and objectively observe the characteristics of your body shape. You can use the phrase, "Shoulder widthis wide," "my legs are long," "my waist is slightly thicker," etc. It is a good idea to write down the characteristics of your body. Based on these characteristics, you will be able to choose clothes that make the most of your strengths and cover up your weaknesses.

For example, if you are short, you can choose clothes that emphasize vertical lines, or clothes that are similar in overallCOLORCoordinating your clothes in a similar way is effective. Specifically, oversized items should be avoided and jackets and pants that follow the lines of the body should be chosen to enhance the appearance of style.

Conversely, taller people can achieve a balanced look by incorporating horizontal lines and enjoying layered styles.

The key to understanding body shape is not a passive attitude of "hiding flaws," but a proactive attitude of "making the most of one's features.

This is because by accepting the characteristics of one's body shape and choosing clothes that suit it, it is possible to dress naturally and without strain. Being honest with yourself is the first step toward true fashion.

Choose clothes that match TPO

A person with a good sense of fashion is able to choose the appropriate attire for the place and situation, and choosing clothes with an awareness of TPO (Time: Time, Place: Place, Occasion: Occasion) is a basic manner as a member of society and as an adult.

In business situations, it is important to understand the dress code according to the industry and the atmosphere of the company. For example, a conservative dark suit is the norm in the financial industry, while business casual or, in some cases, more casual attire may be acceptable in the creative industries. Specifically, for a first visit to a client, dress in a clean navy suit and a simple tie to make a safe and positive impression.

Even in your private life, you can show your respect for the atmosphere of the occasion by changing your attire depending on the location of the meal and the prestige of the event. For a dinner at a fine restaurant, a jacket and shirt combination or smart casual attire is appropriate. On the other hand, if you are meeting at a casual café, a clean denim and shirt or other relaxed attire is appropriate.

The reason for not being able to choose the right attire for a TPO is often that you do not know what kind of attire is appropriate. If you are unsure, it is important to research information about the destination beforehand or check with people you know. Remember that appropriate attire is one that blends in with the other people present and makes you feel comfortable.

COLORBasic Knowledge of Matching

COLORThe combination of the two is an important factor that greatly affects the impression of fashion. The basicCOLORknowledge, you will be able to achieve a well-balanced coordination. For beginners, we recommend that you start by choosing clothes in basic colors (black, white, gray, navy, beige, etc.).

COLORUnderstand the concept of "tone" as the basis for The sameCOLORbut the impression will change depending on the brightness and vividness. For example, even a single blue color, bright and vivid sky blue and calm navy give very different impressions. When coordinating, it is important to use the same tone ofCOLORto create a sense of unity and a fashionable look.

SpecificCOLORAs an example, the combination of a "navy jacket" and "beige pants" gives a calm impression and is easy to use in any situation. Adding a white shirt to this combination enhances the clean look, and accenting it with a burgundy tie gives an elegant and sophisticated impression.

COLORIf you are not sure how to match, try to keep the "three-color rule" in mind. By keeping your overall coordination to three colors or less, you can avoid a cluttered look and get closer to a sophisticated outfit. The reason why this rule is so effective is that a simple color schemeCOLORThe simpler the color scheme, the easier it is on the eye and the more sophisticated it looks. The more novice you are, the more likely you are to follow this simple rule and achieve a coordinated look with fewer mistakes.

How to dress stylishly

An important part of developing one's fashion sense is not only choosing clothes, but also focusing on how to "dress" them. Even if you are wearing an expensive brand-name item, it will not look fashionable if it is not the right size or if the combination of materials is not right. Truly fashionable people use the right size, high quality materials, tasteful accessories, and ingenious ways to incorporate trends. Just by being aware of these points, you can make the same outfit look much more fashionable.

Pay attention to size.

One of the most important points to look fashionable is size. Even the most luxurious clothes will be ruined if they are not the right size. Proper sizing refers to the perfect balance between making the most of your body lines and not making you feel constricted.

Take a jacket, for example,Shoulder widthIdeally, the jacket should fit snugly, the sleeves should be long enough to show the wrists, and the body should be long enough to cover about half of the hips. Specifically, make sure that the shoulder seams fit snugly against the edge of your shoulders and that there is no gap between your upraised arm and the sleeve of the jacket. Pants should have room around the waist for one finger and the hem should be long enough to lightly touch your shoes.

Oversized clothing has become popular in recent years, but it is important that this too be "intentionally large. This is because simply wearing clothes that are too large will give the impression of being sloppy. For example, if you wear an oversized knit, choose pants with a sleek silhouette to balance the overall look.

The most effective way to adjust for size is to resize clothes as needed. Ready-made clothing is made for everyone and rarely fits your body shape perfectly. Simply adjusting a pair of pants that are a little large with a tailor or making a shirt a little tighter in width can make it look much better. It is these "small adjustments" that make the difference between truly stylish people and those who are not.

Make a difference with the texture of the material

Fashion is greatly differentiated by the "quality of materials," which is difficult to notice at first glance. Clothes made of quality materials not only look good, but are also comfortable and durable, making them a valuable investment that will last for a long time.

When focusing on the quality of materials, the first thing to consider is "natural materials. Natural materials such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk are comfortable to the touch and easy on the body. For example, choosing a summer shirt made of 100% cotton or linen will keep you comfortable even when sweating. Specifically, UNIQLO's premium linen shirts (about 4,000 yen), for example, are an affordable way to enjoy quality natural materials.

The combination of materials is another key to enhancing fashion. For example, in winter coordination, you can enjoy different textures by combining a wool coat with a cashmere scarf and leather gloves. This can bring depth and a sense of luxury to winter fashion, which tends to be monotonous.

The reason why we should pay attention to materials is that good quality materials have the characteristic of "gaining taste over time. A good quality leather belt or shoes will become shinier and shinier as you use it, and it will develop its own unique texture. This is an attraction that cannot be obtained with inexpensive synthetic materials.

The trick to distinguishing the quality of a material is to actually hold it in your hand and touch it. Good materials feel good to the touch, have a good weight, and are well sewn. Remember that even if the price is high at first, basic items that are worn frequently can be cost-effective by choosing good quality materials.

Use accessories to create individuality

Once the basic outfit is in place, the next thing that makes the difference is the use of accessories. The right accessories can add character and accent to a simple outfit and elevate the overall impression. The key to choosing the right accessories is balance with the overall style and the expression of one's personality.

A wristwatch is one of the most important accessories in a man's attire, and its use according to TPO will enhance the completeness of the outfit. For example, a simple wristwatch with a leather belt (Seiko Presage, etc., 80,000-150,000 yen) for business occasions and a watch with a sporty design (Casio G-SHOCK, etc., 10,000-50,000 yen) for casual occasions will give the right impression for the occasion.

Leather accessories such as belts and shoes should be of the same type.COLORto create a cohesive impression. Specifically, a black belt should be worn with black leather shoes, and a brown belt should be worn with brown leather shoes.

Eyewear such as glasses and sunglasses have been attracting attention in recent years. By choosing frames that match the shape of the face, they have the effect of enhancing the good features of the face. For example, people with long faces tend to look good in square frames with a wide width, while those with round faces tend to look good in angular frames.

The reason why accessories are so important is that the same outfit can make a big impression just by changing the accessories. For example, even a basic combination of a navy suit and a simple white shirt can look playful with a red knit tie, while adding a silver tie bar will give a more formal impression.

The key to choosing accessories is to avoid wearing too many items at once. Keep it to two or three items, such as a watch, belt, and depending on the season and TPO, a tie or pocket chief, to maintain an impression of sophistication.

Don't adopt too many trends.

The key to looking stylish is to incorporate trendy items "in moderation. If you follow trends too closely, you will end up looking out of place and unable to define your own style. Truly stylish people are not swayed by trends, but rather incorporate them little by little while keeping their own style at the core.

An effective way to incorporate trends is the "7:3 rule. The idea is that 70% of the overall coordination should consist of standard items, and the remaining 30% should incorporate trendy items. Specifically, a basic style of denim and shirt can be combined with an oversized knit cardigan, which is in vogue this season.

When incorporating trends, it is important to be aware of the compatibility with one's age, body shape, and lifestyle. For example, challenging designs look good on people in their early twenties, while those in their thirties and beyond can wear them naturally by choosing more subdued designs among the latest trends.

The reason why it is better not to adopt too many trends is that trends change in a short period of time, and the more you follow them, the more they cost you financially and time-wise. Also, if you choose clothes only because they are trendy, you run the risk of adopting items that do not suit you.

The ideal way to deal with trends is to check information in men's fashion magazines and social networking services, but to calmly judge whether you really need them and whether they go well with your wardrobe. By doing so, you will develop an eye for identifying valuable items that can be worn for a long time without being distracted by transient trends.

Recommended brands/shops

To improve your fashion sense, it is important to find brands and stores that suit you. However, it is not easy to choose what suits you from among the many brands available. Here are some recommended brands by age and by occasion. Choosing a brand is not just about name and popularity; it is important to match your lifestyle, budget, and design preferences. Also, by making good use of online stores as well as physical stores, you can find clothes that suit you from a wider range of choices.

Recommended Brands by Age Group

Different styles and brands suit different ages. By choosing brands that suit your age, you can enjoy fashion naturally and effortlessly.

Brands for 20s This is a time when you can enjoy challenging styles that make the most of your youth. While actively adopting trends, it is a good idea to start investing in basic items that can be used in the future.

• UNIQLO/GU: Try trendy items at affordable prices (T-shirts from 1,500 yen, pants from 3,000 yen).
• ZARAZARA: High design quality and a wide variety of items that incorporate seasonal trends (shirts from 4,000 yen, jackets from 10,000 yen)
• H&MH&M: Offers a wide range of items from casual to beautiful at low prices (T-shirts from 1,000 yen, denim from 4,000 yen)

Brands for 30s It is time to select items that are useful for both work and private life. We recommend brands with a good balance between quality and design.

• BEAMS: A wide range of items from adult casual to business (shirts from 10,000 yen, jackets from 30,000 yen)
• UNITED ARROWS (UNITED ARROWS)UNITED ARROWS: Offers a wide variety of high-quality, sophisticated items (pants from 15,000 yen, suits from 50,000 yen)
• nano・universe(nano・universe)nano universe: Combines a moderate sense of trend with basic elements (knitwear from 12,000 yen, coats from 30,000 yen).

Brands for over 40s This is the time to focus on high quality and comfort. Invest in items with classic designs that can be used for a long time.

• Paul Smith: Classic design with a playful spirit (shirts from 20,000 yen, suits from 80,000 yen)
• Brooks Brothers (Brooks Brothers)Traditional American traditional style (shirts from 15,000 yen, suits from 100,000 yen)
• Tomorrowland (TOMORROWLAND)Quality materials and relaxed design (knitwear from 20,000 yen, jackets from 50,000 yen)

What is important in selecting brands by age is the concept of "age-appropriateness. This is because age-appropriate clothing looks natural and does not cause discomfort. For example, if a person in his/her 40s wears a brand of clothing for teenagers, it may look unnatural. Conversely, if a young person chooses only conservative brands for older people, he or she will tend to look older.

The online store NNine is a men's fashion shopping site widely supported by men in their 20s to 40s. With a full lineup of basic items that can be worn for a long time while remaining trend-conscious and in an affordable price range (T-shirts from 5,000 yen, jackets from 15,000 yen), this site is recommended for those who are just starting to develop their fashion sense.

There are also plenty of suggestions for seasonal coordination, which will be helpful for those who tend to be at a loss for the right combination of items.

Recommended brands by scene

In daily life, we are required to wear clothes for various occasions.

Knowing the appropriate brands for each scene will make it easier to choose the right clothes for the right TPO.

Brands for business scenes In work situations, it is important to dress in a manner that is clean and trustworthy. Choose the appropriate level of formality according to the industry and the atmosphere of the company.

• SUIT SELECT: Business suits with excellent cost performance (suits from 30,000 yen)
• Takeo Kikuchi: Sophisticated designs for young businessmen (shirts from 8,000 yen, suits from 40,000 yen)
• EDIFICE (EDIFICE)A wide range of products from business to business casual (jackets from 30,000 yen, pants from 15,000 yen)

Brands for casual scenes For relaxed occasions such as holidays or gatherings with friends, we recommend casual brands with a good balance of comfort and design.

• GLOBAL WORKReasonable and easy-to-use casual items (T-shirts from 2,000 yen, denim from 5,000 yen)
• RAGE BLUE (RAGEBLUE): Youthful casual styles incorporating trends (shirts from 4,000 yen, outerwear from 10,000 yen)
• Urban Research (URBAN RESEARCH): Standard adult casual style (knitwear from 8,000 yen, pants from 10,000 yen)

Brands for formal occasions Formal occasions such as weddings and funerals require respectful attire, so choose formal wear that is appropriate for the occasion.

• ESTNATIONEstnation: High-quality formal wear and dress casual wear (jackets from ¥50,000, suits from ¥100,000)
• united arrows the suit companyUNITED ARROWS THE SUIT COMPANY: Formal suits in a wide range of sizes (suits from ¥50,000)
• BLACK LABEL CRESTBRIDGEBlack Label Crestbridge: Highly prestigious formal items (shirts from ¥20,000, suits from ¥80,000)

What we want to be conscious of when selecting brands by scene is the concept of "appropriate attire for the occasion. This is because appropriate attire for the occasion creates harmony with the surroundings and makes you feel comfortable. For example, if you attend an important business meeting dressed too casually, you may give others the impression that you are not serious. On the other hand, if you wear formal attire to a casual meeting, you will look out of place.

In addition, NNine, mentioned earlier, offers items that can be used for business, casual, and even small party occasions.

This is especially suitable for those who are looking for "just right" attire that is not too casual or too formal, such as for a first date or a party. Coordinating sets are also available, so even those who lack the confidence to put together an outfit from scratch can take the first step toward looking stylish.

In summary: Find your own style.

The journey to improve your fashion sense is never just about following trends, but about knowing yourself and expressing your own personality.

 

The eight points discussed in this article - understanding your body type, choosing the right outfit for the right TPO,COLORLearn the basics of matching, pay attention to size, differentiate yourself with the texture of the material, use accessories to express your individuality, don't go overboard with trends, and choose the right brand for each age and occasion - these are all guideposts to establishing your own style.

Fashion cannot be developed overnight. It is a process of finding what suits you little by little through daily practice and trial and error. By following the basic rules at first and gradually adding your own personal twist, you will form your own unique style. For example, first learn basic coordination with basic items, and then add your favoriteCOLORand materials, and accessories that you like.

The most important thing in fashion is confidence. No matter how expensive or trendy an item is, if you lack confidence, it will lose half its appeal. This is because the clothes you can wear with confidence are the clothes that make you look the most like yourself and the most fashionable. Finding a style that makes you feel comfortable and confident is the key to developing a true sense of fashion.

To take a concrete step forward, start by reviewing the contents of your closet. Categorizing the clothes you wear most often, your favorite clothes, and the clothes you no longer wear will help you identify your preferences and trends. Next, gradually incorporate items you are missing or new styles you would like to try, keeping in mind the points outlined in this article.

Enjoying fashion is a form of self-expression. Instead of worrying too much about what others think of you, value the style that you yourself truly "like" and "feels like you. There is no "right" answer to fashion. There is only "your own style" that you are comfortable with.

You may fail at first. However, those failures are what will help you grow. For example, if you purchase an item that does not suit you, analyzing why it did not suit you will be a valuable experience that you can apply to your next clothing selection. Specifically, you can think of it as, "ThisCOLORis your skin'sCOLORor "This silhouette did not suit my body shape.

Another key to enjoying fashion is to find a trusted advisor. Whether it is a fashionable friend or family member, or a trusted clerk at a clothing store, the opinion of someone who understands your personality and can give you advice can be very helpful.

Some online stores, such as NNine, offer stylist coordination advice services. Advice from a professional's point of view will help you discover new possibilities that you may not have realized on your own.

Finally, remember that fashion is only "a means of expressing yourself. If you are overly concerned with the way you dress, you may end up losing sight of your true self. Fashion is a "tool" to enhance your attractiveness, and if fashion itself becomes an end in itself, you will lose sight of your true self. Let's enjoy fashion as a tool for expressing your personality.

The eight points introduced here are the basic concepts for improving your fashion sense. By referring to these points and consciously choosing your daily clothes little by little, your fashion sense will surely improve. Above all, please keep in mind the importance of "enjoying" fashion. We hope you will feel the joy of encountering a new you through fashion.

Daily habits to improve your fashion sense

Fashion sense is refined through small daily habits. Below are some points that you can easily practice in your daily life.

First, make it a habit to check fashion information on a daily basis. Regularly check Instagram, fashion magazines, and brand websites for trends and inspiration for outfits. For example, set aside just 15 minutes every weekend to gather information about fashion.

Next, the habit of checking out what stylish people are wearing on the street can also be effective. Why do they look so attractive in their outfits?COLORObserve their use of style, balance, accessories, etc. This may lead to the discovery that "a style like hers might suit me, too.

It is also important to organize your closet on a regular basis: every three months or so, at the change of season, review the contents of your closet and sort out what you often wear and what you don't wear. Reasons for not wearing the items (size does not fit...)COLORYou can gain insights that can be applied to your future clothing choices by considering the reasons why you don't wear something (e.g., the size doesn't fit, the item doesn't look good on you, etc.).

Another good idea is to set aside a day to try out new outfits. On weekends or other days when you have more time, try outfits that you don't normally wear together, or try out different outfits than you normally wear.COLORYou may make new discoveries by trying new combinations of clothes that you do not normally wear. Through this kind of "experimentation," you can broaden the scope of your own style.

Cost-effective fashion investment techniques

You don't necessarily need to invest a lot of money to enjoy fashion.

Even with a limited budget, it is possible to improve your fashion sense by choosing clothes wisely. Below are some cost-effective fashion investment techniques.

First, be aware of the 80:20 rule. The idea is to wear 20% of the items in your closet 80% of the time. In other words, spend more on basic items that you wear often and less on trendy or infrequently used items. For example, choose high quality denim and shirts that you wear every day, and use reasonably priced brands for seasonal trendy items.

It is also important to take advantage of sale seasons. Many brands have large sales at the turn of the season (end of January, end of July, etc.). By targeting this time of year to purchase items for the next season, you can get higher quality clothing for the same budget.

It is also recommended to use both online stores and real stores. For example, you can shop online for repeat purchases with a fixed size range, and shop in a physical store for items that are new to you or items that you need to try on.

 

How to stay motivated to stay fashionable

Maintaining motivation is also important to keep improving your fashion sense. Below are some ways to stay motivated to stay fashionable.

First, it is recommended to record your changes. By taking pictures of your daily outfits with your smartphone and recording them, you can see how your style changes over time; by comparing your style with that of a month ago, six months ago, or a year ago, you will be able to feel your growth.

Positive feedback from those close to you is also a great motivator. A comment such as, "You look great in today's outfit," can make you even more conscious of your clothing choices. You can also tell those around you that you are changing. By saying, "I've recently become interested in fashion," you can easily get feedback from those around you.

In addition, small group fashion discussions are also effective. Exchanging information with friends who are interested in fashion will give you new insights and ideas. By sharing your opinions about each other's outfits and going shopping together, you can improve your fashion sense while having fun at the same time.

It is also important to have an attitude of enjoyment by regarding getting dressed as a "small daily expression of self. By choosing clothes that match your mood and plans for the day, you can find small pleasures in your daily life. By choosing clothes while thinking about "how I want to be today," fashion can become a richer means of self-expression.

There is no right answer or end point on the road to improving your fashion sense. Enjoying small changes and discoveries on a daily basis while cherishing your individuality will lead you to true fashion.

 

We hope this article will help you in your fashion journey. Find your own personal style and live a more confident life through fashion.