FlamingoTo dress better as a man, start with fit, because a cheap shirt that fits looks better than an expensive one that doesn't. Then build your clothes around a few neutral colours such as navy, grey, olive, white and tan, so that nearly everything goes together. Keep your shoes clean, choose plain pieces over large logos, and repeat a few outfit formulas you know work. You don't need a new wardrobe or a lot of money for this. Most men can look noticeably sharper by having a pair of trousers tailored, replacing worn-out shoes, and removing the clothes that no longer fit. Once the basics are right, add one thing with personality, such as a good jacket, a watch or an interesting texture.
1. Get the fit right first
Use these checks when you try something on:
- Shoulders: the seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder.
- Shirt body: there should be no pulling at the buttons and no big fold of fabric at your waist.
- Sleeves: a shirt cuff should reach the base of your thumb.
- Trousers: they should sit on your waist without a belt doing all the work, and the hem should just touch the shoe or sit slightly above it.
A tailor can shorten trousers and sleeves and take in a waist for much less than a new piece costs, so it's the best-value change you can make.
2. Build on neutrals
Navy, grey, olive, tan, white and black all go together, so a small number of pieces gives you plenty of outfits. Add one colour you like and wear it near your face. To find out which colours suit you, read colour analysis from a selfie and how to choose colours that go together.
3. Own three pairs of shoes that work
A simple set covers nearly everything:
- Clean, plain trainers in white or a neutral.
- Suede or leather boots or loafers for smart casual.
- Leather dress shoes for when you need them.
Clean them regularly and replace them when they're worn out. People notice worn-out shoes, even in an otherwise good outfit.
4. Choose texture over logos
A plain outfit stops looking boring when the fabrics are interesting: an Oxford shirt, a chunky knit, suede, corduroy or heavy denim. Large logos date quickly, so keep them for the gym.
5. Learn your outfit formulas
Wear these on repeat and change only the colours:
- Everyday: heavyweight T-shirt, straight dark jeans, clean trainers.
- Smart casual: Oxford shirt, chinos, suede boots.
- Office: merino knit over a shirt, tailored trousers, loafers.
- Date or dinner: dark knit polo, dark trousers, leather boots.
- Cold weather: hoodie or knit under an overcoat, straight jeans, boots.
If you're not sure about dress codes, see smart casual vs business casual.
6. Layer on purpose
Layers make simple clothes look thought through. Try an overshirt over a T-shirt, or a jacket over a knit. Keep the thinnest layer closest to your body, and let each layer be a little longer or shorter than the next. Our guide to how to layer clothes goes through the rules.
7. Clear out what doesn't work
Go through your wardrobe and remove anything that doesn't fit, has stains or stretched collars, or that you haven't worn in a year. Then you can see what you own, and what's missing. Buy the missing pieces one at a time, and only if they go with at least three things you already have.
What should a man buy first?
If you're starting from nothing, this short list gives you plenty of combinations:
- 2 or 3 plain T-shirts that fit well
- 1 Oxford shirt
- 1 fine knit in navy or grey
- 1 pair of straight dark jeans
- 1 pair of chinos or tailored trousers
- 1 overshirt or light jacket
- 1 pair of clean trainers and 1 pair of boots or loafers
How can I see what works without guessing?
Taking a photo of yourself is more honest than the mirror, and a virtual try-on made for menswear goes a step further. In Flamingo you make your twin, a free AI avatar of you, from a selfie and a head-to-toe photo. Photograph your clothes once, and each piece is cut out and added to your closet. Then you can try on combinations, or put on a jacket you're thinking of buying with the trousers you already own. A try-on is an AI image, so use it for colour, proportions and styling, and check the shop's size guide for fit.
Flamingo is on iPhone and Android, and at app.tryflamingo.app. Your closet and your twin are free; try-ons come with Flamingo Pro.