Published on March 30, 2026
What is style? Pinning down the meaning of the word is like trying to grab a piece of soap in the bath. When we describe a man as ‘having style,’ we mean that he has good style. A man could have style that’s appallingly bad, but we assume when we say that he ‘has style’ that it’s good.
Leaving aside that etymological quirk, let’s attempt to identify what good style is and how we can achieve it.
Style is multifactorial. What makes good style? It goes beyond how we appear and the clothes we wear. Proportion, color, and pattern act alongside how we move, behave towards others, and present ourselves, all contributing to a general impression. This multifaceted nature of style is why some men and women can wear an old bag and look good, while many struggle to do so with even the best-made clothes.
What factors are relevant to finding style? Rather than setting rules about style, it’s more productive to view them as elements to explore. The pleasure of style is found in playing with its components to discover new looks. Just as a piece of music can be played countless ways, a blue suit and tie with a white shirt can be worn in various styles that differ subtly.
Here are some elements of style worth considering:
Stand Proud
Standing and walking confidently is a good foundation for looking stylish. Clothes are designed to fit best when we are upright, and the self-confidence one radiates enhances the overall impression. When selecting clothes, stay within your comfort zone, as looking pleased with your outfit contributes to confidence.
Money Doesn’t Buy Style
The wealthiest are often the least stylish. While this isn’t universally applicable, garish displays of wealth emphasize “bling” over well-designed substance. A discreet, well-crafted vintage watch, which can be affordable, can convey a sophisticated style far better than an ostentatious gold chain.
Invest in quality, well-made clothing rather than succumbing to brand names. Finding small businesses that produce excellent menswear can provide immense satisfaction and may even help you spend less overall. Aim for a compact capsule wardrobe where a limited number of pieces can create a variety of looks, rather than crowding your closet with items that may end up in landfills.
The Devil’s in the Detail
Exude style from every aspect of your appearance. A superb suit is undermined if paired with cheap shoes or a dull topcoat. Each detail—from your socks to your wristwatch—should reflect style, design, and quality. Analyzing photographs of looks you admire can reveal smaller elements that make a difference, like the color of socks, patterns, or how accessories are worn. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these ideas.
Grooming
Good grooming is essential. Just as with shoes, a good haircut is vital, as are clean nails and a polished appearance. An artfully unkempt look can be striking but must be carefully curated to avoid appearing careless.
Personality
Style also embodies your character—it’s not about blindly following fashion trends. Fashion models rarely show their personal style on the catwalk; post-show, their expressions of personal taste can be vastly different. It’s crucial to wear what you feel comfortable with physically and emotionally.
Confidence plays a significant role; it allows individuals to wear more unusual clothing choices effectively. Developing this self-assurance often requires practice. As one’s style evolves, it’s helpful to experiment with new options while pushing the boundaries of comfort—without exceeding personal limits—to discover previously unconsidered attire.
Style Isn’t About Imposing Taste
Many stylishly dressed individuals may not align with your taste preferences. The older man wearing a double denim outfit or bold check patterns may not be to everyone’s liking, yet they might look fabulous in their choices.
The diversity of style enriches the experience of fashion. An open-minded approach can encourage the adoption of elements you once disregarded, leading to a more varied and exciting wardrobe.
Finding Inspiration
Achieving total originality in your style is impossible because many styles have already been tried. Explore sources like The Sartorialist for ideas and collage looks you admire on platforms like Pinterest.
The democratization of style through street fashion has allowed personal choices to dominate, resulting in a more diverse expression of style that transcends traditional fashion. This development has endowed people with the freedom to wear what they like without fear of prejudice, culminating in a rich tapestry of individualism on display.
Use elements you like in your outfits, seek feedback from friends, and gradually refine your understanding of your style. The journey toward personal style is ongoing and can be incredibly rewarding.
Good luck with your style search. It’s a journey I’ve been on for years, and I still discover new aspects of my style along the way. Remember, the quest for style is never truly over.
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