Ah, the casual look. How to look great but not like you’re trying to look too great. You’ll want to be comfortable yet presentable. Put together yet relaxed. It’s an art form all its own, but it is possible to master with the right tricks up your sleeve.
A casual look for men is the perfect go-to no matter the occasion. Whether you’re checking out a new restaurant downtown with a date or heading to a friend’s for a lowkey hangout, the right fit will ensure you look and feel 100. So grab your trusted v-neck and listen up! Here are our 6 style tips to help men ace that casual look we all love best.
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Simple Steps for Success
- Keep It Neutral – You can’t go wrong with neutrals when it comes to style. Color schemes have created conflict for centuries in the fashion world, with timeless, burning questions like: Can you wear brown shoes with black pants? What about white after Labor Day? Was the dress black and blue or white and gold?? (We agree, the answer to all of these questions is yes, yes?!)
Anyway, if we start overthinking color combinations, we’ll go crazy. The best way to avoid all this drama is to stick to neutrals: Go with shades of gray, wear all black, rock earth tones if you prefer a little warmth. However you choose to style your monochromatic outfits, just know you can’t go wrong. There is something so simple, and yet so chic and effortless, about an outfit that commits to a single color palette. It is the perfect start to a casual look any day of the week, no matter the occasion.
- Make a Statement – Sometimes keeping it casual is best handled with a bit of personality. Maybe you aren’t a simple person and you want your laidback look to reflect this energy — more power to ya. A statement piece is the perfect way to express who you are without having to overstate it. And, as an added bonus: It doubles as a talking point. It’s not unusual to experience struggle with small talk at a social event. An interesting pattern, a graphic tee, a bolo tie … whatever you’re into could be all you need to help break the ice. “I love your glasses” is sometimes all it takes to kickstart a conversation and spearhead an incredible evening.
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- Wear What You Love – Nothing looks better than confidence. And confidence comes when you look and feel most like yourself. How this translates to fashion surely varies from person to person, so play around with different styles until you find a vibe that suits you. And that could very well be a suit.
If you feel most confident when things are formal, buttoned up and clean pressed, go for it. If you’re obsessed with simple crew neck tees and relaxed fit jeans, wear ‘em! There is no need to rock something over the top if it doesn’t suit your authentic style. So, keep it simple if you want, or go all-out if you prefer. Whatever speaks your truth is what you should be wearing.
- Make It Pop – An intentional splash of color can take a simple outfit and transform it into a work of art. It gets especially fun when the rest of your outfit follows a monochromatic scheme, and then, BOOM. Color. BOOM. Vibrancy. Pair a black, long sleeve hooded shirt with bold mustard yellow trousers that pop. Or dark jeans and a neon tee. A colorful accent piece can also come by way of your favorite accessory: watches, jewelry, pocket squares, socks. These tinier items can pack a punch if played right.
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Accessories That Support
- Blazers Are Forever – It isn’t just diamonds that last a lifetime. A good blazer or tailored jacket can be a staple in your closet for years, a trusty companion you can always turn to when nothing else seems to fit just right. The key here is to ensure your outerwear accentuates your body’s natural shape, that the sleeves aren’t too long or short and the torso isn’t too wide or tight.
Taking one or two jackets to the tailor is definitely worth it: You get more bang for your buck, you protect your investment and you’ll feel like your jacket was made for you (it kind of was, right?). If done correctly, you’ll be wearing your custom-fit blazers for ages. It’s an incredible level of support you didn’t know you needed.
- Don’t Forget Your Feet! – A fictional writer living in New York and writing about sex once said: “When one door closes, a shoe box opens.” It’s true that our shoes can play a significant role in our style and, according to Carrie Bradshaw, in our lives. In fact, shoe choice can truly tie an entire look together and give you the swag in your step you’re looking for on a laidback night out. Sneakers are always a great choice when trying to master the casual look. If they aren’t up to scuff, err, snuff … just give them a deep clean and you’re good as new. If sneaks aren’t your thing, loafers or a pair of canvas slip-ons are great for a low-key evening.
Clothing Isn’t Everything
Not everyone has to be a fashionista or dress like Drake to ensure a successful evening. If the idea of trying on clothes and selecting the perfectly curated outfit gives you anxiety, don’t worry. You don’t need to pair extravagant sweaters with high-end jeans in just the right shade to look great. Something as simple as a nice watch or a soft suede belt can give you the tailored look you’re going for without having to choreograph the entire event head to toe.
So wear the low key comfy clothes you enjoy and make it special with an accessory you love — or nothing at all. Just be yourself and wear what makes you feel most like you. Chances are, you’ll have the best night ever.
The post 6 Style Tips for Men to Ace the Casual Look appeared first on Outfit Ideas HQ.
