From Ragged To Refined: 7 Secrets To Dressing Like A Gentleman For the Clueless Guy
You’ve worn t shirts and ripped shorts all your life, but now it’s time to clean up your look. Here are some insider tips on dressing like a gentleman.
The average household spends over $1,800 on clothing and accessories every year.
That’s a lot of money to spend on a wardrobe that makes you look sloppy and clueless. If you want to take your life to the next level, take the time to build a true gentleman’s wardrobe.
You’ve worn t-shirts and ripped shorts all your life, but now it’s time to clean up your look. Keep reading to discover some insider tips on dressing like a gentleman.
1. Invest in Staple Pieces
When you’re buying a completely new wardrobe, your clothing budget doesn’t last very long. Instead of blowing your whole year’s budget on one shopping trip, we suggest investing in a few staple wardrobe pieces.
Instead of blowing your whole year’s budget on one shopping trip, we suggest investing in a few staple wardrobe pieces.
To get you started, every great wardrobe includes at least one:
- Button-down shirt
- Pull-over sweater
- Polo shirt
- Slacks
- Slim fit jeans
Buy versatile, simple pieces that you can mix and match to create a multitude of outfits. Read more here to learn how to choose the right dress shirts for your wardrobe.
2. Know Your Right Size
If you’re wondering how to dress like a gentleman, you need to make sure you’re wearing the correct clothing sizes.
To find the right size, you can visit a higher-end clothing store that takes your measurements. They’ll measure your body and advice the best size for your body style. Write these down so you can have them when you shop elsewhere.
Another great tip to see if you’re wearing the right size is to try on your existing clothing and see how they fit. Are your shoulder seams halfway down your bicep? Are your pants baggy in the thigh area?
Also, don’t be afraid to visit a tailor if you love a clothing piece that doesn’t fit perfectly. Many people think a tailor is someone only rich people visit, but it can actually be very affordable if you focus on a few quality pieces.
3. Avoid Trends
When finding the right gentleman style for your wardrobe, it can be easy to get caught up in the current trends. But unless you want to shop for a new wardrobe at the end of each season, it’s best to avoid trendy pieces.
Instead, buy timeless pieces that will last you for years. Avoid bright colors and patterns and instead opt for more neutral options.
If you do like a certain trend, buying one trendy piece won’t bust your budget. Just make sure you’re buying it because you like the style and not because you want to fit in.
4. Purchase a Suit
When you think about true gentleman outfits, a suit may come to mind. Even if you don’t have a career that requires the occasional suit, it’s still wise to invest in one.
You never know when you’ll get invited to a wedding or a fancy gathering. Showing up in a nice suit will make the right impression.
You don’t need a different suit for every day of the week. Instead, purchase one quality suit that will last you for a few years and is versatile for different situations.
A quality jacket, pair of slacks, and a tie can be worn with a button-up shirt you already own.
5. Don’t Forget the Shoes
Even the most fashionable outfit can quickly be ruined by your old tennis shoes. There’s no point in investing time and money into your wardrobe without focusing on your shoes as well.
You should have a few different pairs of shoes for different outfits. We suggest at least two pairs of dress shoes, one black, and one brown. Then, think about your everyday shoes. You can opt for boat shoes or a nice, clean pair of tennis shoes.
Don’t feel like you need to throw out all your old shoes. You’ll still need something to work out in or mow the lawn. Every shoe has its occasion.
6. Accessorize Wisely
Worried about how to dress well on a budget? The right accessories can take a basic outfit into a true gentleman outfit.
Watches are the number one option for men’s accessories. Invest in a few quality watches to match your outfit style. Also, consider buying ties, cufflinks, and sunglasses.
We suggest avoiding hats, especially baseball caps if you’re going for a gentleman style. Also, just because you see men wearing fashion scarves in magazines doesn’t mean that’s a look you can pull off. Leave the more adventurous accessories to the models.
7. Care for Your Clothes
To continue dressing nice, you need to properly care for your gentleman outfits. This may take a little bit of research if you’re used to throwing your clothes into the laundry hamper and forgetting about them.
First, read the washing instructions on your clothing pieces. Here’s a washing symbol guide so you know how to properly care for each item.
We also suggest investing in an iron and ironing board. Taking a few minutes to remove the wrinkles from your clothing truly makes a difference. Showing up anywhere with wrinkled clothing does not give off the gentleman vibe you’re wanting.
Up Your Style by Dressing like a Gentleman
Using these tips, you can up your style by dressing like a gentleman.
The last tip we will leave with you is to dress with confidence. You can pull off any outfit with the right attitude. Dress to showcase your own personal style and use fashion as a way to express yourself.
For more great fashion tips, head over to the Men section of this site.