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The colder months make a welcome change to the gent's wardrobe. It is a chance to envelop ourselves in chunky and luxurious knitwear. Building our style, one layer at a time. But, if we don't care for our knitwear correctly, we can make a bad impression.

Telltale signs such as bobbling or stretching can easily create a disdain for some of our favourite winter garments whilst doing a disservice to our well-thought-out looks.

With greater awareness of the impact, we have on our planet. Staying in love with our key menswear pieces ensure they have a longer more fulfilled life and a key part of this is taking good care of them.

Knitwear, though can be particularly tricky. The fabrics involved need individual attention, much more than their summer cousins.

By following these helpful tips, men can extend the life of their knitwear purchases whilst keeping them at their presentable best.

1. Fold, Don’t Hang

Pulling out a fresh, clean jumper only to find it hanging down to your knees is not a good look. This is why we need to fold, not hang, our knitwear. Hanging your knits in your closet will stretch the fabrics, especially those like wool or cashmere and lead to misshaping.

Having worked in retail, folding is second nature to me. But, if you struggle then there a lot of cool innovations to help you with this task. Fold, and store in drawers or on open shelves in your closet.

2. Get Rid

Knitwear care is not only looking after the products but also the environment in which the item is stored.

Remove unwanted pieces from your wardrobe and recycle or give to charity as you see fit. The goal is to create a wardrobe where more products work seamlessly together to always look good on you.

By removing excess clothing, we naturally develop more space which will help you in storing all your items better. Knitwear doesn't take kindly to being stuffed in a drawer or shelf. So, with all that additional space, you can now organise every clothing group to ensure they are being stored correctly.

3. Keep Moths at Bay

Moths are the enemy of any man's closet and have chomped through some of my favourite items of clothing in the past.

To help keep them at bay, yon can use lavender or cedarwood as a great way to repel moths. Most supermarkets or online marketplaces will sell cedarwood balls. Pop one in the drawer where your knitwear is folded to keep those pesky moths away.

4. Wash Properly

The knitwear fabrics are sensitive to washing and don’t take too kindly to being handled roughly. We prefer men take everything to the dry cleaners, but that can quickly become pricey.

If washing at home, ideally handwash, especially jumpers that include angora or cashmere. Check the cleaning label thoroughly, and if you need to use the washing machine then a cold wash or delicate setting should be fine.

Heat can cause shrinking, so avoid the dryer if possible. Spread the knitwear on a flat surface and let it dry naturally. Folding over an airing dryer can lead to creases, so try not to use one to minimise ironing.

5. Brush Daily

No, we aren't talking about your hair. Invest in a lint roller or clothes brush to ensure your knitwear looks on point.

Winter fabrics are like a magnet for loose hairs and other strands. So, instead of leaving the house covered in cat hair, brush your clothing. It will help your knitwear and everything you wear to appear more presentable.

6. Shave Regularly

Yes, this might sound like a trip to the barbers, but it is a vital cog in the ever-turning wheels of knitwear care.

You are no doubt familiar with the bobbles that occur on knits. These appear when two fabrics rub together and are particularly prevalent with jumpers. Well, there are tools out there to help remove them. An electric bobble remover will shear off those unwanted growths in a flash, keeping the knitwear looking smooth and fresh.

7. Grab a Comb

A clothes brush or electric bobble remover suits winter materials like merino and wool. But, the delicate fibres of cashmere need a specialist tool.

Any bobbles on cashmere can be combed out before washing with a cashmere comb. If they are proving extra difficult to get rid of, you can (carefully) use a razor to remove them.

Like with a shoe shine kit, considering the price of cashmere, it is well worth investing in professional tools to keep it and remove any appearance of wear and tear.

8. Master Summer Storage

Your knitwear care does not stop when the weather warms up. Yes, you won't be wearing thicker garments anymore, but you need to be storing correctly for when you need them again. For this seasonal storage, you stick to the above tips before storing. Remove garments you don’t need, cleaning appropriately and adding lavender or cedarwood to your chosen storage.

Matching the right suit colour to the right shirt is not as easy as it should be. But, if men can nail the best combinations it will elevate their overall look, making the outfit instantly more presentable. No matter whether you are wearing your suit and shirt for work or to an event, the colours will typically be the first things people notice before honing in on the finer details. So, it is important to make that first impression a great one. 

To ensure your outfit looks more cohesive we need to learn the basics of colour matching. This foundation lesson in styling is an important skill for outfit building. Once mastered, men can easily apply it to other combinations like your shirt and tie or add a dash of colour to a muted look.

Understanding The Colour Wheel

You can throw as much money as you like at a wardrobe of clothes, but unless they can match effectively to create daily looks, they are useless. Alongside fit, aligning complementary colours together can be a crucial foundation lesson to learn, enabling men to look their best every day. 

colour wheel example for styling clothes

Once you have the basics of colour matching down, you can feel more confident pairing items together, whether that be a suit and shirt or a shirt and jeans. 

The principles of the colour wheel are three-fold:

Similar colours sit closer together on the wheel. Choose one colour as the base and add a neighbouring hue to easily match.

Complementary colours are opposite each other. Getting this right will come from practice. In theory, they complement but they can often be quite jarring within an outfit.

Contrasting colours have three colours between them. If in doubt use a familiar darker tone as the foundation hue, like dark grey or navy for example. Then partner with a contrasting colour in a lighter hue.

It is important to remember though that the principles of the colour wheel are open to interpretation. Through active implementation, you will gain a better understanding of what works well together. That is why we have brought you our list of top colour partners for formal outfits.

In this list, we have opted for plain colour shirts and suit combinations. This is not to say you can't include checked or striped versions of both, but we wanted to offer a simplified understanding of the basics of colour matching. Those men with more experience can use these foundations to build on and experiment with patterns and textures.

Navy Suit and White Shirt Combination

navy suit worn with a white shirt

If we had to recommend one suit colour, it would be hands-down be a navy one. For men, it offers a fantastic baseline for absorbing a wealth of colours and textures.

The combo of white and navy is great for all guys. A crisp white shirt helps to lighten the darker navy hue and is a perfect backdrop for introducing colour through a tie or pocket square.

Black Suit and White Shirt Combination

black suit with a white shirt

The classic black suit is timeless and contemporary. Often getting a bad rep as the uniform of hospitality staff, it delivers a slimming and streamlined silhouette.

For a piece so iconic, it is hard to look past a refined monochromatic finish. Not only are the two colours (black and white) the mainstay of the former's very own dress code, they look damn good together.

To get the black suit, white shirt combination looking its refined best, don't try and add colour. Keep it simple by accessorising with a black tie to really complete the outfit.

Navy Suit and Blue Shirt Combination

navy blue suit with blue shirt

Now back to our versatile favourite, the navy suit. With this partnership, we are complementing the dark navy suit by adding a lighter blue tone underneath. This subtle harmony of colour is keeping the overall look formal but offers a nice change to the classic white shirt.

Remember with this outfit to keep the blue shirt light. If it starts getting too dark it will get too close to the colour of navy and not deliver a nice juxtaposition of hues. 

When accessorising there are two ways you can take it for maximum effect. Firstly, stick with the blue theme and add a navy tie. But, in order to add interest, choose a knitted version. Secondly, pick a contrasting colour from the wheel like burgundy which would deliver a nice point of difference to the blue base.

Tan Suit and Blue Shirt Combination

tan coloured suit combined with blue shirt

A tan suit can be a great way to update your formal wear during the summer months. It is a light brown hue that lends itself to a myriad of colours, one of those being blue.

Adding a blue shirt under a tan suit can offer a softening element to the somewhat striking tone of the latter. For men who might see a tan suit as a bold step too far, toning things down with a blue shirt can offer a more palatable summer suit option.

More than likely you will be wearing this colour suit in the summer and therefore might not require or want to wear a tie. So, a splash of colour with a pocket square might be preferred. If a tie is still needed, then you can go safe with a plain navy, or experiment more with polka dots and vertical stripes to draw the eye.

Navy Suit and Pink Shirt Combination

navy suit with pink shirt underneath

Adding a darker hue like navy over a pink shirt can help to tone down the more vibrant colour. That being said you can always opt for a pastel pink if you are still slightly hesitant. The outcome is the same, but it is a little easier on the eye.

If you have chosen a lighter pink then your outfit will allow for a deeper, richer colour of the tie. A red or burgundy is similar to pink on the wheel so will work nicely.

Tan Suit and White Shirt Combination

tan suit worn with a white shirt

White and tan harmonise perfectly and can really compliment a tanned or darker skin tone. Ideal if you have managed to get some summer rays.

Again, like with pretty much any suit, the white dress shirt offers a surefire way to add contrast while delivering a blank canvas for additional colour. So, try to be more confident with your accessory choices. Rich browns or greens can make a nice change. But, if in doubt, men should stick to navy which rarely lets you down.

Grey Suit and Pink Shirt Combination

pink shirt matched with a grey suit

A welcome contrast, pink and grey will help to rejuvenate corporate or wedding suits that can often lack creative inspiration. Pink can effectively lighten a darker grey or charcoal suit, while lighter greys together with pink notes will complement to hit all the right style notes.

The grey suit can over time becomes a little stale, so a pink/red combination will bring it back to life. Use your shirt colour as the ideal base for adding a burgundy or maroon tie, as the shades balance nicely with pink.

Grey Suit and Blue Shirt Combination

grey suit and blue shirt for men

The key point to remember when pairing grey and blue colours are to concentrate on the shades. If you have a light grey suit and add a comparable tone of blue with your shirt, it will need a darker shade of tie to break up the palette.

This combination of colours done right is a great way to transcend through the seasons. Men can choose lighter versions for the summer months and deeper tones for the colder days.

Brown Suit and Blue Shirt Combination

men wearing a brown suit with a blue shirt

I understand not many guys will have a brown suit hanging in their wardrobe. Those that do, know that it can be a fantastic alternative suit colour, especially on the chillier days, offering a nice warming tone.

Due to its scarcity among men, it is typically looked upon as a slightly more casual hue. But, we think partnering the deep brown tones with a blue dress shirt in a similar hue will definitely elevate your suit game.

A favourite among the street style elite, it is only a matter of time before more men start embracing this distinctive suit colour.

Brown Suit and Grey Shirt Combination

how to wear a brown suit with a grey shirt

Last but not least we have opted for another combination including a brown suit. We convinced you with the brown suit/blue shirt combo and now you are ready for more.

As we mentioned previously, the brown suit, with its autumnal palette is ideal for the colder months. So, why not push that idea further by sliding a grey shirt underneath. The similar colours will deliver a rich and warming outfit that is perfect for that time of year.

While everyone around you is falling back to navy or charcoal suits in autumn and winter, your new brown suit/grey shirt partnership is going to showcase how well you now combine colours.

There is an unrivalled luxury to sitting on your couch and flicking through the latest and greatest menswear pieces. After the high street was closed back in 2020, the emergence of online stores became even more prevalent in menswear. But a lot of our favourite menswear destinations have been blazing a trail for great products for many years before this.

We live in an age where a wealth of individual brands shout at us on every medium to buy their products. It's nice to switch off the noise and find a place that stocks all our favourite brands in one carefully curated place.

Our list of the best online menswear stores offers various products for a varied customer base. Not everyone has the same style, and this list will help you to find a place that houses the labels that suit yours. From streetwear to luxury tailoring, this eclectic mix of sites will deliver the best menswear pieces directly to your door with no fuss.

  1. Mr Porter
  2. Farfetch
  3. SSENSE
  4. Oi Polloi
  5. Opumo
  6. ASOS
  7. The Rake
  8. END Clothing
  9. Selfridges
  10. Grailed
mens clothing from mr porter

1. Mr Porter

The most ubiquitous menswear site for men, Mr Porter, has been doing a stellar job stocking the very best brands for the discerning gent. Sitting alongside an enjoyable editorial section, men can shop for various brands and online exclusives. We are particular fans of the MR P collection; each season expertly covers the basic pieces every stylish man needs.

farfetch designer menswear

2. Farfetch

A sophisticated treasure trove of designer brands, Farfetch has built a name for itself among the trendsetting elite. Originally built to connect customers online with smaller retail stores worldwide, it has grown into a leading player in luxury fashion. They now house over 700 brands and boutiques.

ssense luxury online store

3. SSENSE

With a nice mix of luxury designers and independent labels, this premium retailer has over 500 brands to choose from. The Canadian-based site now operates in the UK, making getting great products directly to your door easier.

oi polloi online store

4. Oi Polloi

If your style leans more toward the contemporary than the designer, look no further than Oi Pollo. Established in 2002, the Manchester store has a blossoming online presence featuring brands such as Patagonia, Norse Projects and A.P.C. Shop classic clobber from a Manchester institution.

opumo menswear site

5. Opumo

Opumo curates a stylish selection of men's clothing, footwear and accessories, all immersed in a content-rich shopping experience. Taking editorial and bringing it to the forefront allows the customer to gain a better perspective on the products and brands that interest them. Trust us, you can easily lose track of time perusing all the great products Opumo has collated together.

asos marketplace for men

6. ASOS

For trend-enthusiasts, this is the retailer for you. ASOS has been stocking the latest fashion pieces from various brands for 20 years. The menswear collections offer a mix of streetwear, high street and premium pieces to cater to every budget and style. It is hard to find an online store that delivers a wide variety of styles and price points in one place, like ASOS.

luxury menswear from the rake

7. The Rake

Partnering with some of the finest menswear brands from across the globe, this luxury menswear magazine has a strong eCommerce store. Men can find unique pieces from Savile Row stalwarts like Anderson & Sheppard or Neopolitan tailoring house Rubinacci. Making it even easier to dress like the rakish gents the magazine features.

streetwear clothing and accessories from END

8. END Clothing

Streetwear has exploded onto the menswear scene in recent years and sites like END have forged a name for themselves as the go-to site to cater for these customers. With a wide variety of stores to shop online check back regularly for the latest drops from the likes of Yeezy, Off-White, Vetements and many more.

selfridges online store

9. Selfridges

A London institution, Selfridges is still the destination for the latest in designer must-haves. Voted the best department store in the world it showcases luxury menswear that delivers on everything from contemporary to avant-garde. We also welcome their focus on uncovering new and innovative brands in the menswear industry and giving them a platform to succeed.

grailed the community marketplace

10. Grailed

Unlike the other sites on this list, Grailed is a community marketplace allowing you to buy and sell the best designer and streetwear products. With sellers from across the world, you can filter to the UK to find your favourite pieces from the likes of Supreme and Rick Owens, based closer to home.

Fashion has a funny way of looking at past trends with derision only to then embrace a few turns of the style wheel later. The 1990s is the latest era to get the full designer overhaul.

As someone who grew into adolescence during the 90s, it would be easy for me to shudder at the thought of stepping back into any of my old looks. But, with a zoomed-out perspective, there was much to admire about this decade. From a musical angle, it was the years that brought us bands like Nirvana, Oasis and Blur and it is an aura of rebellious angst that found its way into fashion.

Overall the fit of the clothing in the 90s became much looser. Clothing broke away from the restrictive formal silhouette and fell headfirst into a more relaxed aesthetic. That meant baggy jeans, shirts tied around the waists and oversized tops. Even suiting had wider shoulders and

Flannel Shirts

Flannel shirts were a staple of any grunge-obsessed music fan. Worn by bands like Pearl Jame and Nirvana, they were always a size or two too big and tied around the waist for extra grungie style points.

The grunge music and style was a modern rebellious ethos for the youth. Unlike the more aggressive punks or rockers of decades before, the 90s archetypal heroes of grunge were typically musicians or actors. Delve into the style archive of a young Johnny Depp for inspiration.

You will find flannel shirts are still as readily available as they were back then. The style though has become more fitted so go a size up. A flannel shirt would look great with some slim-fit black jeans and a leather jacket.

Vintage Cardigan

Nothing gives a grunge-inspired two fingers up to consumerist society than a cardigan that looks like it has been hanging on the rails of a charity shop. You don't buy into brands and this mohair cardigan is proof.

Teenage-angst aside, the cardigan is not something only old people wear. It is versatile and practical, easily integrating into either smart or casual outfits. For true 90s style, we are going more casual than smart.

With most fashion from the time, it was all a little baggy. So something like the Cowichan number made famous by 'The Dude' in Big Lebowski would be spot-on. It is bold and would look great with a pair of light blue jeans and a simple white tee underneath.

Rugby Shirt

Thankfully brands like Kent & Curwen have made it much easier to get our hands on this relaxed-fit, long-sleeve alternative to a polo shirt.

The typical looser fit of a rugby shirt means it will naturally dovetail in streetwear but it can be worn slightly more fitted if that is more your style. Either way, the traditional bold stripes of the item can elevate your wardrobe without pushing you out of your comfort zone.

We like to pair our rugby shirts with light-wash denim and trainers. Even adding a blazer if the mood takes us.

Cargo Trousers

The current menswear mood for utilitarian design has seen a resurgence of late for the cargo trouser. Like with denim, in the 90s, cargo trousers were worn loose and you can look to pop groups like Backstreet Boys or N-Sync to recreate the style.

Recent incarnations are a more favourable fit with tailored designs giving it a contemporary and modern feel. It's the additional pockets on the side of cargo trousers that can offer something different to the majority of bottoms in your wardrobe. As such, they can be a nice alternative to chinos.

Denim

Denim manufacturers must have had a field day during this decade. From double denim to baggy jeans, the material was everywhere and in large quantities. In the 90s, hip-hop and skateboard culture was getting us to embrace a wide-leg aesthetic which was a direct alternative to the more regular-fit designers like Ralph Lauren were pushing.

Although both wide and regular were present, we are leaning towards the latter for our 90s inspo. Lighter washes of blue were the toast of the day, so stick with that and add a fitted oxford shirt on top. If you want to go full-on Jerry Seinfeld tuck the shirt in but approach with caution.

Not every interview is created equal, depending on the job you are applying for, dress codes at can differ dramatically. Now though, we are in the midst of a global pandemic with all face-to-face meetings outlawed. The result is the interview outfit has become decidedly harder to get right.

We know your current default daily uniform probably includes sweatpants, but remember, it wasn't so long ago that the interviewer was conducting meetings in their office surroundings. His or her expectations of applicants won't have changed that much. In essence, you are still doing the same role, just remotely and at some point back in the office so make the right first impression. 

Why Zoom Interviews?

Even before the pandemic took hold of everything we knew, online interviews were still a great way to make a first impression. Zoom, like Google Hangouts or Skype, offers the interviewer a chance to talk via a video call. This is more personal than a phone call and can offer greater insight into the person being interviewed. As an interviewer, you get a more rounded perspective on their demeanour, eye contact and presentation skills for example, that you wouldn't if you were just calling them.

As an interviewer, if you have a list of applicants to get through then booking a meeting room and all the formalities that go with it can become tiresome. With a video call, all you need is a good wifi connection and the applicant's details in front of you.

Some men may have applied for a job that included a relocation element and therefore a video interview would have previously been involved. To most, this is unchartered waters.

Why Is It Important To Dress Well

It is said that people create a lasting impression of you after 30 seconds of meeting. So, that doesn't give you much time to state your case. Dressing well will mean you have already done 50% of the work before you open your mouth.

Like if you were meeting in-person, to nail any interview you need to be prepared. We would always recommend taking the time to learn about the company, the role and its requirements in advance - as well as carefully planning your outfit to look at your very best for the interview. Nothing in that respect has changed, even though it is via Zoom.

The only difference is that the expectations of the interviewer will have changed when it comes to dressing. I don't believe every interviewer would be expecting men to be sitting there in their best suit and tie day in, day out. This art of formality is assigned to work environments like offices or meetings. Not for sitting at your kitchen table.

But, this doesn't mean you should be kicking off the Oxford's and presenting a nonchalant demeanour. Finding the right balance is key to making the best first impression.

The Corporate Job Interview

In the bygone days of early 2020, the corporate world would immediately mean dressing to the nines. But, times they are a-changing and so are company dress codes. 

The onset of working from home due to COVID-19 has accelerated the changing views of office dress codes. What started with casual Friday's has led to companies ripping up their somewhat outdated rulebooks on employee dress codes. 

study in 2018 prior to the current need to work from home said that only one in 10 men wore a suit to work. This comes as no surprise to this writer who rarely ever saw a man in a suit in any of my work locations despite my interest in more formal dressing.

This study was applying to a range of work environments, with corporate there are still some rules to follow. So, let's not go too extreme here and stick to what we know works well. A nice grey flannel or navy two-button suit partnered with a crisp white shirt should have you looking your presentable best. I don't think a tie is a necessity unless you were meeting face-to-face. But, if you insist, stay neutral and try a black, navy or burgundy dependent on your suit colour.

Corporate Interview Key Pieces

The Standard Office Job Interview

This is a catch-all rundown for anyone looking for work in what we would call your 'typical' British office. The boss is more David Brent than Harvey Spector and it houses a collection of people who all look like they would rather be anywhere else but at work. There isn't a beanbag, table football or beer tap in sight, but you've got to pay the bills.

In these surroundings, we are still leaning towards more formal than casual, but there is enough scope to embrace a smart casual dress code. 

With this interview, a suit will do the trick as it is typically always going to be smart. You can mix this up a little though, embrace separates to break up the suits somewhat formal exterior. Additionally, look for knitwear to add some different colourways or subtle prints to the look. 

Start by wearing a suit jacket, formal shirt and your chosen knitwear. It will look smart but allows you the chance to remove the blazer. Looking too overdressed can lead to you becoming uncomfortable or nervous, which is the last thing you want in an interview. If the interviewer is slightly more casual than smart you can take off your blazer without dampening your overall look.

Office Interview Key Pieces

The Creative or Agency Job Interview

Creativity is about 'out-of-the-box' thinking and can come from not conforming to what is expected. The same can be said for your work uniform. A suit (in its traditional format) might be what is expected in other working environments, not this one.

Once you are bedded into the company then hoodies and chinos might be the regular uniform. For the interview though, we still want to look smart, just not too polished. 

A suit is the smartest form of dress available for men but can also be the stuffiest. Look at how you can dissect the suit to make it more contemporary. This could mean embracing lighter colourways like beige or pale blue to show your confidence with different tones. Or, why not go further by pairing it with knitwear (no shirt) or a plain t-shirt. You could even try a standalone blazer or jacket, something more relaxed but with an air of formality. Whichever you choose, you will still portray a smart image without the chastising formal shirt and tie.

Agency Interview Key Pieces

Conclusion

No matter what job you are going for, a suit for generations has and will continue to be the most presentable item of clothing a man owns. That being said, there are changing attitudes to dress codes that allow us to embrace a more smart-casual approach.

The interview is normally the first chance a potential new manager or business owner has to see you in person. So, make those first impressions count. A suit is a fail-safe choice, but get a greater sense of the company's culture and opinion on dress code by scanning social media. It can help you tweak things in the right way.

Showing you care about your appearance is a great way to portray your commitment to everything in life. Managers will assume that as you have made an effort for the interview you will be dedicated to your new role if he hires you.

Lastly, when planning your interview outfit, don't overlook the small things. That is, ensuring that all your clothing is laundered and presentable, getting a haircut about a week before the video call and making sure that your facial hair is trimmed (or shaved).

Good luck with the new job!

After the year we've had, the last thing we want to do is throw a ton of money at a pile of new clothes we will never get to wear. So, when we update our style it can be a nice way to improve your positivity and wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Start by getting out of sweatpants. Working from home can lead to us looking for comfort over style within our daily routine. The result is a stale and underutilised wardrobe. Leave the sweats for the weekend and make an effort with your daily outfit choices. You'll quickly see your mood and productivity improve.

We've brought you a list of 10 style updates men can make for the coming year. This is a great starting point for reassessing the clothes you own, where you shop and how you can make some better outfit choices in 2021.

street style examples of colour use

1. Embrace some colour

Yes, the foundations of a stylish wardrobe do include a lot of black, white and navy. But, to elevate what we wear it might be time to break out some colour.

Adding some new hues is a surefire way to take a great outfit to the next level, but, don't go overboard. Assign one piece (a shirt for instance) as the key component and experiment with how swapping out your normal white or navy for a different colour might look.

form and thread clothing

2. Try a new brand

Breaking a style rut can be the ideal way to update your wardrobe. This rut is often the result of men browsing similar clothing from only a small collection of brands.

Expanding our repertoire of menswear brands is key to more comprehensive choice. But, we should also be making more informed choices, looking at how our products are made and in what conditions. 

A new breadth of menswear brands is sourcing superior, sustainable materials while producing ethically. This combination of better materials being expertly crafted by workers paid correctly results in garments of far superior quality to what you would find in a lower-priced high-street store. 

Unlike designer clothing that comes with a higher price point but not always the quality. When buying from a sustainable brand, the slightly higher ticket price is a true sign of quality.

clothing and accessories on a bed

3. Clean out your wardrobe

This doesn't mean just getting rid of the odd sweater or jeans. Take the opportunity to really purge your wardrobe. 

To get the real effect of this you need to be tough. Normally I would say get rid of what you haven't worn in the past 12 months, but 2020 hasn't been your typical year. Still, we should be slinging out anything we never wear.

We have all fell foul of bargain shopping in the past, picking something up because it was a good deal. Ultimately, we need to change this mindset moving forward, paying for quality, not buying on price. So, if you have items that you were getting round to wearing but never did, get rid.

Not all pieces need to end up at a charity shop though, pick out the best bits and try and make some extra cash by selling on eBay or Depop.

tailor measuring a suit

4. Get clothing altered

Fashion brands cater to a range of men in different sizes or shapes which makes it difficult to find clothing that fits correctly. When clearing out your wardrobe you might find shirts, suits or trousers that you still like but the fit is slightly off.

Fit is probably the most important style rule a man can follow. It can elevate the most humble of pieces. But, to find clothes that fit our individual bodies, we will more than likely need to get them altered.

Nearly all dry cleaners offer an alteration service or you can seek out a small independent tailor. Both can do small changes, although a tailor will offer more expert opinion and be able to complete something more challenging.

What we require from our clothing changes as our body weight fluctuates or styles evolve. Alterations can be a fantastic way to breathe new life into old clothing and save them from landfill.

h

5. Break up with the suit

As we write this, the likelihood of being back in an office anytime soon is slim to none. Not only is it not safe, but a raft of companies have now realised that remote working is not so bad after all. 

So, where does that leave the suit? Well without an office or a personal occasion on the horizon for our suit, it might be easy to leave them gathering dust in our wardrobes.

In 2021, for men to still get some wear out of their suits, they are going to need to remove the formality. Embrace some of these style pointers to set you on the right track when wearing a suit:

medium hair length men

6. Pick a haircut and stick with it

A haircut that suits your face shape can look great, but equally the wrong cut can look terrible

Make this year the one when you finally settle on the perfect haircut. No more changing your mind, or being swayed by a chiselled movie star.

Work with your barber to discuss what your hair type is and which haircut will be the most flattering. This could mean that receding hairline is belatedly embraced or the dated long hair is banished to your youth. Either way, you will look much better, even if it might take some getting used to.

man wearing white trainers and jeans

7. Freshen up your trainer game

By this, we don't mean waiting in a queue for days to get your hands on a pair of gigantuous Yeezy's. This is about keeping the trainers you have in tip-top condition.

A poorly looked after pair of sneakers can ruin an outfit in a heartbeat. Men need to give the same focus to their trainers as they would their formal shoes. If they are white, they should look white!

A fresh-looking pair of white trainers can go with pretty much anything. A scuffed pair of faded white ones, go with nothing. Protect them before you wear them for the first time and regularly clean to make sure they last and look their box-fresh best for longer.

8. Find your scent

The fact is, how we smell plays a large part in how people perceive us. Scent is an animal instinct and smelling nice can (apparently) make you more attractive. Which makes it finally time to stick the Lynx Africa in the bin and get a nice fragrance once and for all.

If you are new to this, start with scents that you can wear all year round. A floral fragrance is more associated with summer while muskier scents are typically more winter, strike the balance somewhere in between.

Remember, subtlety is key in fragrance application. The people you meet should smell the scent when they get close, it shouldn't be emanating from every orifice. Apply a small amount behind each ear and on the wrists.

9. Invest in accessories

Something you will notice among the men we feature on the site and our social channels is their accessories. Whether it be a scarf, pocket square or nice timepiece, accessories are a great way to convey your stylish gravitas to the world.

Designer watches can seem like an expensive hobby most can ill afford. Yes, a nice watch can be a great investment piece, but if you don't have a small house deposit in your bank, then there are tons of stylishly affordable options. 

If aren't a watch enthusiast, then look at other accessories to upgrade your style. A silk scarf that is worn beneath a jumper or blazer can add a debonair twist of colour on a drab cold day. Or simply switch your tatty old wallet for something more sophisticated.  

10. Buy a statement piece

Statement pieces can often read as "hardly worn waste of money". Although this can be the case if you have previously purchased based on impulse. We want to focus on statement prints for the year ahead.

Breaking with tradition and making a slight switch with an item you will wear regularly is the key to nailing this in 2021.

We all probably have a trench coat or rain mac for the wetter months. Typically these are in simple black, navy or khaki colourways. Why don't you take the same style coat and add a bolder print or colour? You will still wear the item as much as you did before but now it has a virtuous new lease of life.

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