I'm 63. This is the speech I wish someone gave me twenty years ago.
I used to think men's style was something you either had or you didn't. Took me a long time to realize it's something you can learn.
Here are five things I wish I'd understood decades sooner.
1. Shoes matter more than you think.
Great shoes can make (or break) an outfit. And no, they do NOT need to match your belt. That rule is outdated.
Shoes set the tone of the whole outfit, so don’t treat them like an afterthought. And guys, did you know that women notice a man’s shoes instantly? They may not say anything, but they’re watching.
2. Don't be afraid of the bright shirt.
Sometimes the "loud" shirt is the most interesting thing in the room. Keep the rest of the outfit simple so it feels easy to wear.
A bright (or bold) shirt doesn’t necessarily scream “look at me! I’ve arrived at the party”. Especially if you wear it with classic pieces, like the pics below. Adding a tie (in the second pic) shows I’m professional but still have style.
3. You can wear two patterns in one outfit.
No, really. The fashion police are not coming. Pattern pairing is pretty easy once you get the hang of it. The first thing to keep in mind: choose patterns that have a different scale." For instance, a large print paired with a small print works nicely. Or a larger scale check paired with a small check, like in my outfit in this pic while traveling in Budapest, Hungary.
4. I wish I'd learned my colors sooner.
Gray and black were doing a LOT of heavy lifting in my wardrobe. I wore colors that gave me weird shadows on my face that made me look tired, and I didn't even know it.
For instance, black vs. lavender.
Black makes my face work harder to create the contrast, while the lavender helps create brightness.
My face is more subdued because the black shirt absorbs light. Lavender reflects light onto my face instead, so I look fresh, healthy, and it even brings out my hazel eyes (and, IMO, my smile 😉).
5. You don't have to give up black.
Just stop making it the whole outfit.
I get it, black feels safe. One of my clients recently told me, “My wardrobe is just kind of bland.” When we looked at his closet, the reason was clear. Nothing popped. It was different versions of black over and over, so he was bored.
The best way to start adding color to your wardrobe is with accessories – a bright shoe like pinball designer Jack Danger’s signature red kicks (see tip #1), an unexpected scarf color, or jewelry that pops. These are low-risk ways to break the “all black” cycle.
Ready to stop guessing about your style? It all starts with knowing your best colors and what to skip.