What is needed in a man's closet?

Hey world!


I haven't written enough posts about men style like I have been promising. Therefore, every post I write this month will focused on men because we can be leaving you out like that! I decided to share much needed tips for men and their personal style. Of course you can always substitute for styles you much rather prefer but are still similar. Here are my suggestions for updating your style and closet:


1. Don't be afraid to mix up prints!! If you are scared that you may look like a clown, do more subtle low key prints and colors. The trick is staying in the same color family so that you won't look like a clown. Or if you aren't afraid of color, do complimentary or monochromatic color schemes. You know navy and orange, red and green etc. Try light blues with dark blues, orange with shades of browns and dark reds. Of course if you're dealing with two loud colors, just make sure one color is more toned down than the other or mixing a smaller print with a bigger print. It's all about contrasts- highs and lows. For instance, do a small black and white gingham print and put a a small striped black and white cardigan on with it. Or a brown and red striped tee with an orange jacket or cardigan. Get it?


2. Layers, yes please! Layers pulls any outfit together, plus it makes it look like you are put together and that you took time to get ready this morning. Of course this is probably not the case, that is why this works! Layers basic tees over basic tees, cardigans underneath jackets or coats or both. Monochromatic color schemes works as an advantage in this case too because it makes you more polished. Analogous color schemes works too meaning colors that are next to each other in the color wheel.( for example red, red orange and orange would look good together. In fact anything you like works too, as long as you have the confidence for it people would believe it too. I'm not afraid to wear red with sea foam green(one of my favorite mixed combinations)


3. Speaking of layers you need great classic pieces! These are the pieces that are timeless, that go with just about everything and fit you really well. Therefore you need to invest a little more extra money into it. I'm not talking high end pieces, just brands that are well known for their quality. These pieces include basic tees, cardigans, jacket, a really great well fitting jean, neutral colored peacoat. I would say to build this up over time, you would probably need two or three of each and you can mix it into your other items that are not so classic. If you are not a cardigan person, just try trying it on and layering it over your basic tee and underneath your jacket or coat. Of course you would want to go with the neutrals for all of these items. Blues, blacks,browns, and whites. Dark gem stone colors work in place of neutrals too to get a little interesting details to your clothing(forest greens, plums, navy, rubies,etc) Some brands that are great for basic tees are Calvin Klein, DKNY, and GAP. For great fitting jeans, set out a day to actually try on tons of jeans and don't get frustrated. It takes tons of time to find the perfect fitting jean and when you do, buy in quantity if possible. Check out GAP, Diesel, Guess, Levi, and Lee brands or stores that carry really great pairs. A dark blue wash or dark grays work well for versatile looks.


4. Accessories Yes men you can accessorize too. All you need are belts that are simple,pick some in neutral colors and maybe some with small detailing for personality. Handmade ones are always cool. Belts are another item of clothing that makes you look put together when you wear a belt. Find a cool watch- lego looking if you are into quirky items, more simple classic ones if you want timeless, etc. Just find one that you like. Sunglasses and scarves are other things that pulls an outfit together. Shoes can also become an accessory if you are really into shoes. Different styles and colors make a shoe an accessory. It gives your outfit tons of personality and lets face it,  people are ALWAYS looking at your shoes.


5. You need a great shoe! Sneakers are great for experimentation, if you need a breather from your usual style, or a huge sneaker head! I love sneakers, especially nike dunks. There is always a sneaker from Nike that fits just about everyone's personality. Try also Chuck Taylors or Vans. Canvas shoes are also my favorite type of sneaker that I wear personally everyday. They are comfy, not too much and are super comfy and relaxed. They come in bright colors too! Lace up or slip ons are available. Try KEDS, Urban Outfitters, and Tom's.Tom's donate money to a child in need every time someone buys a pair of their shoes. If you are feeling a little bit more trendy or polished, try an oxford shoe. One in an olive green or a black and white oxford would be really awesome. These two can be substitutes for a neutral shoe. They work just as well.

6. Don't be afraid of color. Color is best friend and it looks great mixed with neutrals. Therefore both are recommended to be apart of your closet. Once again you wont look like a clown and if you have a fear of it, just try it. It doesn't hurt. Start little by little adding color in unsuspecting places in your wardrobe. Try a muted colors and then a bright sneaker or bright shirt with a muted jacket and accessories. Mix it up. most Importantly have fun with it! That is what great style is about. Its about knowing what you love and like to wear and having confidence. It doesn't matter if you think you will look crazy to others. Usually when you have the confidence to pull it off people will feel it and always wonder how do you do it all so well while looking amazing.

Good luck and email me with any questions or other tips

<3 Lesly