Fashion Rules Are Set for Men and Not Men for the Rule

Perhaps this year you’re looking to improve the way you dress? You've noticed over the last couple of years that the number of style conscious men has risen significantly and yeah! It’s called progression. When you first start out in men’s fashion and style, it can all be a bit too much to take in. Men’s fashion has seriously caught up with its female counterpart in the last decade.

How do you start?

Begin by understanding the fashion acceptable rules, embrace it, and then think of how to tweak around it. After all, men set rules, not rules set men.

Break the Rules

Red and pink Don’t go for men

Somewhere along the way, these two shades got a ‘No’ from the guys, but when paired purposefully; they can actually look quite modern and eye-catching. This is a great rule to tweak around. Keep the red true, and add any shade of pink.

Navy and black don’t go together

It’s time we break this rule.  Navy and black look super-chic together. Try pairing this combo, you will be amazed at what you have been missing.  It’s a rule worth breaking.

Mixed prints are too busy

False! Actually, mixed prints can look extremely fresh, and elevate your look from ordinary to street-style ready.

Horizontal stripes make you look larger

Horizontal lines making you look wider is a pretty cliché “rule.” Pieces that are made well and fit well flatters every man.

Breaking Fashion Trends Rule

You Want To Break Fashion Trends Rule?

Do This...

Do the opposite of what's in style. An easy way to tell when a trend has gone stale is how ubiquitous it becomes. If you start to see a style that was once quirky and unique become mass-marketed, it's safe to say it's no longer trendy.

Now, this is your time crack up those trends. People will think its uncool, but hey! Who decides what’s cool?

Established yourself as a popular, fashion-conscious person, you may find yourself starting trends without realizing it. Just wear whatever you want and think looks nice. Your peers are likely to adopt aspects of your personal style to be more like you. If enough people follow suit, a new trend is born.

One popular strategy among fashionistas is to be a contrarian. Look at whatever trends are hot in the mainstream and craft a look around something completely different. More people will notice your look and are more likely to think of you as a fashion trendsetter instead of a follower.

Difference between fashion trend setter and fashion follower

When it comes to style there are two types of people; The Trend setter and the Fashion Follower. 

Following trends can have strategic value, but setting the trend can be even more beneficial. 

Fashion trend setters are fashion crazies and freaks while fashion followers just love fashion.

Trendsetters are creative fashion lovers while followers are fashion copycats.

Trendsetters take time to discover their style while followers don’t know their style.

Trendsetters surround themselves with creative people who will help them unleash their potential while followers just wait for the trend to slay.

Fashion trendsetters set the dos and don’ts of fashion; they don’t conform to any fashion rules. They set the rules while fashion followers follow the rules set by trendsetter.

Trendsetters take time to experiment clothes, then put fashion pieces together  while fashion followers doesn't have time for experimenting.

Trendsetters are always the attention of others, they always look perfectly put together, while followers are everybody’s lookalike.

Trendsetters strive for originality while remaining trendy and classy without looking crazy and ridiculous but followers doesn't care about originality.

Think of Your Wardrobe Budget — How much time and money do I need?

Ideally a man should build his wardrobe a few pieces at a time over a decade. In tune with his clothing needs, he should be on the lookout for missing pieces to add. 

Slowly integrating these findings into his closet, he will be ready at a moment’s notice for whatever event is thrown his way.

Remember that purchasing quality is an investment; purchasing quantity on the other hand is an expense. It’s better to own a few well-made and well-tailored clothing that you wear often than a full wardrobe of cheap & poorly-fitted clothing that, well, looks cheap and poorly-fitted.

A Man’s Wardrobe

This article is a continuation of the wardrobe series we started last week. Yeah, before spending a dime, go through your current clothing and set aside everything that you have not worn for a year or two.

Clothes that are noticeably stained, and clothes that fits so poorly not even a master tailor can adjust it to fit. 

Get people involved in your decision. The goal here is to create a network of supporters and audience which puts pressure on you to fulfill your promise.

You have to understand why you need professional clothing in your wardrobe.  Understand the style basics and your specific needs.

How to Spot New Fashion Trends

Keep current with pop. Global trendsetters tend to be musicians, actors, and other celebrities. They often bring existing subcultural trends to the mainstream or kick start crazes based simply on their personal tastes. Regardless, they tend to be a good barometer when you're trying to spot a trend. Pay close attention to what they wear.

Keep current with fashion magazines. They are also a great way to know what is trending and take inspiration from.

Keep current with social media. Social media has become an extremely important tool for trend

setters as a way to both track and disseminate information. Follow users who are popular and are in line with your own sensibilities.

Keep current with hip locations where trends tend to start. Locations known to be fashion craze or fashion freaks.  If you already live in a fashion-forward city, go to restaurants, shops, clubs, and neighborhoods that you know to be trendy.

If you notice multiple people sporting a style you haven't seen before, it's probably the sign of a new trend.

Keep current with the fashion cycle. Remember that looks come back in style over the years. Don't get rid of any quality clothing or accessories just because a trend has passed. Instead, save these items for when that look is back in vogue. That way, you'll have a partial wardrobe ready to go for next time.

Note: If you see a celebrity sporting a unique look that you love or notice people sport a style you haven’t seen before, borrow it. Don't copy the outfit exactly, but take inspiration from it.