CHOOSING THE "RIGHT" STYLE OF CLOTHING

 
 

"Is that style right for me?"

I see guys constantly arguing on social media and online forums about how to dress, trying to deem which type of style is "right".

This leads to a lot of confusion among onlookers…

Should I be flashy? Maybe a bit more rock and roll. Is looking preppy in style? Wait, are people wearing baggy clothes again? Am I supposed to be wearing that?

Guys argue back and forth about which style is right - Bohemian, Preppy, Rugged, etc.

But here’s the secret which no one seems to understand…

There is no right style.

None.

There is, however, a style that is right for you, but not one style that is right in general.

Guys look to others for that answer constantly, but it’s as pointless as someone deciding your favorite food for you.

If I asked you your favorite food right now, you wouldn’t look to the internet for answers. You’d know. You have your own taste buds, different than mine or anyone else’s.

When someone tells you a certain style is right or wrong, it’s as silly as saying all Italian food is bad and only Chinese food is good.

A style of food cannot be right or wrong.

It just is.

The style in which you choose to dress is the same way.

They are all equal.

Now, I’m sure you’ve had good and bad versions of all those different cuisines.

See, within each cuisine category, you can either do it well or you can do it poorly— you’ve had great hamburgers and terrible hamburgers.

 
 

Those are NOT equal.

This is the same with men's style. No matter what style you choose to dress in, you can do it well or you can do it poorly.

This is where the "rules" of men’s style come in and where you should be looking for answers.

This is where you should know how to dress your body type and what colors enhance you. You should know how to put an outfit together and how items should fit. Etc.

These are the basic principles of looking good. You should know them, and then you can apply them to any style you choose.


To continue our culinary example, think about this like you would the basic principles of cooking. You should know how the basics of using a pan and a knife before going off and trying to make a Michelin-starred menu.

Then, once you actually know how to cook, you can use that skill to make whatever you want.

Bobby Flay doesn’t get stumped when you ask him to make pasta even though he’s a southwestern chef.

So, stop thinking about a specific style as right or wrong.

This will hold you back tremendously and it’s as silly as deeming a style of cuisine right or wrong (and God help you if you’re one of those who put down others for wearing what they actually want to wear).

You will have things you’re drawn towards - that’s the right style for you.

Stop stewing over whether everyone thinks what you like is right or wrong. Have your own taste and learn how to implement it well by learning the basics.

The style you choose is [very fortunately] left up to your creative freedom. Your job is to execute the style well by learning the principles of putting it all together.

And all this can basically be summed up by PIVOT Maxim #26478 - Wear whatever the hell you want; just make it look good on you.

Most guys struggle with the last part. If that’s you, that’s what I help with.

And we do it all together, one-on-one. And you’ll come away with a better sense of your personal style, a cleaned-out closet, a handle on all the basics of what looks good on you, and a brand new wardrobe of stuff you love. I’d be happy to help.

Your goal should be to enjoy looking like yourself and look incredible while doing it. That is where you reach style serenity.

Hope that helps,

Patrick

Patrick Kenger

Patrick Kenger is an award-winning menswear stylist and the founder of PIVOT Image Consulting. For the past 10 years, he has worked to shape the personal styling industry for men, making style easy and efficient for men across the globe. You can find him regularly in the WSJ, NBC, CNN, Men’s Health, and more.

http://www.pivotimage.com
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