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6 Men’s Style Rules to Live By

by Myron Mariano

Photography by Ian Limbaga, Modeling by Alexander McCarty

Dressing up should not feel like you are solving the mystery of the human genome, but just the same, choosing which clothes to wear for life’s many situations require some careful consideration. These six tried-and-tested pieces of advice will help you get out of sticky style binds this season and beyond.

1. Bring Style to the Gym

The fashion quotient of modern athletic wear has been elevated to a level that you can wear them even when you're not busy burning off the calories. This means clothes fit closer to the body without being restrictive; colors go beyond the usual blacks, blues, and grays; and garish logos are nowhere to be seen. Pay attention to technical fabrication—you want your clothes to remain comfortable as you sweat.

Alternative Eco-Jersey Crew T-shirt, Organic Light French Terry Zip Hoodie, alternativeapparel.com;  Sanuk Guide TX Shoes, sanuk.com

2. Layer With Purpose

When you have to wear more than one layer of clothing, make sure that they progressively become looser—not tighter—as you add them on. A slim-fit shirt under a relaxed black sweater, shown above, is great; a structured denim jacket over a tee with billowing sleeves isn’t.

Nau Penumbra L/S Shirt, nau.comLululemon Aran Sweater Crew, lululemon.comPalladium Baggy Shoes, palladiumboots.com

3. It’s All In the Details

Oftentimes, it’s the quietest accents that speak the loudest. This handsome coat from Pendleton, for example, swaps out the usual toggle buttons for fireman clips, lending a heavy-duty vibe to a cold-weather staple.

Pendleton Knob Hill Coat, pendleton-usa.com;  Nau Downloopner Scarf, nau.com; Oliberté Adibo Shoes, oliberte.com

4. Think Longevity

Unlike women, men do not have a lot of options when it comes to clothing, but this is more of an advantage: Much of what you have can transition from season to season without much hassle. Worn on its own with the sleeves rolled up, this Outdoor Research plaid shirt is a sensible option for late spring. Pair it with a heady jacket or a puffy vest for a can't-miss fall look.

Outdoor Research Crony L/S Shirt, Winter Deadpoint Jacket, Goldrush Jeans, outdoorresearch.comOliberté MOJOO x McNairy Shoes, oliberte.com

5. Buy a Go-Anywhere Blazer

A blazer that fits almost like second skin is the best anchor to your outfits. It is unmatched in its ability to dress up a Friday night standby of T-shirt and jeans, and to make you presentation-ready even if you’ve stepped out of the plane only a few hours earlier. 

Lululemon Nonstop Blazer, Commission L/S Button Down, Commission Pant, lululemon.comOliberté MOJOO x McNairy Shoes, oliberte.com

6. Stick to One

Always have a hard time deciding which hues go together? You can’t mess up going tone on tone. This unified color scheme has the added advantage of making you look leaner, taller, and more polished. Add an eye-catching accessory should you want to inject a bit of personality to your outfit.

Ibex Hunter's Point Pullover, ibex.comAnalog Watch Co. Carpenter Watch, analogwatchco.com; Fjällräven Trousers No. 27 Pants, fjallraven.us

Photography by Ian Limbaga, Modeling by Alexander McCarty

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