Let’s imagine that you have splurged on a big shopping spree. You purchased a wide variety of clothing, shoes, and accessories – all stylish and fashionable pieces, Each and every item of clothing fits you tremendously well because you have visited a tailor in order to get that perfect fit.
However, now that you have all of these hip and stylish items at home, you aren’t quite sure what to do with them. You can’t really recall what the salesperson said as far as which pants were supposed to go with which shirts, for example. You don’t remember what she said about choosing shoes. So, what are you supposed to do now?
Fortunately, there are is a relatively simple process through which you can select an outfit. You can use this process to determine what goes with what and to settle upon an outfit for each day (even if you haven’t splurged on a whole new wardrobe)
1Establish what type of occasion for which you are dressing – for example, is it a casual work day or a running-errands-on-the-weekend day? You need to know this in order to choose appropriate clothing.
2Choose a suitable bottom layer for your outfit. Depending upon what your day will entail, this could be a pair of suit pants, a pair of linen shorts, a pair of jeans, or some other type of bottoms. Base your decision upon the type of day you will have and then select whatever you like that fits in with that type of day.
3Next, look at the color of the bottoms you have chosen. Select a shirt that goes with that color and fits with the type of day you will have. As for the color of the shirt, you want a color that complements the color of the bottoms. Neutral bottoms (black or shades of brown, khaki, and grey) will go with just about any color of shirt. Jeans do, too; however, avoid putting blue shirts with blue jeans.
4The shoes you select should either match the shirt you are wearing or should be black. If you are dressing for a business/work-type day, black may be best. Otherwise, shoes that complement your shirt will be ideal. For example, if your shirt is yellow or tan in color, brown shoes will be a good choice. There may be times when you want to choose your shoes first, before your shirt—for instance, if you have a pair of red and black shoes you would like to wear, choose them and then select a shirt that goes with the shoes. Your belt should match your shoes.
5Accessories will typically be moderate, no matter what type of day you will be having. Heavy jewelry just isn’t in style at any time. One of two rings (including a wedding ring) is acceptable, along with perhaps one bracelet. Necklaces are generally not in favor; however, some men choose to wear these under their shirts (with, say, a religious symbol). Ear piercings or other piercings should be avoided. A watch is, of course, customary for most men.
