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Seven Basic Fashion Rules for Guys to Follow – Style Guide

While it’s a popular saying that rules are meant to be broken, it can’t be denied that there are at least seven (and probably more) basic fashion rules for guys that you should never go against.


If you’re looking to improve your style, these basic fashion rules are what you need to get started. By operating along these lines, you can be sure to adhere to society’s expectations of men’s casual outfits and go above and beyond what you thought you were capable of. 


Whether you’re a beginner or a style connoisseur, these men’s fashion rules won’t steer you wrong. 


  • Keep It Simple

  • Out of all the basic fashion rules for guys, this may be the most important. Tons of guys, when they want to start dressing better, think that complex, fancy, and expensive is the way to go - but that is not the case. 


    If you do that, you’ll end up spending too much money only to be left with things in your closet that don’t pair well together. To avoid this, take a look at your environment - along with what’s already in your closet. 


    Instead of replacing everything, simply upgrade what you already own. Look for basic and sturdy pieces (like something in our Tops Collection) that are made of a higher quality than what you have. 


  • Find styles that you’re drawn to. 

  • If you’re not a naturally stylish guy, there are plenty of ways that these basic fashion rules can still apply to you. You may think that you don’t have an eye for what’s stylish, but you’re wrong.


    To further develop your own style, think of a guy in pop culture who dresses well. If you can think of someone, you’ve already proved yourself wrong - you do have an eye for what you like.


    Even if you don’t think you can pull off the look, having an icon in mind is still important. It gives you something to work towards! 


  • Focus on fit. 

  • We can’t emphasize this styling rule enough. Fit is the most important thing when it comes to men’s casual outfits - it can make or break your entire look. Clothes that don’t fit properly throw off your proportions and make you look sloppy, bigger, and shorter than you actually are. 


    If you choose the right fit, you’ll look effortlessly stylish in a pair of chinos and a simple shirt - you’ll look better than a guy in an ill-fitting suit, that’s for sure. 


  • Build a solid foundation. 

  • Remember what we said about keeping things simple? That fashion rule plays into this one, too. If you’re looking to rebuild your wardrobe, start from the bottom and work your way up. Collect staples first, like white shirts, dark jeans, and sweaters, because these articles pair well with tons of other options. 


    Build your beginner wardrobe with neutral colors like white, gray, and tan. These basic styles are the training wheels that you can use until you feel comfortable enough to branch out. After you have a solid foundation, you can start collecting more eye-catching articles like patterns, prints, and bolder colors. 


    Because you already have basics, you’ll never run out of pieces to wear the more daring clothes with! 


  • Think of clothing combos.  

  • The last thing you want is to wear the same outfit every day. To expand your options, invest in clothes that can be worn together. By creating combinations when you shop, you’ll end up with plenty of stylish options when it comes time to get dressed in the morning. 


  • Utilize layers. 

  • You can take advantage of your entire closet if you understand how to layer. This is also a great way to create an interesting, casual fashion style. You can learn to layer by getting creative with the clothes you already own - then, when you want to try it with new pieces, you already know what you’re doing. 


  • Effortless, not lazy.

  • The goal with these men’s fashion rules is to look effortless - while still putting in a significant degree of effort. The last thing you want is to look lazy or careless, but you also don’t want to look like you spent all morning agonizing over your outfit. 


    The best way to look effortless is to ensure that your clothes fit right (remember the styling rule about fit), and that the pieces work well together. 


    It’s not just about your clothes, either. Your accessories should be just as effortless. Things like your watch, glasses, scarf, and belt should also be casual, yet pleasing to the eye. 


    Knowing Your Style


    At Perk Clothing, we understand men’s fashion - and we want to help you understand it, too. Whether it’s the dead of winter or the dog days of summer, our advice can help you look your best.