Men’s Style Guide | duuude: Ultimate Guys Apparel Guide [2022 Edition]
The ultimate guide of the best styles for men
As we soar past the midway point of 2022 and fast approaching the end of this year, it's the perfect time to take a look at the best trends of the year and turn those into a style guide that can carry you well beyond 2022 and into 2023. What will be the hot trends in the coming year? How do you stay stylish and ahead of the curve? Look no further, because we've got you covered. In this article, we'll discuss the key looks and pieces that will be popular now and into 2023. Let’s get started!
Kicking things off-
The Basics
There really is one major starting point when looking at an overall style guide- the basics. Nailing the basics will set the tone and make finding a style that much easier. The basics of any staple wardrobe essentially consist of a T-shirt, pair of Pants, Versatile Shoes, and a Staple Jacket. Those really are the cornerstones of any outfit. By simply mixing and matching these 3-4 wardrobe elements, you can change up your look with just a few adjustments and have a Rolodex of styling options.
T-shirt:
Classic staple piece for any and all wardrobes. There are a few different styles of t-shirts classified into both the top and the bottom cuts of a shirt. The top of a shirt typically is a Crew Fit, V-Neck, and Henley designs. These exclude polo shirts.
The bottoms of shirts are typically cut in Straight fit (flat line across), Classic scoop, Split hem, and Elongated cut. The bottom hem lines can dress up or down a look.
Pants:
You can’t go wrong with a solid pair of jeans. Jeans are a staple wardrobe must have and can be worn in a dressed up or down fashion- depending on the quality, fit, and color. More and more pants options come out that give guys flexibility in their wardrobe.
There’s of course dress slacks and cargo pants (if you want to go in the opposite direction) but more options are being added to pant choices that free up the “these are for special events” and “these are for casual nights.” For example, the Jogger has been elevated to more than just leisure pants or errand runners, and can now be worn dressed up for a night out. Another key term in pants are “Everyday” or “Everywear” pants, often made of flexible materials with tapered fits for dressing up when needed and often are classified in the “Chino” category.
Shoes:
Shoes can tie together (no pun intended) any look when you are aiming to dress up or down. A pair of jeans with sneakers is a more casual look, where a pair of jeans with an Oxford pair of shoes will dress up any outfit.
Mixing and matching just a few key shoes in your wardrobe can give you endless amounts of style choices. We typically roll with 2 pairs of shoes- a classic sneaker for casual and days on the go and one pair that can be mixed with jeans or elevated joggers for a more formal-like look.
Jacket:
A jacket can go a long way in your style game and for some guys 1 or 2 jackets can be enough. We have found that having one casual type jacket (such as a Bomber Jacket) or a more elevated Jacket (Like a leather jacket) can be enough to dress up or down any wardrobe.
Sure, you could grab a few more and mix and match but in terms of essentials these 2 staples is really enough to get started.
Accessories-
Accessories like belts, hats, bracelets, rings, watches, wireless Ear-Buds, and everyday carry items (EDC) are all great additions to your wardrobe. They are not the main focus and are to be added on as accents. These items can often add to an outift, but are not part of the basics.
Few items, many outfits
1 shirt x 1 pair of pants x 1 pair of shoes x 1 jacket = 1 Outfit
But what if you add just a few more shirts, or just one more pair of pants?
Style Tips:
01 | Experiment with different colors and patterns
It’s ok to get out of your comfort zone. When it comes to menswear, there are a few timeless style staples that every man should have in his wardrobe. However, that doesn't mean that men should be afraid to experiment with different colors and patterns. In fact, some of the most stylish men are those who aren't afraid to take risks with their clothing. A pop of color or a bold pattern can really make an outfit stand out. A good rule of thumb is to keep the rest of the outfit relatively simple and classic. This will help to ensure that the eye is drawn to the colorful or patterned peice, rather than being overwhelmed by too much.
02 | Find clothes that fit well and make you feel comfortable
An outfit fitted right can make you feel and look powerful. Some men think that fashion and style are only for women. They see fashion as being frivolous and not masculine. There are plenty of ways for men to experiment with style and find clothes that fit well and make them feel comfortable. There is no need to stick to the traditional menswear staples of a suit and tie. Instead, men can experiment with different cuts, fabrics, and colors to create a look that is uniquely their own. And while the fit is important, it is also worth considering how an outfit makes you feel. An outfit fitted right can make you feel and look powerful. So don’t be afraid to experiment with your style. Find clothes that fit well and make you feel comfortable, and you’ll be sure to turn heads wherever you go.
03 | Don't be afraid to try something new
Men can sometimes be creatures of habit, sticking to the same styles and cuts year after year. But while there's nothing wrong with finding a look that works and sticking with it, it can be fun to experiment from time to time. Trying something new can help you find a new favorite look or simply help add some variety to your wardrobe. And with so many great styles out there for men, there's no excuse not to experiment a bit. Here are a few tips:
- Start by considering the fit. It's the foundation of any good outfit, so make sure your clothes are well-fitting and comfortable.
- A little bit of color can go a long way in helping you stand out from the crowd.
- Play with different textures and materials. Mixing things up can add visual interest to your look.
- Pay attention to the details. Details like buttons, collars, and pockets can help take your look to the next level.
So go ahead and experiment! Trying something new can be fun, and you might just end up finding your new favorite look in the process.
04 | Accessories are key
Any well-dressed man knows that accessories are key to completing a look. A nice watch or belt can add personality and style to any outfit. But it's important to choose the right accessories to suit your individual taste and style. And, of course, they should always be well-fitted and in good condition. By taking the time to choose the right accessories, you can really make your outfit pop - and ensure that you always look your best.
05 | Stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends
Men's fashion is always evolving, and it can be tough to keep up with the latest trends. But if you want to look your best, it's important to stay up to date. To start, pay attention to fit. Make sure your clothes are well-tailored and fit properly. This will instantly make you look more stylish. Next, take note of color and pattern. Bold colors and interesting prints are definitely in right now. And finally, don't forget the details. Accessorizing with a great watch or pocket square can really pull an outfit together. So keep these tips in mind next time you're shopping for clothes, and you'll be sure to stay on trend.
06 | Know the Occasion: How to dress for different occasions
Menswear has come a long way in recent years, and there are now more choices than ever when it comes to dressing for different occasions. Whether you're attending a formal event or simply spending time with friends, it's important to choose the right outfit. For example, menswear staples like a suit or sportcoat are always appropriate for formal occasions, while something more casual like jeans and a t-shirt are better suited for casual get-togethers. Of course, your wardrobe doesn't have to be limited to these two extremes. There are many different menswear styles that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. By building a versatile wardrobe, you'll be able to dress confidently for any event that comes your way.
07 | Know Color Combinations: What colors look good on men
Gone are the days when mens fashion was limited to black, gray, and navy; today, men can experiment with a wide range of hues to create looks that are stylish and appropriate for any occasion. When choosing colors for menswear, it is important to consider the individual items in your wardrobe as well as the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. For example, a white dress shirt can be a versatile addition to any mans wardrobe, but it will look best when paired with other colors that complement its clean and classic look. On the other hand, a colorful patterned shirt can add personality and pizzazz to an outfit, but it is important to consider the formality of the occasion before donning such a statement piece. Ultimately, menswear is all about finding the right balance of colors, patterns, and textures to create a look that is both stylish and practical. With a little trial and error, you can easily find the perfect color palette for your menswear needs.
08 | Stay in Budget: How to shop for clothes on a budget
If you're a guy who likes to stay well-dressed on a budget, there are a few key things to keep in mind when shopping for clothes. First, it's important to know your style and what looks good on you. There's no point in buying something if it doesn't fit well or isn't your style. Second, stick to classic pieces that will never go out of fashion. A well-tailored suit or a crisp white shirt will always make you look sharp, no matter the occasion. Third, take care of your clothes so they last longer. Proper laundering and storage will help them keep their shape and color over time. By following these tips, you'll be able to build a wardrobe that looks great without breaking the bank.
09 | Make Clothes Last: How to care for your clothes
As any man who cares about his appearance knows, clothes are an important part of looking sharp. Not only do they need to be well-fitted and stylish, but they also need to be well-made and durable. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to help ensure that your clothes last for years to come.
First, make sure to read the care label before washing or dry cleaning your garments. This will help you avoid shrinkage, color bleeding, and other damage.
Second, store your clothes in a cool, dry place. humidity and excessive heat can cause fabric to degrade over time.
Finally, don't forget to have your clothes professionally pressed or steamed on occasion. A good pressing will not only remove wrinkles and creases, but it will also help to extend the life of your clothing.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your menswear looking sharp for years to come.
Get Styled! What to Get:
The basics - Mens style begins with fit. Make sure your t-shirt, pants, and shoes are the right size. If something is too big or too small, it will never look good. Once you've nailed the fit, it's time to start thinking about color and pattern. A well-dressed man should have a few versatile basics in his closet that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks. A classic white t-shirt, for example, can be dressed up with a blazer and dress pants or worn more casual with distressed denim. The key is to find pieces that work well together and that you feel confident in. With a little effort, you can easily create a range of mens styles that will have you looking your best.
Here are a few duuude crew finds to nail the look:
Shirts
Pants
Jackets
Shoes
Need Style Help?
We all need style help once in a while, so we found a few brands that can make styling easier! Brands like Stately and Thread can help get you styled on any budget!