Why Men Struggle With Style (And What to Do About It)
Why Men Struggle With Style (And What to Do About It)
By Brandi Hearn, Men’s Personal Stylist
Let’s be honest: even the most capable, put-together man can get stuck when it comes to style.
Does this fit me right?
Do these colors work?
Is this appropriate for where I’m going?
These questions are more common than you think—and they can be surprisingly stressful, especially when time is short. The result? You throw something on, hope for the best, and spend the day slightly off your game.
But style doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With a few simple strategies, you can build real confidence in how you dress—so you always feel sharp, comfortable, and prepared, no matter what’s on your calendar.
Here’s where to start:
1. Dress for Your Body Type
This is foundational. You can’t build great style without understanding how to dress your body.
Whether you're broad, lean, or somewhere in between, the goal is to highlight your strengths and soften areas of concern.
If you carry weight around your midsection, I recommend pique cotton tops. They have a subtle texture that works like an airbrush—minimizing focus on the tummy and smoothing the silhouette.
If you're on the slimmer side, go for finer cotton blends that skim the body without adding volume. A well-cut fabric in the right weight will always do more for you than anything trend-driven.
Bottom line: When fit and fabric work with your frame, everything else falls into place.
2. Choose Colors That Complement Your Skin Tone
Color is more than a personal preference—it can actually enhance your appearance or detract from it.
Here’s a quick guide:
Fair Skin: Avoid reds and pinks, which can amplify rosiness in your face. Instead, stick to cool neutrals—navy, white, charcoal, and black will consistently sharpen your look.
Olive Skin: Earth tones are your allies. Think camel, forest green, taupe, and stone grey. These colors bring out the warmth in your skin without overwhelming it.
Darker Skin: Contrast is key. Lighter shades like cream, dusty rose, soft blue, and olive pop beautifully. Avoid tones that closely match your skin, as they can make your overall look feel flat.
Color tip: Just because a color can work doesn’t mean you need to overdo it. Use bolder shades intentionally and keep the outfit balanced.
3. Dress for the Occasion—With Intention
Nothing undermines your confidence faster than feeling over- or underdressed. The solution? Read the room—literally.
Start by checking the dress code or getting a sense of the setting. Then, make subtle upgrades or downgrades to your outfit using two simple pieces: your jacket and shoes.
Want to elevate your look? Add a blazer or sport coat. Instant polish.
Going more casual? A denim jacket or overshirt keeps things relaxed but intentional.
As a general rule:
Evening = more polished
Daytime = more relaxed
But always adapt. A casual afternoon can still call for elevated touches. A formal venue may have a more creative vibe. The key is dressing with clarity—so you never feel out of step.
Final Word
Style confidence isn’t about being flashy—it’s about being prepared. When you know your body, understand your colors, and dress for the occasion, getting dressed becomes less about guesswork—and more about showing up as the best version of yourself.
And if you’re ready to take the guesswork out of your wardrobe? I’m here to help.
Brandi is a personal stylist with over a decade of experience helping men show up with confidence and ease. She offers tailored style solutions that take the guesswork out of getting dressed—so you look sharp and feel great, no matter the occasion.