“Where do I even start?” It’s a question that’s often asked by guys who have decided to put a little more effort (or any effort) into their appearance. And it’s a great question. Dappered was created, in part, to catalog and learn from the slip-ups made along the way. It’s not easy. And if you’re not at least a little mindful, you can end up wasting a ton of time and money.
As always, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. These aren’t rules. There are always exceptions, and these are more guidelines really. Also, keep in mind that one can go too far in this whole pursuit of “style” thing. It’s easy to overthink and obsess. Keep in mind that style is a means to an end, not the end, and you’ll be looking (and more importantly feeling) better than ever in no time. So by request, here’s what’s hopefully the most useful batch of posts on this site.
Most likely, your money is hard earned, so dropping a big amount on an addition to your wardrobe can be intimidating. That doesn’t always have to be the case though. Here’s our guide to choosing which pieces are worth spending more cash on, and which are not.
An all encompassing guide to buying your first suit. The mistakes to avoid, where to save money when you can, and the importance of the tailoring which needs to get done after. Plus fit tricks, the risks of online vs in-person shopping, and more.
If you’re just getting into “suiting up“, but have no idea which styles to add to your wardrobe first, let this be your guide. A suit can be a big investment, so figuring out what suit is the best investment first, and then moving on down the line, can help you avoid making purchases you regret later.
Pick one pair of shoes from these 5 styles and your footwear needs will be covered for the majority of life’s adventures. These are the essential shoes that every stylish guy needs to manage weddings, job interviews, work, travel, dates, and the like.
What you need to protect, clean, condition, store, and repair. A 101 for essential shoe care.
Because sometimes you want to look better than you have to, without going overboard. 12 tips for looking a little more put together without looking overdressed.
Reference this handy infographic when you’re not exactly sure what areas you should ask a tailor to fit to your measurements. These four basics will ensure you look like you are wearing your clothes, and your clothes aren’t wearing you.
Over the lifetime of publishing Dappered posts, our editor has learned A LOT. This site came into being because he wanted the clothes he put on his body to match the mentality he was creating about presenting himself well to the world. The style featured on Dappered may not completely resonate with you, but you’ll likely relate to at least a few of these ten observations.
Things to keep in mind for the style newbie, for the guys who have been at it for a while, and for the self appointed style “experts” out there. Even if you’re just starting out, read ahead, and maybe tuck that info away for later use.
Didn’t know there are differences? This handy infographic explains it all. Then head here for the Top 5 Blazers/Sportcoats a guy should own, with suggestions.
A guy in a well tailored sportcoat or blazer looks unfairly good. These jackets (along with suit jackets) are engineered to make us look stronger, leaner, and more confident. But all of those advantages can be nullified by wearing a jacket that’s either too casual or too dressed up for the occasion. Check out this list to be sure you’re not using the wrong coat at the wrong time.
As is often the case, it’s not what you know, but who you know. It’s important for every well dressed guy to have, well, his “guys” (or “gals”) who are his go-tos for looking good, kicking back, and staying healthy. Surround yourself with these important pros, whom you trust and like, and you’ll be well ahead of the rest.
Whether working from home on a video call, or your office has gone more casual. Here’s how.
Not sure what makes one dress shoe look a little sleeker, and/or a bit more dressy, than another? Have you heard the terms “Oxford”, “Blucher”, “Derby” and “Balmoral” thrown around, yet don’t know what the heck those terms mean? Once again, we have an inspired infographic to help explain the nuances that set each shoe apart.
Dress shirts aren’t made just to be worn with a suit. You can pair them with denim and a casual blazer in the right situation. Look to The Top 10 Dress Shirts to Own for guidance.
Which parts to iron first, the “undo” button on most irons, and more tips and tricks.
Because dressing up is getting rarer and rarer. And sometimes we plain don’t want to. Here’s 20 reasons to give it a go all the same.
We all make them. A few stray hairs here, some dry skin there, or just too much cologne. This post is a good reminder of grooming habits to keep in check. And don’t worry, you’ll get the above picture when you read the post. Or maybe you just did.
Ties are an endangered species in our increasingly casual culture, but when you need one… you need one. 10 times a tie is called for.
In our “What To Look For” series, we lay out the attributes that make an affordable garment or accessory worthy of your hard earned cash. Here’s what to look for:
Looking for curated outfits already put together? Then check out our Style Scenario series. From weekend casual to traditional wedding, or just a cocktail on a patio, it’s good to see a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and personality.
A series of style scenarios showing how easy it is to dress up, dress down, and dress inbetween with a medium gray suit.
When it comes to looking good in your clothes, fit is key. A well fitting, $250 suit will look 10x better than an ill fitting $1500 suit. But some garments, or areas on an item, are more important than others. Look to The Fit Priority Rankings for guidance on what pieces of clothing look best tailored, and which garments you can get away with not tailoring.
Good fabrics. Good fits. From $300 – $500. Bang-for-the-buck brands for suiting up on a budget.
Plus eight outfits. Getting there, being there, and getting home. All in style.
Because fixing the things you already own and love is always the more affordable way. What’s worth it, when to do it, and what to expect when you’re getting your welted shoes fixed, recrafted, etc.
Some have unshakable confidence. A lot of us don’t. And that’s okay.
What’s the point of dressing well if you’re neglecting your physical and mental health? Your clothes will fit better, you’ll be physically healthier, and far and away more importantly… you’ll feel better, think faster, and generally have a better outlook on life. So let’s get a sweat on, right at home. Because there’s no excuse if “the gym” is right… freaking… there.
Some of us sweat more than others. And even if you don’t sweat much, dressing well can sometimes be a warmer-than-average proposition. But it doesn’t have to be that way! You just need to know a few tricks. Here’s ten strategies for reducing your perspiration levels while looking your best.
Who doesn’t like saving a buck or two? That’s one of the main reasons why this site exists. But every so often there comes along a product that delivers well above and beyond its asking price (whether that’s thanks to sales and promos, or, *gasp* even at full price). Here’s our favorites that land in that category. The best of the best when it comes to the cost to value ratio from the world of men’s style.
Shoulders! Handshakes! Hugs (sorta). Because the fit, is it. Tricks that aren’t tricky. Pull up a wall. Let’s lean in.
It’s easy (once you get the hang of it) to create a polished look on the outside by putting on some stylish, well fitting duds. But what about self care that has nothing to do with clothes? Ever heard the saying “putting lipstick on a pig?” Right. You can be dressed to the nines in the best of the best, but that can easily be all for naught if you’re simply papering over the underlying cracks. Use these tips to work on those less superficial aspects of yourself.
You have the basics down. You know what to look for in a suit and what to have a tailor possibly do to it. You know you don’t have to dress like a slob in your downtime. You know the difference between a sportcoat and a suit jacket, and an oxford and a derby. But what about that last, little bit, that can help you stand apart from the rest of the well dressed fellas out there? Y’know, without overdoing it. Here’s a dozen things that could help you do just that.
The environment in which you do your work, if possible, should be as yours as much as the clothes you choose to wear. Both can go a long way to helping productivity and confidence.
Suits for those who love suiting up, and want to splurge on something other than navy and charcoal. Where to go after you’ve got the basics covered.
The glaring signals that you should really put your wallet back in your pocket. (Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash)
Dressing up doesn’t always mean dressing to the nines. Being subtle about it is often the way to go. And it’s also cheaper this way! Here are 10 ways to work a little style in on the sly, while also staying on budget.
In the online world of men’s style where guys post pictures of themselves, things can get “judgey” real quick. So take it with a grain of salt. That wrinkle you see in the shoulder of a suit jacket in a picture? In real life, when you’re actually moving around, it won’t be an issue. Just a friendly reminder to not take all of this too seriously. Enjoy the process of finding your own style, and leave the negativity to the trolls.
Why it still works, plus 4 outfits: Sharpest, Smart Casual, Casual/Creative, and a special nothing over $100 edition.
So you got a bunch of cool clothes and shoes. That’s awesome! But there are a few things worth acquiring that’ll help you keep those shoes and shirts and suits and all that in good shape. Good, easy maintenance & smart storage will do wonders for the life of your wardrobe.
Everyone carries a smartphone, so why bother wearing a wristwatch? Here’s why.
“The loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room.” And some of us know that first hand, from our past mistakes.
Double Time is for guys who like watches, but don’t necessarily want a big collection. What we’re going for here are two watches, at different affordable budgets, which as a team can fill just about any style need in every-day life. A casual watch and a dress watch. Those are basically the parameters.
The argument for good, and the argument against great. Great is overrated. Great gets all the publicity. And great is often (always?) espoused by… wannabes. People who love to talk the talk, and aren’t even close to walking the walk. Instead, go for consistent, daily “good”, and you’ll hit “great” arguably much more often than if you would’ve been chasing great all the time. Counter-intuitive yes, but chock full of so much pragmatism that you’ll drown in the efficacy.
Getting dressed can be surprisingly difficult. But even when you get good at it, it’s still just knowing what clothes look better on you than others. Use your sense of style for more than just aesthetics. It’s a tool. Go do something with it. The world is your oyster. Get to shuckin’ you handsome devil!
It’s arrogant, short sighted, and poisonous. I hope they keep it up.
New additions to Nike's sale section. Christopher Ward runs a buy 2 get 1 free…
A lesser known Swiss brand is getting a sneaky 15% off. Divers, dress chronos, etc.
Your style is already "cleaner than the board of health" ... but what about your…
Wool Ludlow and Crosby suits down to $349. Haven't seen that in years.
What to wear when the groom is gonna be sweating it out in a tux.…
$8.50 Cloud Soft Tees. Tech shorts for $20. Short sleeve "go-dry" henleys for ten bucks.