10 Men’s Styling Tips To Live By
From timeless loafers and classic tailoring to the power of the perfect white tee and those no-logo non-negotiables, The Handbook’s Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor, Astrid Carter, shares her tips for better dressing and the pieces she rates for building forever stylish looks. These are the style rules for men to live by…
1. A classic car coat
While a trench coat is a transitional staple for both men and women, there is something undeniably cleaner and cooler about a great car coat. Whether you opt for black, navy, or classic beige, its streamlined silhouette serves every look, from sharp tailoring to your off-duty denim.
2. Accessories with personality
The devil is in the details when it comes to taking a look from good to great. A sporty cap juxtaposed with sharp tailoring, a neckerchief to upgrade a navy knit or white tee, or the simple pop of a red sock – sometimes, it’s all you need.
3. The perfect white T-shirt
There is something to be said for what I like to call ‘the James Dean effect’: a good white tee is worth its weight in gold. Percival does great iterations with perfect necklines, sleeve lengths, and hems, but on the high street, COS performs (and washes) just as well. Remember: a £20 tee that fits perfectly trumps a £200 one that doesn’t.
4. The manbag
If you thought men’s bags stopped at a Rains rucksack, think again. There is something to be said for finishing off a look with an oversized clutch tucked beneath the arm or a buttery-soft suede or leather top-handle tote. Don’t be afraid to step out of the menswear comfort zone – channel Jacob Elordi, and you’re on the right track.
5. Classic straight-leg jeans
There’s a time and a place for baggy jeans, but a straight-leg, mid- or indigo wash will forever be classic. Skinny jeans? You can absolutely forget about them.
6. A good smart shoe
Shoes make or break a look. Invest in a good pair of loafers, and you’ll reap dividends. They don’t just work with tailoring, either; pairing a penny or tasselled loafer with jeans and a colour-pop sock is always 10/10.
7. Tailored trousers at the weekend
An impeccably cut pair of tailored trousers is a must in any chic man’s wardrobe, especially in a softer chocolate brown hue. Paired with a tee or cashmere knit, a good loafer, and well-chosen accessories keep things elevated – even when you’re going low-key.
8. Well-chosen jewellery
Be it a signet ring, a classic chain, or a fine bracelet, don’t be afraid to pepper your looks with jewels that mean something to you. We’re not talking rope-effect ‘gap-year’ bracelets here. Think chunky, vintage-inspired metals that show this guy’s got some rizz. Invest, and you’ll wear them every day.
9. Absolutely no logos
Not so much a piece to invest in, but a mantra to live by: there is no room for overly logoed looks in a stylish man’s wardrobe. Keep it low-key.
10. Classic black sunnies
You can dip your toe in all the sunglasses trends the seasons have to offer, but a classic pair of black sunnies – you can’t go wrong with the OG Ray-Ban Wayfarers – will work with everything from a suit to denim and leisurewear.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
