New year, new look, new you!
If you’re guilty of being a little lazy or safe with how you dress up last year (and the year before that and the year before that), then do yourself a favor: start dressing like a true gentleman this 2020.
From purging your closet full of torn, outdated streetwear clothing to paying extra attention to your hygiene and grooming, here are 7 style resolutions every man should swear by this year.
New year is probably the perfect time to declutter. When examining your closet, check for wear and tear, holes, stains and discolorations, and other unmanageable clothing damages. Don’t hesitate to say “thank you” and “goodbye” to these pieces, whom you’ve probably worn over and over for years - including your nasty old socks and underwear.
It’s also the perfect time to let go of everything outdated and everything that’s too tight nor too loose for your current weight. You won't be needing these pieces this new year.
Next to decluttering, you may also want to refresh your closet with new, fresh pieces you know you can wear all year round. Don’t make the same mistake of buying flashy t-shirts that won’t work for all the jeans you own - stock on a few basic items that are versatile, high-quality, and appropriate for all occasions.
These include solid-colored tees, gray sweatshirts, blue oxford shirts, dark jeans, light-colored chinos, and other essential wardrobe items.
Repeat after me: “I solemnly swear to find the right fit and ditch slouchy jeans, overly tight skinny jeans, oversized shirts, and everything that will make me look like I borrowed my clothes from someone with a poor taste in fashion.”
For once and for all, wear something flattering for your body type. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a lean and toned body - skinny or plus-size, you can look ravishing with the right, well-fit clothes.
If you’re one of those who’s been sticking to one style for years, this new decade might be the perfect excuse to try something new.
Do you wear nothing but black, white, and neutrals? You might want to start adding a few pieces with a variety of colors, patterns, and textures. Do you own a lot of crew neck shirts and dark jeans? You may want to try tops with collars and light-colored chinos. Try adding layers too, like blazers and scarfs, and see how it goes.
You can also find inspiration in the fashion trends for 2020 according to top modern-day designers. If you're into urban street fashion, browse online to see what's trendy in the world of men's streetwear clothing.
Just because saving money is part of your new year’s resolution doesn’t mean buying a bargain, low-quality pieces are the wisest thing to do. You can go cheap on tees and shirts, but not on shoes, pants, and other pieces you know you’ll wear for years to come.
First things first: shoes. Invest in a good pair or two, which are durable and versatile. Try to find something that will work for most of your clothes - something you can take from the office to your boys' night out party. The same goes for your coats, blazers, and trousers.
Don’t listen to your drinking buddies, saying that skincare is lame. Your masculinity doesn’t give you immunity from sallow complexion, flaking lips, skin diseases, and even skin cancer. Go ahead - wash your face, apply moisturizer and sunscreen, and use chapstick for your chapped lips. And use that umbrella.
Next to paying attention to skincare, promise yourself to spend more time on personal hygiene.
Brush and floss properly. Shave. Trim your beard. Swear to visit your barber often for regular haircuts. Try your best to look good and smell good. Maybe you’re not ugly - you’re just gross
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a savvy writer for Northern Menswear, an online streetwear fashion website for men, delivering clothing and footwear products from top UK brands such as Unforgivable, Jameson Carter, Loyalti, Rose London, and Avora London. She loves sharing tips about fashion and lifestyle for trendy gents.