13 Style Commandments for Effortless Personal Style
(by a Style Expert)
Most men try to improve their style by watching videos about "Style Rules," only to get overwhelmed and frustrated about their ineptitude. What they don't realize is that these outdated rules are the exact reason why their style feels inauthentic and, most of all, why their outfits (even when 1:1 copied of others) feel like they're missing something.
As I'm on a mission to make men's style more accessible and less intimidating, here's what I've got to say about that. Modern men need modern-style commandments, not dusty, old, and boring style rules—the Curated Outfit's 13 style commandments for Effortless Personal Style in 3, 2, 1.
No. 1 – Invest in fewer but better clothes
Pieces you will wear on repeat do best when designed to stand the test of time. Yes, that goes for a beautiful cashmere sweater and men's wool overcoat. But it starts with your undergarments and socks. Pay twice as much and buy half as many; a few high-quality pieces that fit you perfectly can make up for an entire wardrobe.
No. 2 – Wear your nice things
How fast has time passed since you bought that great sweater 7 years ago? And how often did you not wear it because you were waiting for the "right" occasion? Exactly. The perfect moment doesn't exist. Wear your best clothes. You deserve it (and they do, too).
No. 3 – Dress for yourself, never for approval
So often, we get caught up in questions like "What's appropriate?" or "What would they think?" But that should be the least of your concerns. You are the one who needs to wear your clothes, so at least choose to wear them for yourself. Many driven leaders I work(ed) with recognized they were dressing for the expectations of others, which put their own needs in the background. A.K.A. the main reasons they lost touch with their own taste.
No. 4 – Knowing what's "in" ≠ great style
If you still think buying into the latest trends is a shortcut to dressing and feeling great, here's a little tip. When you mindlessly buy into what you believe is in because it's increasingly popular, you'll never fully feel like yourself. The same goes for 1:1 copying the outfits of others. There goes the authenticity.
No. 5 – Clothes should fit you, not vice versa
Don't focus on the number on the label. Focus on how your clothing feels, fits, and looks. Why should we unquestioningly accept that we can have three different shoe sizes but not when it comes to clothing? Exactly. And don't forget: off-the-rack clothing is made for the majority of people. And since you're unique, working together with a skilled tailor is a smart move to achieve your perfect fit.
No. 6 – Buy loves, not likes
Ask yourself:
- Would I buy it if it wasn't designer?
- Would I buy it if it was 3 times the price?
- Does this represent the man I want to be in my next chapter?
- Does this item contribute to how I want to feel as a leader?"
Trust me. Anything you don't immediately love will just become closet clutter as you'll just choose something else to wear. So, if you have to talk yourself into it, simply don't do it. These clothes currently cause you to feel overwhelmed when opening your wardrobe: you feel like there's so much there, while in reality, you only wear 20% of what you own.
No. 7 – Slow and steady wins the race
Shortcuts to a good sense of personal style don't exist. Developing your eye takes time. As does building a wardrobe that genuinely feels as if it's entirely made for you. Once you accept that, the process might even become enjoyable.
No. 8 – Dressing your age is a myth
I've catered an entire podcast episode to this topic as I firmly believe that these socially imposed norms are singlehandedly contributing to the intimidating energy around men's style. Here's why. Your age never tells the whole story of what your life is all about. What you value, creativity, personality, and interests are all fundamental style cornerstones. So how about we focus on dressing for your life instead of your age?
No. 9 – Have high standards and wear them
Great personal style means no more settling for less. Or buying something for a future 'shape' of you and regretting the sunk cost of an item. This is all mental baggage and physical storage. And we don't want that. We want a simplified, effortless style and a wardrobe you can rely on for years to come.
No. 10 – Care for your health, look 10 times better
Yes, moving your body and maintaining a healthy physical shape will help you look better in what you wear. But that's not all. Working on your posture, standing up straight, and sitting correctly are often overlooked. For your neck and back's sake (and the drape of your clothes), chest proud, shoulders back, chin up.
No. 11 – Style should accessorize you, not be you
Don't feel like you have to make style the be-all, end-all of the image you project. It should be enjoyable and enhance your image. Not feel like a burden or a game where you can't seem to reach the next level.
No. 13 – Consuming ≠ learning
Watching every men's fashion TikTok, menswear YouTube & men's style Instagram reel out there because learning is "free?" Sure, it is. But only if your time is worthless. Change happens, and results come when you take what resonates, leave what doesn't, implement, and take action.
"Beware of the assumption that the way you work is the best way simply because it's the way you've done it before."
— Rick Rubin (The Creative Act)
Work with a Virtual Personal Stylist for Entrepreneurs in Europe
Are you ready to level up your style as you've leveled up your business? The Curated Outfit specializes in virtual personal styling for entrepreneurs in Europe. Most of my male styling clients are based in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and France.
The Curated Outfit always tailors a virtual styling experience to your specific needs; I'll simply meet you where you're at. This helps us reach your style goals without a generic, one-size-fits-all "solution." To learn more, plan a free consultation.