Tell me if this sounds familiar: you finish getting dressed and something just feels…off. Maybe the proportions are wrong. Maybe the shoes don’t match the vibe. Trust me — I’ve been there. You put an outfit together the night before, only to wake up and realize it doesn’t look as good as it did in your head.
The good news? These issues are usually fixable. Here are a few style tips that have helped me dress better — and can help you too.
Figure Out Your Measurements and Proportions
I didn’t realize how important this was until recently, but knowing your measurements makes shopping so much easier. It also helps you choose the right shoe size (especially when sizing down in boots or loafers).
Some of the most useful measurements to know are:
- waist
- chest
- shoulder width
- arm length
- Leg length
- inseam
- foot size
Remember: a size from one brand won’t always fit the same in another.
Understanding your body proportions helps too. For example, I have a long torso, so I prefer high-rise pants. They sit above my waist, which gives the illusion of longer legs. (If it helps, look up the “rule of thirds” on YouTube — it explains this visually.)
The Rule of Thirds
This ties directly into proportions. The “rule of thirds” is a simple way to make almost any outfit look more balanced.
If you divide your body vertically into three equal parts, you want your top to take up the first third and your bottoms to take up the remaining two. You can achieve this by:
- tucking in your shirt and wearing high-waisted pants, or
- wearing a slightly cropped shirt
Both methods visually lengthen your legs and create a cleaner silhouette.
Wear Accessories
Accessories are the finishing touch that brings an outfit together — watches, rings, sunglasses, necklaces, whatever suits your style.
I’m a watch guy myself, and since I live in Florida, sunglasses are practically essential. If you’re looking for watch brands, I recommend Casio, Orient, Seiko, Swatch, and Timex for beginners. These brands have been making watches for years and the quality is worth the price.
For sunglasses, check out Akila and Ray-Ban, and if you want to splurge, Moscot and Oliver Peoples.
Choose The Right Shoes
Since college, I’ve been obsessed with loafers — I actually bought two new pairs recently. Sometimes your sneakers just won’t do, and your outfit will look better with loafers or boots.
Loafers and boots have been trending lately, and they work surprisingly well with casual outfits. That said, I’m not telling you to throw away your sneakers. Some outfits absolutely look better with a clean pair of sneakers.
The key is to experiment and see what complements the look you’re going for.
Don’t Always Follow Trends
Not all trends are bad, but be intentional about which ones you buy into. If a trending item doesn’t fit your existing wardrobe, you probably won’t wear it once it goes out of style.
In my opinion, trends should be a source of inspiration — something to experiment with, not something to depend on. Explore them only if they add something meaningful to your personal style.
Just remember: what looks good on someone else won’t always look good on you. Make it your own.