How to Put Together an Outfit (for Guys)

Co-authored by Ashley Kahn

Last Updated: February 17, 2022 References

With so many styles and possibilities to choose from, you may find yourself struggling to put together an outfit that’s appropriate, good-looking, and uniquely you. Fortunately, there are some strategies and stylistic philosophies you can follow to help cut through the confusion and come up with a great looking outfit. Take a look through your closet, and don’t be afraid to take some chances!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Dressing for Formal and Professional Settings

1
Stick with solid, neutral colors to look more refined and mature. Neutral colors don’t overpower, are able to be mixed and matched, and don’t call unnecessary attention to yourself.^{[1]
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Ashley Kahn
Wardrobe Stylist
Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.} If you’re looking to put together an outfit that makes you look more mature and sophisticated, neutral colors are the way to go.^{[2]
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- Examples of neutral colors include white, black, navy, olive, grey, khaki, and brown.
2
Choose a matching dark suit and tie for business events. Business attire is meant to be serious and professional, so go with a matching suit and a conservative, neutral-colored tie. Go with a dark-colored suit, unless the business meeting or event is a little more casual such as a daytime luncheon, where you can get away with a light gray or even a dark brown suit.^{[3]
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- If the event requires simply “suit and tie” as the attire, you can go with lighter colors for your suit such as gray, beige, and light blue.
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3
Go with slacks, a button-down shirt, and a tie for less formal events. A light-colored button-down with a tie is suitable for a less formal event such as a daytime wedding or a social, but professional lunch. Adding a tie makes your outfit even more professional and formal, but not as formal as a full suit with a jacket.^{[4]
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- If it’s appropriate, a brightly colored or patterned tie can add a little pop to your look.
4
Pair a button-down and chinos for the office. A classic button-down shirt is the right choice for both events such as parties as well as professional settings such as a business lunch or meeting. A well-fitting pair of chinos, paired with a slick button-down will make your outfit look professional and mature.^{[5]
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- If you aren’t wearing a tie, don’t button your shirt all of the way up. Leave the last 2 or 3 buttons open.
- You could mix it up a bit and go with a button-down with a pattern or design on it.
- You could also go with a collared polo shirt with chinos for a more business casual context such as an after-work get together.
5
Throw on a cardigan or blazer to add an extra layer of class. Adding a solid blazer over a well-fitting collared shirt or button-down instantly makes your outfit look more stylish and professional.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Ashley Kahn
Wardrobe Stylist
Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.} A nice cardigan will make you look laidback but distinguished. Complete your look by adding a final layer, especially if it’s a more formal occasion, or the weather may be cold.^{[7]
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- Blazers can be a solid, neutral color or feature pinstripes for an additional accent.
- Go with a neutral-colored cardigan such as brown, beige, or grey.
- Make sure the blazer or cardigan fits you well.
- A nice blazer, a button-down shirt, and a pair of well-fitting slacks is a super chic business casual look. Add a tie and you’ve pretty much got a suit!
6
Wear a tuxedo for black-tie formal events. If you’re attending a formal event such as a formal wedding, dinner party, or an awards ceremony and it calls for “black-tie” attire, that means a well-fitting suit with a matching jacket and black tie. If you don’t own your own tuxedo, visit a rental shop and get fitted for one you can use for the event.^{[8]
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- It can take a few weeks for your tuxedo or formal suit rental to be ready, so make sure you plan in advance!

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Crafting a Casual Outfit

1
Wear jeans and a T-shirt for an easy, everyday outfit. Casual events such as hanging out with friends, going to the movies, or just spending time in a coffee shop or restaurant are meant to be comfortable and laid back, so choosing a comfortable T-shirt is appropriate. Throwing on a pair of jeans is an easy way to match any patterns or colors on your shirt.^{[9]
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- Choose a shirt that matches your personality and style. For instance, you could go with a shirt from your favorite band, or one that features a cool design that you feel expresses you.
2
Choose colored chinos with a T-shirt to stand out. Swap the jeans for pastel or dark-colored chinos to go with your T-shirt and add color to your look. Go with subdued colors like gray, khaki, or burgundy. Or, you could really stand out by going with lime green or fire-engine red.^{[10]
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3
Opt for shorts if it’s appropriate for the weather and event. Shorts are more suited for casual events, and shouldn’t be worn at weddings or fancy dinner parties. They’re comfortable and naturally add a laid back vibe to your outfit. If it isn’t too cold, and if the occasion is relaxed, shorts are always a fun option.^{[11]
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- Make sure the shorts fit you well and don’t sag down on your waist or appear baggy.
4
Go with clothes with graphics and logos for a more youthful look. If you’re trying to put together an outfit that makes you look more energetic and youthful, pull out a graphic tee with an interesting design or some clothing that has writing or logos on it. Adding graphics and designs to your outfit will make your outfit look more laidback and possibly even a little rebellious, which can be a nice addition to your look.^{[12]
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- Avoid shirts with silly or irreverent text such as “I’m With Stupid” or profanities, which will instantly make you seem rude and unprofessional.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Enhancing Your Outfit

1
Choose clothes that fit well to create a cohesive outfit. One of the simplest ways you can put together a good looking outfit is to simply choose clothes that fit you well. Baggy, oversized clothes or clothes that are too tight will make you look sloppy and unprofessional.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Ashley Kahn
Wardrobe Stylist
Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.} When you’re considering your clothing options for your outfit, opt for items that fit you well.^{[14]
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- Take your clothes to a tailor after you buy them or if you change sizes so they can be altered to fit you perfectly.
2
Wear shoes that suit the occasion. Shoes may seem like an easy decision, but choosing the wrong pair can throw off your whole look. Go with a pair that is both appropriate for the occasion as well as your outfit. That means they need to be formal for formal events, like a pair of Oxfords or penny loafers, and laid back for laid back events, such as sneakers or boaters. But, they also need to match the colors of your outfit. Brown is often a safe choice, but if you’ve got a dark jacket or a dark belt, you may want to go with darker shoes as well.^{[15]
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- Make sure your shoes are clean and in good shape as well.
3
Select socks that match your pants or contrasting colors to stand out. The easy option is to simply choose a pair of socks that match the color of your pants so they don’t stand out too much. However, you can utilize your socks to add an interesting bit of flair to your look. Brightly colored socks or socks with an interesting pattern or design can add a level of uniqueness or even levity to your look.^{[16]
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- Consider the event for your socks as well. For instance, you wouldn’t want to wear your funny patterned sports-themed socks for a wedding.
- If it’s appropriate, socks can be used to make a funny or interesting statement. Your office’s holiday party may be a great time to break out your reindeer-themed socks, for example.
4
Add a matching belt or suspenders to enhance your outfit. If you’ve got dark shoes and dark clothes, go with a really dark brown or a black belt to tie your outfit together. If you’re wearing light-colored shoes and clothes, choose a light brown belt. You could also opt for suspenders, but choose a pair that are solid, neutral colors and won’t draw too much attention.^{[17]
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- Make sure the belt fits you well.
- Avoid wearing a belt and suspenders at the same time.
5
Wear jewelry to accent and elevate your outfit. Choose a few items of jewelry such as a watch, cufflinks, and rings to add another dimension to your look that catches people’s eyes, but doesn’t overwhelm them. Avoid putting on more than 3 items so you don’t look like you’re trying too hard.^{[18]
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- If you’re attending a formal event such as a wedding or a dinner party, cufflinks can add a subtle bit of flair to your outfit.
- A gold or silver watch is an easy way to add a functional accessory that also enhances your entire look.

Warnings

You can wear a belt or you can wear suspenders, but don't wear both at the same time or you’ll overwhelm people with your accessories.

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