Fuss-Free Fashion Guide for Men

Want some quick and easy fashion tips for the everyday bloke? Personal Stylist Jeff Lack shares his essential fuss-free style guide for the modern man.

Don't have the time or energy to spend on fashion? Good news, you don't have to! Abide by a few basic mantras, and you'll still manage to look stylish and at your best.

1. Fellas can love Fashion

“Many men may be put off by the polished, metrosexual look or the hipster hairy vibe - however manicured!” notes Personal Stylist and Grooming Expert, Jeff Lack. So what is the middle ground for the dapper dad, non-conservative corporate or throw-together tradie? “Don’t follow a look or trend because it’s popular,” Jeff urges. “Wear your personality literally on your sleeve. If you look good you will feel great, style over fashion always.”

2. Create a Strong Silhouette

Having a masculine edge doesn’t mean being muscle bound. Take a cue from the ladies and choose cleverly cut clothing to accentuate your best silhouette yet. “The silhouette for the modern urban man is still a slim fitted line. Tailoring is key, even deconstructed looks for a more casual approach.”

3. Duds to Ditch

Tatty sneakers, worn out shiny suits and beat up shoes (that are not supposed to look beat up) all have to hit the bin, according to Jeff. “I find a lot of this stems from buying poor quality, ‘cheap and nasty’ pieces that just don’t last. Buy quality, buy once and buy right.”

4. Man Dressing Myths and Truths

• Socks are obsolete – for every season
  True: “I personally gave up on socks back in 2009 but wear them for smart shoes and particularly boots in winter,” says Jeff.
• Trainers are not acceptable in the office
  True: At best, bring in a smart trainer for casual Friday if you’re in an industry where this is acceptable but keep your trainers for training and weekends casual romps.
• Man buns are the new buzz cut
  False: “Man buns are not for everyone and certainly don’t have the wide appeal and acceptance such as the buzz cut trend,” Jeff explains.
• Skinny jeans should be left to the skinny men
  True: “Say no to bulging sausage legs!” Jeff quips.
• Pink is for girls
  False. On men, pink is a colour that tends to brighten up your skin tone and even give you a post holiday glow, notes Jeff, who suggests pairing it with navy or grey.
• "She doesn’t care how threadbare my undies are!”
  False: Get fresh socks and jocks in the sales once a year and retire the threadbare ones, Jeff (strongly!) suggests.
• Football scarves are acceptable outside the oval
  False: “They are specific to the sport they were built for,” cautions Jeff.
• Men shouldn’t care so much about fashion
  True: “Choose style over fashion everyday,” suggests Jeff. “If it’s the industry you work in or it’s a passion go for it, but style personal style is way more important.”

5. Top 3 Style Investments

• Look after your skin; it’s your largest organ
• Get a bespoke suit at least once in your life
• Good shoes are good for your feet, knees, hips and back and are the first part of your ensemble that is noticed. “You are judged from there up,” says Jeff.

6. Stylish Slimmers

• Pants and jeans: Choose a cut that tapers from the knee to the ankle to have a slim finish in the hems
• T-Shirt/jersey fabrics: Don’t wear them if you’re not in good shape! Jeff cautions
• Prints/stripes: These cover all kinds of lumps and bumps particularly darker toned prints that are smaller and repetitive, says Jeff
• Colours: Navy is not as harsh on the skin as black so it is  good for any age
• Jacket cut: “Create a waistline even if you are built like a fridge,” says Jeff. “Be cautious of the length of your jacket as too long or too short can make you appear bigger." Try running the jacket body length to your knuckles when you relax your arms by your side, he suggests. “Also, be sure to show at least 1cm of shirt cuff underneath your jacket sleeves. If your sleeves are too long you can look short and fat.”

7. Style by Numbers: Jeff's most stylish picks through the generations

20-something: Harry Styles

30-something: Ryan Gosling

40-something: Tom Ford

50-something: George Clooney

60-something: Sir Roger Moore