Fair warning: if you identify as male and you start searching for fashion advice or checking related videos/websites its a lot like searching for fitness advice. There's a lot of manosphere overlap and it kinda marks you in the algorithm as a target for redpill content creators. Some of them will even have solid fashion/fitness advice and kinda just sneak the ideology in there...so be wary.

Ashleyweston.com has some pretty solid minimalist/basic guides in her "essentials" section. If you're like me and you just want to dress better without worrying about being a trend setter: the best path is to sort of amass a wardrobe where everything you have more or less goes together and stick to the classic stapples that never go out of style. Navy sweaters, blue oxfords, khaki chinos, and blue jeans will always be good to wear.

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thigh highs, cat ears, choker and skirt

The best thing you can do is ignore all of the advice to get jeans and get chinos / brown colored jeans (uniqlo calls them brown colored jeans, but they aren't denim). People will legit think you're dressing up while wearing something that is exactly the same coverage and comfort as jeans.

edit: and also, fit matters more than most people think when it comes to looking "well dressed"

honestly, r/malefashionadvice/ suggestion threads helped me feel more confident and move on to what I liked

Building a Basic Wardrobe is helpful to get the basics

Item Suggestions at Each Price Point is great to see what's out there. I hadn't heard of 90% of these brands, so it was cool to see different stuff

First, let's start with a few resources:

• Fashionbeans

• Uniqlo (my "go-to" store for basics like T-shirts, socks, chinos, underwear, you can even find slevedge denim for a reasonable price

• Tim Dessaint, he taught me a lot about fashion and with the added bonus he's not a manosphere douche

• Anthony Deluca, another non-douche I like

Second, some general advice:

1. Fit is King. Quality is first heir. You can wear many things so long as it fits you well. When I needed to get my first suit, I went to Jos A. Bank like many a proletariat-that-had-a-wedding-coming-up. Despite being "cheap", it fits me really well so it looks like. We may like to dunk on :amerikkka:, but mass production has at least allowed some more formal garments to be more accessible to the working class.

2. Read color theory, :LIB:. This will help you know what colors go with what, and what colors go well with your skin tone + hair. I will mostly recommend neutral tones for colors here since they don't clash with anyone's skin type AND can easily be used together. If you want color in and outfit, I would stick to 3 different colors at max, but black and white don't count and can more freely be used.

3. I am assuming that you, or anyone reading this is working class. Therefore, I want to note that you don't need to have ALL of the items I am listing, but just generally some ideas on basics that work well. Also, I will warn you that with most fashion sites, you're going to hear the word "invest" a ton. While it is true that quality costs more, 9 times out of 10 they're trying to unironically tell you that it is a good idea to blow nintey bucks on a fucking T-shirt with a straight face, doubly so if the garment in question is of working class origin. I will limit the amount of luxury recommendation down to as little as possible.

4. Following with general advice no. 3. Do not write off any store. One of my favorite short-sleeve button up shirts comes from Old Navy of all places. You can also find a lot of gems thrifting for a fraction of the price AND it's much more EV friendly.

5. Fashion is more than clothes alone, it's about examining what works for you and what doesn't. While malls contribute a ton to the plague that is fast fashion, they at least offer a place where you can try some stuff on and experiment with what works well with you and what doesn't. Outside of that, also examine yourself? What do you like about yourself? What do you want to work on that you can change?

6. I should probably define what "basics" are. Basics are ubiquitous wardrobe garments that serve as a good foundation to a wardrobe, and the good news is that a large majority of these can look fine without being luxury! Even better, these could be all the clothes you could possibly need.

7. ALWAYS match belt with shoes if you're wearing dress shoes

List of masc fashion basics, from toe to head:

Footwear:

• Dress shoes: One black pair and one brown pair, both oxford cap-toe. If you can only afford one, I would go with black. I thrifted both of mine. If you're vegan and wish to avoid secondhand leather, Brave Gentleman and Good Guys are your best bet.

• Minimalist white sneakers: My favorite brand is Veja, they make good shoes AND they're vegan. I tried finding these while thrifting to no avail.

• Black canvas shoes: Converse or vans, take your pick.

• Boots: There are three styles I really like: Chelsea, desert, and Winter. Clark's is great for boots. However, practicality is important too. Vegan options include Straight to Hell

Socks/Underwear/undershirts

Your undershirts should be white v-necks and you can get these anywhere. Hanes has served me well.

As for underwear, the best I can think of are black boxer briefs or trunks. They get the job done and they are the "sexiest" underwear that is still practical. Uniqlo's got you covered.

Socks? Go crazy with colors but make you get some black ankle ones, the only color I would avoid is white. This is another job for Uniqlo.

Trousers

• Jeans: Most of you likely have this already, and they've been popularized by Levi's. Sadly, they have dropped in quality significantly and both of my most recent jeans have been from Uniqlo. The best jeans are selvedge, and this is caused by using traditional looms for the fabrics that create a clean "self edge" that looks like this. Most higher end jeans use this selvedge denim, but Uniqlo offers them for just 50 bucks a pop and they look just fine. Feel free to splurge on fancier denim like Naked & Famous if you feel like it and this is something you geek out about, but if you just want to dress better, Uniqlo is really all you need. I would recommend a mid rise, slim fit pair in both black and indigo/dark blue.

• Chinos: Sometimes referred to as "Khakis", GAP edges out here and they have sales on the regular. I'd get some in khaki, navy, and olive. However, I still like Uniqlo for this, I do want to give you some possible Uniqlo alternatives as it will dominate any "affordable basics" list. The quality to price ratio is that good.

• Shorts: Flat-front Chino shorts are the best IMO. Another Gap or Uniqlo one. My favorite colors are black, navy, and khaki.

• (Optional) wool trousers: I got some while thrifting and it's a good way to help me look nice so buy it if you wish. Best color for this is grey, but mine are a dark grey shade.

Tops

T-shirts: Uniqlo for sure, Gildan is a reliable alternative. However, Uniqlo offers Pima cotton T-shirts at a reasonable price. I'd pick up a white, grey, navy, and black t-shirt. If you're looking for more intricate designs, try breton shirts or henleys.

Sweatshirts: One grey one from H+M is all you need. GAP and Uniqlo are both good alternatives. Look for "French Terry ones" for best comfort and style.

hoodies: Same as sweatshirts above, but I woudn't have a grey hoodie. I would do one black one and one burgundy one for some color.

Polos: Another one for H+M. I love my black polo, but you can't go wrong with a good navy or grey one. Thanks to :frothingfash: I am reluctant to get a white one.

Oxford shirts: A more "casual" alternative to dress shirts, one white or one light blue, J. Crew is worth it on sale but of course, Uniqlo is reliable here. You might want to grab a pink one too.

Sweaters: Great for colder months, v-neck sweaters are perfect for layering above dress shirts, and crew-necks/turtlenecks are good, just make you wear an undershirt. My favorite colors are black, grey, and if you want something colorful, burgundy. Sweaters I have had the best luck with thrifting, but if you're not so lucky, J Crew is somewhat generous with their sales. Banana republic sweaters aren't half bad too. Wool is the best fabric and is super sustainable, but cotton is the go-to alternative for vegans. If you want some patterns, try cable knit or ribbed, just I would avoid argyle sweaters.

Casual shirts: Consider this a "just for fun" bonus entry, but denim shirts from Uniqlo or Levi's can give you a nice western look, and I love flannel. Buffalo red is a classic but feel free to play around. The beauty of flannel is that you can find it anywhere, and the one in my wardrobe is one I thrifted that came from American Eagle. Short-sleeve button ups are another "can find anywhere" garment that add a bit of fun to summer looks. Like I said, I found one I love from Old Navy.

Dress shirts: You can get these anywhere, but you want at least one white one. The second color I would get is light blue. However, if you feel like splurging, my two go-to places for dress shirts are two relatively affordable place that specialize in it. Charles Tyrwhitt and Hawes & Curtis, all because of their frequent sales. I assure you, the 45 dollar egyptian cotton dress shirt is a steal and has an amazing price to quality ratio.

Outerwear:

• Denim jackets: Excellent for spring and fall, GAP 1969 is my preference

• Bomber jackets: Olive green. My uniqlo one is my favorite

• Parka: Black or olive green. One from Uniqlo or Gap has got you covered

• Cardigans: I thrifted mine, but it's from H&M, I would get a grey cotton one in a shade of your choice and it's perfect for those warm but not too warm days.

Accessories:

• Sunglasses: Not only do they look cool, but they do a very necessary job of protecting your eyes. Make sure they are 100% UV because you want them to ACTUALLY protect your eyes. Otherwise your eyes will open up to dangerous UV light because they think they're protected. Grab some from wherever that resemble Ray-Ban wayfarers, but for the love of God, don't buy Ray-Bans. They cost 156 bucks, can easily be lost, and you're just paying for the brand.

• Wallets: Just keep using the one you have

• Umbrellas: A nice minimalist one from Totes is excellent, this Fashionbeans article will explain what to look for

• Ties: One plain black tie, after that, play around with colors. I kid you not I have thrifted ALL of my ties.

• Backbacks: A minimalist grey one is all you need

• Hats: Completely optional, but if that's your thing baseball caps and beanies are your best bet. Since this is a leftist site, it is almost imperative for any of you that live in cold areas to wear an Ushanka for your winter hat

• Gloves: You can get some black leather ones if you wish to be dressy, but if you're vegan, than I'd grab some minimalist black techy gloves.

• Belts: One black, one brown. If money's tight then a reversible faux leather one is your best bet.

EDIT: More in-depth.

cargo shorts and a triforce t gets me wet as fuck

1. Figure out if cool or warm colors look best on you. If you're paler it's generally cool colors while if you're darker it's usually warm colors. The other test is if silver/gold looks better on you. Silver is cool, gold is warm. This doesn't have to completely restrict your color choices, but it should guide them. Contrast is how opposite colors are on a color wheel. Generally you want to avoid a lot of contrast in an outfit (especially between your top an bottom halves) but high contrast accessories can be cool. Black, White, and Grey are achromatic colors. They're very safe and can be paired with just about anything, including themselves or other achromatic colors. Blue and khaki/brown also kind of fit into this group but they do vary by shade/wash and shouldn't be paired with themselves (the exception being pants/jackets). Generally go fun colors on top and achromatic on the bottom. Don't mix patterns. One pattern on flat is safe and more than enough for men's fashion. Stripes are also kinda hit or miss (stay clear of vertical stripes). Big, blocky patterns/stripes are generally worse than finer more detailed ones. This is subject to change over time though.

2. Find clothes that fit you. Certain brands have different fits and generally you want one that is conforming to your body but not tight. For nicer clothes it might be worth it to go to a tailor but that gets pricey. Generally the shape of clothes isn't that important, but it can be (i.e. tuck your shirt in if it's not cut to be untucked).

3. Layering and accessorizing significantly improve an outfit. The former is easy for men's fashion but the latter is tougher. Layers might include jackets, sweaters, vests, and flannels/shirts. They should match with the outfit and the fact that you're layering should be visible. Accessories include ties, watches, wallets, belts, jewelry, hats, scarves, gloves, bags, glasses, suspenders, pins, pocket squares, shoes (kind of) and more. The color of accessories should generally be close to each other (if they're made of the same material) but should contrasting or achromatic to the rest of the outfit. Ties kind of have their own rules though and can and should be played around with unless it's a formal event.

4. Go for a look. Subcultures and archetypes are dumb IMO but people like them. Are you punk? Classy? Preppy? Lumberjack? Yuppie on a hike? Construction worker? Gym teacher? Hipster? Sticking to a look makes picking the types of clothes you buy easier and actually expresses a little bit about you. You don't have to do this and in a better world we wouldn't but it makes it easier sometimes.

The other miscellaneous fashion tips I have are: interesting textures can add character to a look without adding color, dress for whatever you're going to, don't wear collars that are too big, don't wear square toed shoes, do your hair, and iron your dressier clothes.

No skinny fit anything under any circumstances, especially not skinny jeans No vans No converses Nothing high streety it looks tacky

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I haven't updated my wardrobe in a while, but I'll gladly help you improve yours. There is a thread I commented on not too long ago with some clothing preservation and sewing tips that you may find useful as well. If you're able, try a lot of things on. Include items that you'd normally not be drawn to in the selection of things to try. If you hate it, no one but you sees you wearing it and you can think about what aspects of the garment you dislike. If you're lukewarm, take some selfies and think on it or text a friend to get their opinion. Figure out not just what colors you like to wear, but what is flattering for you, or at least work on some good color coordination. Men are usually more hesitant to experiment with colors, so if this applies, try adding more pieces with color into your collection. (Sometimes laundry day will necessitate more innovative pairings.) Sometimes I'll consider the silhouette I'm after and build from there, but again feminine fashion seems to have more options. I've long since succumbed to the battle against cat hair, but simple things like a lint roller, storing clothing properly, and ironing can make an outfit look much more put together. If you have more money and time to really improve your best pieces, you pay to have them altered/fitted by a tailor. I hope this is helpful. If you've got more specific questions, I'll do my best to answer those.

Boots, knee socks, basketball shorts, t-shirt, hoody :large-adult-son:

No but seriously, learn basic color theory look at the wheel, see what works together and what clashes, keep a healthy stable of neutral colors to build on as well

Make sure you go for a proper fit too. Don't go for "athletic fit" if you don't have the athletic fit :thicc-trump:, not because it looks bad (it's usually not flattering) but because it can literally cause you discomfort and even pain if you're twisted into the wrong position by your clothes for too long. Try on different fits from different companies, don't trust size labels. I've noticed brands getting sloppier and sloppier in their measurements over the years.

A well-fitting button-down that can be worn tucked in or untucked makes most guys look good. Having multiple pairs of shoes to rotate through can make them last much longer. Having shoes specifically for exercising will ensure they wear in a manner consistent with the thing you do for exercise. A nice pair of black dress shoes goes well with black, blue, charcoal, or even khaki colored pants. If you're wearing suit and tie, try to have a little bit of contrast. Wear a charcoal shirt with a black tie, red tie on black, that sort of thing. A matching pocket square helps make you look nice for the inevitable friend weddings that will populate your twenties.

As far as I can tell, it's probably prudent to avoid all manner of weird hats in your twenties. As you get older you can start getting away with Kangols and stuff. It makes you look eccentric if you're dressed down and don't overdo it with the hat. When you're young people might think you're trying too hard. But depending on the rest of your wardrobe, you can try pulling it off. Ask for advice from your friends. Don't be afraid to get some tips.

Also don't feel obligated to dress up if you're just going out to target and throwing things into a basket and showing them to a robot before scrambling out like a mischevous goblin, having spoken to no man or woman living. I've seen how the zoomers dress these days. Pajama pants aren't a big deal. Pandemic made everyone stop giving a fuck I think. I don't know. I've never been super good at hip cool kid fashion :grillman:

Last but not least do read the care labels, it makes a difference. I usually just wash everything in cold water to be safe, it usually does the job. Get a sports detergent to soak your sweat-stained clothes in before washing them as well, they'll last longer and look and smell and feel a lot better.

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Polo shirt and jeans, flannel in the winter :grillman:

There’s a male fashion advice sub on :reddit-logo: that I think is alright with the same caveats posted here elsewhere

Hot climates (I'm assuming hot as in Thailand, not hot as in Sydney and definitely not what Europeans think of as hot.) are harder, but here's a tip.

Poplin dress shirts are cool and light.

Get a "Sports Coat" (it's not activewear, it's like a blazer, but generally lighter coloured and more lightly cut). Get it in linen or even better, summer weight worsted wool (trust me). Do not get one with artificial fibres, except in the lining. It will probably be lined if it's at an affordable price point. Make sure the shoulders fit well and don't sag, otherwise try a larger size if possible. Try natural and earth tones, and medium greys, they're hard to fuck up and summery

Take it, and any light chinos you have, to a tailor, get it cut to fit you, and get the lining removed and the seams sewn up. Tailoring is why most celebrities look good even wearing Kmart.

With shoes etc, just make sure the leather kind of matches. Invest in a nice pair of Chelsea dress boots. People will say not to wear black shoes with light brown clothes etc but no one cares.

For colder months, the classic car coat looks good on everyone and can replace a normal jacket.

Do not do jeans summerwieght jeans are so fucking easy to screw up and do you know how expensive a summerweight denim is?