The Ultimate Guide to Men's Fashion Basics

Imagine walking into a room and you noticed all eyes focused on you. Not just because of your charming smile, but because of the way you're dressed. That very moment, different thoughts will cross your mind, like "omg, why's everyone staring at me?". Certainly, you caught everyone's attention because your outfit exhibit confidence, sophistication, and style.

 For a long time, fashion has been wrongly perceived as women's specialty. Some men believe that fashion is frivolous, unnecessary, or even unmanly. As a result of this, these men do not care about their appearance. All they do is to have their bath and step out, without applying anything as little as shea butter on their skin, or even checking themselves out on mirror before stepping out😂. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

Fashion is for anyone who wants to look and feel their best. And trust me, gentlemen, dressing well can make all the difference. 

In this article, we'll explore the fundamentals of men's fashion, starting with the basics of dress codes. Whether you're a fashion newbie or just looking to refresh your style, this guide is for you. 

Understanding Dress Codes

 A dress code is a set of guidelines that determines what type of clothing is appropriate for a specific occasion or event. It's not just about following rules; it's about showing respect for the occasion, the host, and yourself. 

Here are the most common dress codes for men: 

1. Formal: Speaks professional and typically meant for special occasions, business events, or top-tier social gathering. Think a dark-colored suit with a white dress shirt, ties, polished black or brown leather dress shoes, and accessories(simple wrist watches, quality belt, depending on the color of dress shoes).

photo credit: WR via: pexels cc

2. Business Casual: A step down from formal, but still professional. Think dress pants, button-down shirts, ties(optional), jackets or sleeveless sweat vest, loafers, dress shoes or nice boots, and simple accessories(watches, belts, and minimal jewelries). 

 photo credit: Barbara Olsen via: pexels cc

3. Casual: Relax, guys! Think t-shirts, shorts, jeans, or pants and flip-flops. You can also do shirts, pants, face-cap, and sneakers. Just something comfortable and simple.

 photo credit: Youssef Fatihi via: pexels cc

 I know some of you especially my Nigerian men might be wondering why traditional wears isn't on the list. Relax, I got you! Traditional wears are important part of cultural heritage, and certainly a dress code option. However, it's worth noting that these traditional wears vary from one country or region to another, even within the same continent. For instance, traditional wears worn in Nigeria are different from those worn Ghana. 

Moreso, this diversity makes traditional wears unique and special, unlike formal or casual dress codes, which have become universal. Popular traditional men's wear in Nigeria include Agbada, Babban Riga, Kaftan, Isiagu. In Ghana, Batakari is a common traditional wear for men. Moving to other countries outside Africa, we have Kimono and Dhoti worn by Japanese and Indians respectively. Chill guys! Men's traditional wears will be discussed in details in another article.

 Why Dressing Well Matters

Dressing well is not just about looking good, it's about feeling good, too. When you dress confidently, you're more likely to:

• Make a great first impression
• Feel more confident and self-assured
• Show respect for yourself and others
• Stand out in a crowd

 In conclusion, fashion is not just for women, it's for anyone who wants to look and feel their best. By understanding dress codes and dressing well, you'll be able to make a great impression, boost your confidence, and show respect for yourself and others. 

Stay tuned for more men's fashion basics, and let's upgrade your style to the next level!