Men’s fashion casual isn’t really something at the top of our minds when we slip something on. I know we have more important things to deal with and more fun activities to occupy our time than looking at men’s fashion blogs or magazines. Still, it’s nice to look good, but how exactly do you achieve this if you’re not a fan of trendy menswear? Clothes, when chosen carefully, can highlight what is quintessentially masculine about us. Here are the essential men’s fashion casual pieces to keep in your closet.
Men’s Fashion Casual | Be Versatile, Bold, and Manly with These Pieces
1. Knitwear
When we talk about knitwear, most people think about sweaters. The problem with sweaters is they’re tricky. They can easily go from cool to dad in 30 seconds, and from dad to grandpa in even less time.
When getting a sweater or any kind of knitwear, make sure you avoid any Charlie Brown patterns. Cardigans must be your first choice since they give you a few more options for wearing with a bit of style. You can layer them with a tee or a plaid shirt and easily remove when it gets too warm. They’re also much easier to get into and out of without becoming completely disheveled. A pullover sweater can also work if you opt for plain dark colors and use them to layer.
Go for classic chunky knit sweaters and avoid thick wools. Stick with darker, more muted neutral colors like grays, dark greens, browns, and tans.
2. Boots
When people talk about men’s fashion casual, the first thing that occupies their minds are sneakers. Sneakers are fine if all you want to do is to prance around city streets, but you’re going to need something sturdier if you’re going to rough it up in the wild. Why waste money on something that’ll easily fall apart?
As far as footwear is concerned, the only thing you need to have your eyes on are a great pair of sturdy boots. Boots are exactly the kind of shoes you can wear navigating the rocky outcroppings on a mountain or through the punishing sands of a desert. It won’t fail you no matter what terrain you choose to tread.
If you’re in the market for a pair of boots, make sure you go for one with full grain leather and make sure you can re-sole it if it wears out. Lastly, trust the tried and tested brands like Chippewa or Red Wing – names known for their durability and craftsmanship.
3. T-Shirts
A staple in men’s fashion casual is a timeless t-shirt. It always beats the latest trends.
To pick the right one, you need to understand a few rules:
- T-Shirts are not underwear.
- Casual tees shouldn’t have advertising, radio-station call letters, or comic book characters on them – anywhere.
- It’s hard to look good in a t-shirt that’s too big for you, but it may be harder to look good in a tee that is too small for you.
- Choose t-shirts in solid colors or with thinner striping. Military colors like solid blues, grays, and greens are popular choices.
- Choose collared shirts if the dress code calls for a business casual look.
- When in doubt, always have a white tee around. It’s one of the most versatile pieces you’ll ever own.
4. Plaid or Flannel Shirts
Nothing pairs better with a beard than a plaid or flannel shirt. Plaid shirts trace their ancestry all the way back to the Scottish. There’s something about how the hatched design both defies and mingles with the rough mountainous settings of the Scottish Highlands.
You can mix and match plaid or flannel shirts with just about anything. You can just pair it with a good pair of jeans or if you want a 90’s grunge look, layer it over a tee. Plaid shirts also lend themselves to coats for a look that combines both formal and the rugged.
5. Sunglasses
Sunglasses can transform even the most boring men’s fashion casual look in seconds. They’ve always been a terrific casual-cool look, and some agree that “the bigger, the better” style is back when it comes to shades. Think Tom Cruise in “Top Gun” aviator sunglasses cool.
With sunglasses, the rule is simple: you may be better off going home than going cheap. You deserve a decent pair of sunglasses, right?
Invest in a pair that fit or complements the shape of your face. Go for those that have extra features such as anti-glare or UV protection.
6. Blue Jeans
There are so many high-end denim brands out there, but you don’t have to overspend on big brand names to get the jeans that look good on you. You’ll just need to make sure your next pair meets a few requirements:
- You should be able to wear them without a belt.
- You should wear them without an obsessive desire to pull them up every few seconds.
- They shouldn’t puddle around your ankles. You are probably done getting taller.
- If they have holes, rips, or tears, check if they project character. But if they just look shabby, just get a new pair.
Remember, you want jeans that are stylish, not just “casual.” It’s really not that hard, and when you get in a good-looking pair, you’ll love how you look and since it’s a style staple, you can wear it for years.
7. Watch
If you are used to having bare wrists, you can step up your game a bit by wearing a watch or even a leather band. The watch doesn’t have to be fancy or give you the time in 24 time zones, but it should be functional enough to lead you out of a forest in case you get lost and must be durable enough to withstand the most adverse conditions.
Here’s Real Men, Real Style on how you can build a wardrobe out of 15 pieces of men’s casual clothing:
As you can see, there’s a way of wearing men’s fashion casual that transcends trends and highlights the timeless aspects of being a man. It’s comfortable, practical, and functional without being flippant. You can dress for a football game, but wear clothes in such a way that they flatter your build. Beyond being mere outfits for the day, the right set of clothes can set you up for an adventure.
How do you define a men’s fashion casual look? Tell us your style below.
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