When revamping your wardrobe, it's tricky to know where to start. It can be a bit daunting to pick out new pieces that both complement your existing threads, and crank that freshness dial on your look.
To quote Tan France (Queer Eye, Next in Fashion): "Style is timeless, while fashion is timely. Personal style is about developing a sense of self, rather than simply absorbing trends."
While trendy clothing for bigger men and taller gents is often an afterthought on the high street, you can still look and feel great in timeless outfits that are practical as well as stylish.
We've put together some simple, classic looks to supercharge your rotation this summer.
1. Clean and fresh
Your everyday look might be the most important - it's the clearest indication of who you are and what your style is all about.
Whatever the occasion, fit and comfort are everything. If your outfit fits well, your body confidence gets a boost and your overall look comes alive.
A classic sweater matched with a pair of well-fitted blue, black or stonewashed jeans is a solid, casual look for any occasion.
For larger guys, don't be tempted to buy clothes a few sizes above your own – you don't need to disguise your shape. This tends to look scruffy and disordered.
Instead, go for the best tailored fit possible – you want your tops to frame your torso and complement your shape.
Finish off your look with a pair of smart canvas shoes or trainers. For smarter occasions, classic brown brogues, moccasins, or dress shoes. Done-and-done.
2. Man about town
Your outerwear choices should be a perfect blend of comfort, style, practicality and warmth.
When it comes to British weather, you don't have to wait until winter or spring to layer up and explore a great selection of outerwear options. A hoodie or sweater can extend your evening by hours if the temperature drops.
One timeless trend worth mentioning is the traditional but permanently fresh wool-blend overcoat.
This striking outdoor choice is more adaptable than you think, with a variety of colours, pocket and button combinations, and a suitable choice of lengths. It can be worn for both formal and casual occasions.
Most importantly, the wool-blend overcoat looks great on all body types and sizes.
3. Sharp & snappy
When it's time to smarten up, make sure your style radiates freshness, self-confidence and coordination.
Bigger guys can sometimes feel restricted when it comes to formal events. After all, what more is there besides a shirt and tie? Yawn.
But big gentlemen should embrace the less-is-more approach to smarter wear. Ditch the interview-at-the-bank look and show off a more structured outfit.
A real favourite is a combination of a blazer or 'sports jacket', smart trousers, and a dress shirt.
Try a tailored grey formal blazer with slim black trousers and a maroon or brown shirt. Top it off with your favourite watch and smart shoes.
4. Effortlessly adventurous
Let your energetic side shine through with a flexible, practical and effortlessly stylish sporty outfit.
Retro sportswear has seen a massive resurgence and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
When dressing casual, consider a well-fitted hoodie, bomber jacket or zipper. Just like with sweaters, avoid oversized fits. Combine this with well-fitted joggers, jeans or, to smarten up a little, tan or burgundy chinos.
Chinos are a great comfort hack because they’re less restrictive than jeans or trousers but still look the part in casual and smart settings. It's like wearing comfy sweatpants but being ready for a swanky wine bar if needed.
Finish the look with white trainers—retro styles work great here too.
5. The life of the party
When it's time to ditch work and hit the town, make sure you stand out at the bar.
A night out with friends isn't a fashion competition, but you might as well win anyway. Make your look ooze confidence, style, personality and originality.
Muted tones work well when layering, but if you're ready to graduate from the plain black t-shirt, you'll want a few prints in your arsenal.
Start with some jeans, cords or slim fit chinos.
Skip skinny jeans; they can make your legs look disproportionately small and have dropped off fashion-wise anyway. Conversely, too baggy jeans can make your legs look unnecessarily bulky. Slim or straight fit jeans are your best bet for most body types. If you like desert boots, boot-cut jeans are another strong option.
As for your top half, there are really no rules. Plain or patterned t-shirts, long- and short-sleeved shirts, or smart sweatshirts can all work great for a night out. It's a myth that horizontal stripes always make you look bigger; if you like stripes, own them. If you're feeling bold, go for vibrant designs like Hawaiian floral or paisley patterns.
So there you have it, gents. We hope this blog helps you build some seriously sharp outfits, whatever your shape or size.
