Style advice for men often falls into one of two camps: either impossibly complicated or painfully obvious. Somewhere between “buy a watch” and “wear a tailored suit” lies the real deal, the subtle shifts in thinking that make getting dressed easier, more comfortable and ultimately more stylish.
So we spoke to five men in their twenties and thirties about the one change that has elevated the way they dress. Their answers were not about expensive brands or chasing trends. Instead, they emphasized self-confidence, experimentation, and knowing when to discard outdated ideas about masculinity.
“You have to free yourself from some male ideals.” — Tobi, 23
For Tobi, the breakthrough came when he stopped seeing certain style choices as “not manly enough”.
“You have to free yourself from some male ideals. Accept color, texture, unfamiliar silhouettes.”
Many men limit themselves to a narrow palette of black, grey, navy and the occasional white shirt. But style gets interesting when you step outside those comfort zones. Whether it’s a textured knit, a pair of flared pants, or a shirt in a color you might not otherwise consider, experimenting with pieces that seem unfamiliar to you can completely change your look—and how you see yourself.
“You have to be willing to experiment.” — Dimeji, 28
Style is not something that is achieved overnight. Dimeji believes the biggest mistake men make is expecting to fix it right away.
“You have to be willing to experiment a lot and not be afraid to fail.”
Every well-dressed person has had outfits that missed the mark. The difference is that they were trying. Whether it’s layering pieces differently, testing new colors, or fully exploring a different aesthetic, experimentation is how personal style develops. The fear of looking awkward for a moment often keeps people average forever.
“Choose an aesthetic and master it.” – Christopher, 31
With endless style inspiration on the internet, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Christopher’s solution is surprisingly simple.
“Choose an aesthetic and do it in different colors. Either traditional clothes or two-piece linen.”
Instead of chasing every trend, focus on a silhouette or style that suits your lifestyle and body type. If linen sets work for you, build around them. If you like traditional clothes, explore different fabrics, cuts and color combinations. Consistency often looks more elegant than constantly reinventing yourself.
“Leave the polo and jeans.” — Marko, 30
Mark does not mince words.
“Ditch the polos and jeans. You’re not 20 anymore. Play with colors, textures and coordinated cuts.”
The polo and jeans combo isn’t inherently bad, it just becomes the default uniform for many men long after they stop thinking about what they’re wearing. Matching clothes, complementary colors and interesting fabrics suggest that more thought needs to be given to the overall look.
“Say no to tight clothes.” — Pipeoluwa, 27
For Pipeoluwa, the shift was fitting.
“Say no to tight clothes. Wider cuts, not baggy, loose. Tight and loose clothes give you relaxation, more energy.”
For years, many men equated slim fits with style. Now the pendulum has swung towards clothing that offers lightness and movement. The key is not to drown in oversized clothing, but to find pieces that don’t cling to the body. The result is a look that seems more mature, effortless and confident.
While each man approached style differently, a clear theme emerged: great dressing starts with letting go. Let go of rigid ideas about masculinity. Let go of the fear of making a mistake. Get rid of outdated uniforms and clothes that are too tight.
The best-dressed men aren’t necessarily the biggest spenders. They are often the ones willing to explore, evolve and have a little fun with what they wear.
