A Deep Dive Analysis Into Men’s Style

What is style? Style is something that can be interpreted in many different ways. Some people say it’s how you dress, while others say it’s who you are on the inside.

The truth of the matter is, style is a little bit of both. Putting your best foot forward means striking the right balance, so you can really understand what it means to be a stylish man.

We’re going to explore the men’s fashion style and what goes into determining your personal sense of style!

Understanding What Men's Style Really Is

What is men’s style?

Your style is how you express yourself to the world. It’s the total combination of the way you dress, talk, move your body, or do anything.

It’s how we express our inner being outwardly. This includes all of our thoughts, emotions, interests, and values. Everything on the outside is merely a reflection of what’s on the inside.

A lot of people think what Kinowear does is just help guys upgrade their fashion. This is what they think of when they hear “style coach” or “image consultant.”

They’ll come to us for a personal shopping session – wanting mainly to focus on their fashion style.

But Kinowear is about “self-expression,” because we firmly believe that fashion is just one part of your style.

Style = Expression

 

Most of us aren’t aware of what we’re communicating most of the time – it’s too much to expect us to keep track of what we’re presenting all the time.

When someone informs us of how we’re perceived (usually to our dismay), it seems far from our ideal vision.

We make it our job at Kinowear to pinpoint all the factors that are contributing to an image you don’t want, and how to fix them.

For example, the character of Steve Rogers (Captain America) is the typical nice guy when he starts out. He has a good heart and strong character, but his physical limitations are such that they severely limit him. His style is all heart but no looks.

Contrast these examples of style with the (early version) of Tom Hiddleston’s Loki. While outwardly attractive, he has an extremely questionable and deceitful character. His style is all form, no substance.

Both how we present ourselves on the outside and the beliefs we have on the inside guide our personal style. But if you think you have a bad personality, don’t be deterred.

We all have things about ourselves we’d like to change. It might be something deeper than the clothes you wear or the way you talk. But once you identify those flaws, you’ll have the power to change them.

We firmly believe that every man has the capability to achieve their charismatic ideal – being the type of guy that looks good and has a strong character. The style of person everyone loves and is drawn to.

This is the core of “style” and it is the core attribute that men should be constantly seeking.

So what parts make up your complete “style?” Let’s cover…

Kinowear’s Five Factors of Style

1. Your Reputation/Branding

Building a great self-brand or reputation is key to how much influence you’ll have in any setting, and I’m not talking about being a label junkie.

Now, more than ever, you need to guard your reputation above everything else. Once it’s tainted, it’s very hard to change people’s view of who you are. First impressions matter, a lot.

People will believe anything about you at first, and then they’ll keep their eye on you to see if you’re for real. Then whatever information is consistent with their perception of you will get added to their current picture, whatever is not, will be changed or removed.

Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean to lie or focus so much on managing people’s perception of you from the outside-in.

Whether it’s for business or building relationships, make sure your positives enter the minds of others. Usually, this is accomplished just by genuinely living it.

2. Clothing/Fashion Sense

While not everything, what you wear makes up over 80% of your first impression.

Your fashion style kick-starts the impression you make on others before you even open your mouth. This is the point where people will filter everything you say and do.

But don’t place self-expression above an unbiased evaluation of the current trends in style and fashion.

There is a “language” that is spoken through specific fashion types. It’s important to be familiar with the styles of those you’re interacting with in order to make a good impression.

This is a primary tenet of our Kinowear Fashion course.

It can be the difference between looking like a million bucks, or a buck fifty.

Fashionable man wearing white shirt and khaki pants
The starting point of your style is your fashion sense

3. Your Grooming

Your grooming reflects how well you take care of yourself. People tend to associate how well-groomed you are with the level of self-respect you have.

Compare the guy with well-kempt hair and the one who looks like he’s never met a barber. Being well-groomed projects a style of confidence and power.

Well-groomed man with beard and faux hawk haircut Man with hair over his face and Rayban sunglasses

Just think of the type of woman you’d want to date and how she takes care of her hair. I’m not looking down on anyone, but style judgments are being made every day by every single person.

4. Non-Verbal

Imagine asking a girl “How are you?” She replies “Fine” in a curt manner with a frown on her face, and her arms crossed, is she really “fine”?

Attractive woman wearing black and a cap wearing low-cut leather corset
She’s fine, but not the kind of “fine” we mean here

The way we carry ourselves and the way we act can communicate far more than the words we use.

You can use this to your advantage. For example, what do you think will make you seem more confident at a party?

Standing in the corner, trying to look cool? Or goofing around, not caring what anyone thinks? You needn’t be a total goof, but being fun is its own style.

Your body language conveys your style, but also the tone, pitch, and volume of your voice.

A person with a naturally loud voice can seem insensitive and domineering, or confident and sure. A soft-spoken person may be thought to be shy and insecure, or thoughtful and mysterious.

Take this clip of Alec Baldwin in the show 30 Rock for example. We can tell exactly what kind of character he is, even if we close our eyes and just listen to his tonality.

It’s a full package deal. Your overall demeanor in body language, voice, and action, determines how people perceive you.

5. Your Lifestyle And Values

Your values determine how you live.

If you value adventure, maybe you’ll seek hobbies like skydiving, bungee jumping, or riding a roller coaster. If you value safety and security, maybe you enjoy watching an exciting movie for your thrills.

Your style should reflect the values you believe in. Become the person you want to be rather than pretending to be that person.

I’m reminded of a familiar saying that “We’re human beings, not human doings.

Like in poker, there are always “tells.” Who you are on the inside will always manifest outwardly in some way. You can’t hide behind the false mask for long.

Don’t underestimate the perceptiveness of others, if you are trying to be someone you’re not, people will see it soon enough. And until they do, you’ll live under constant anxiety of being “found out.”

This is why it’s so important to work on who you are on your inner style just as much as your outer style. Having true “style” means living in congruence with who you are.

 

Don’t settle for mediocrity when you were created for greatness.

We all have an ideal vision of who we want to be. Whatever part of us that isn’t matching up to that ideal version of ourselves leaves room for us to grow.

Only by pursuing our ideal vision can we experience ultimate joy and fulfillment.

The better we become the more we like ourselves, affecting our confidence and creating an upward spiral towards limitless potential.

The key is to continuously work on improving yourself and your style, rather than trying to manage the situations around you. Attract your ideal life through action, make it who you are.

Next Steps On Your Style Journey

Here are some things you can do to set yourself on the path to your best style:

1. Understand your current style

Collect all your current pictures into a file. Also film yourself, and keep this as well. This will give you the self-awareness you need to effect lasting change.

A collection of various photographs

Most people don’t like seeing themselves in pictures or videos. But the best path to start your style improvement is to get an outside perspective.

You’re getting a taste of how others see you, and can start planning on how you want them to see you.

2. Get another perspective

Send the file to your friends. Ask them what they would think about this guy if they didn’t know him. Is he was successful? Intelligent? Attractive?

Group of people looking at a computer

If you can’t do that, try pretending you’re someone else, looking at this guy for the first time, and write down everything you would think about this guy.

3. Check your notes

Are they in line with what you want to be communicating? Now that you’re more aware of how people see you, take control and decide where you’re going.

Man taking notes in front of a laptop

What kind of person would you like to be? What style do you want? Write down how you want the world to see you.

If you can, surround yourself with people who have the values and characteristics you want for yourself, and model them. Who we spend time with affects our thoughts, values, habits, and behaviors.

If you can’t find those people, find them in books, videos, tv, etc.

Model the style of your favorite celebrities, rip out ads from fashion magazines, or just watch confident guys in your day-to-day life.

4. Never stop learning

The journey you’re on has been tread before. Learn from those who have come before you. There are countless resources available to you on the internet. Find those you trust and learn from them.

If you like Kinowear’s content, we’ve written extensively on not just finding your fashion style, but also becoming congruent with the style you want. Or, cut out the guesswork with the Kinowear Fashion Bible.

Style development is a part of personal development. Your fashion may influence the way the world sees you, but personal development is for yourself. Both are essential to becoming a quality man.

Man staring at snow-covered peak

Learning more about style, developing your competence in fashion, ideal body language and voice, and becoming an all-around more confident person will result in more fulfilling relationships with friends, co-workers, and the companions you’ll share your life with.

What part of your personal style do you think you need to work on most? What next action do you plan on taking towards improvement? Share with us in the comments!

 

  • Arami says:

    This should be one of the first articles to read if people are looking to improve their “style”. Working at a clothing store, whenever people are buying gifts, I often get questions as to if I think “this looks good”. I usually respond with, “Certain clothings work with certain personalities.” You can certainly look as sharp, clean, rugged, etc. as you want, but if the clothes aren’t congruent with your personality, that will certainly reflect upon yourself and the image you portray to others.

  • Glowing Face Man says:

    Very good article. Since we can’t hide who we really are, we shouldn’t even try. On the other hand, maybe there’s something about who we really are, which we don’t like people seeing. Rather than hide it, we should work on it in ourselves.

  • Ariel says:

    Great article. The videos really help, as does the suggestion to video tape yourself. I’m gonna do that now. 🙂

  • KW-Reader says:

    “…it’ll cost you less energy to actually work on becoming and BEING the person you want to be than PRETENDING and trying to do”

    WORD!!! NEVER FORGET THAT!

    Thanks for refreshing my mind with that mindset.
    I got a lot to do now, I was already forgetting this…

    PS:
    This is one of the best blogs I know, keep it up!

  • grass says:

    nice!

  • Nick says:

    Great article! This site is by far my favorite blog right now.

  • phewphonics says:

    This is one of the best & most ‘truth’ resounding articles I have read concerning Fashion & Style.

    There’s no need to repeat any of the points – the article highlights
    them all very well.

    I find it interesting that the happiest people I know, seem
    to also be the most stylish. I agree that fashion & style work & have their basis from the inside-out.

    Thanks Jae. Very inspiring.

  • Yavor says:

    5. Your Lifestyle and Values ==> this is the best part of the post.

  • Daniel says:

    Loved the article Jae! There were somethings i knew and some i didn’t, great piece nevertheless, keep it up!

  • Chris says:

    Great piece. I agree with above…this is the best fashion/style blog for men

  • Christian David Holmes says:

    The quality of your posts and your entire blog continues to rise to new heights and amaze me. Nearly every word you write is integral, honest, and humble.

    This post in particular is, in my opinion, a well-choreographed summary of style and – at a deeper level – image perception.

    Thank you so much for your continued quality of content and honesty of voice. Your skills as a consultant shine through your words.

    Great job!

  • Blue says:

    Sweet article. This got me thinking about so many aspects of myself…damn you I won’t be able to sleep tonight : )

  • Juriv says:

    Amazing post Jae. I especially love the 30 Rock clip – Alec baldwin’s character couldn’t have put it better.

  • Mark says:

    YESS! This one sings with truth. I agree that who you hang around with has a huge impact on not only your values but the way you come across. It’s funny because one of my friends commented that my best friend and have almost identical mannerisms…

  • Jason says:

    I have to say Jae…you’re like a style consultant / philosopher. Bookmarked.

  • Richard says:

    So much value in this post. Style = expression. I like that. This website has totally changed the way I thinkk about style since I started reading 5 months ago.

  • Jack says:

    I needed to read this so bad. Just when I thought I was beginning to “get it” you add another dimension to it all.

  • Aaron says:

    This article was “intense” for a lack of a better word…The exercises at the end are great – I don’t think I ever really watched myself to really analyze the way I come across. Will do. Thanks!

  • Jreme says:

    Thanks so much for writing this. It was a massive read, but sooo worth it.

  • Robbiee says:

    I agree with Yavor, the lifestyles and values part is amazing. It’s so true because I see it in my friends all the time, their core values are always shining through. Stellar post.

  • Favor This says:

    By far, one of your best posts. Can’t wait for the next one!

  • meilione says:

    this is a big eye opener!! great article.
    thanks

  • marv says:

    i loved this. thanks

  • Larry says:

    “God is in the details.”

    You really have figured it out, because look how specific, yet big picture of an overview you give. I just landed on this blog last night, read a few posts, looked at the forum, then read this post. So, sooo spot on. Thank you for having this “fashion” passion and mission and then sharing your wisdom, because God knows I need it, and clearly others do as well. Now…I need to get back to reading more posts!

  • Nads says:

    Well worth the read, thank you

  • Alex says:

    “You will attract into your life not necessarily what you want, but who you are.”

    I loved your article but found the above quote especially interesting. I use to do that Law of Attraction stuff, but this brings a new twist in the equation that I never really considered.

    Thanks

  • Peter Baker says:

    Good work

  • veena says:

    the content really connected with me, and I even made myself a list out the article and I plan on seeing how I improve. thankyou for putting this out here, so I could reflect on my own how I was treating myself.

  • Kinowear Staff says:

    Awesome! That’s great! We’re glad that the article is helpful. Come back to us in a few months and let us know how you’re doing. If there are any articles or topics you’d like us to cover, let us know.

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