Think of Your Wardrobe Budget

Ideally a man should build his wardrobe a few pieces at a time over a decade. In tune with his clothing needs, he should be on the lookout for missing pieces to add. 

Slowly integrating these findings into his closet, he will be ready at a moment’s notice for whatever

event is thrown his way.

Remember that purchasing quality is an investment; purchasing quantity on the other hand is an expense. 

It’s better to own a few well-made and well-tailored clothing that you wear often than a full wardrobe of cheap & poorly-fitted clothing that, well, looks cheap and poorly-fitted.

A Man’s Wardrobe

This article is a continuation of the wardrobe series we started last week. Yeah, before spending a dime, go through your current clothing and set aside everything that you have not worn for a year or two.

Clothes that are noticeably stained, and clothes that fits so poorly not even a master tailor can adjust it

to fit.

Get people involved in your decision. The goal here is to create a network of supporters and audience which puts pressure on you to fulfill your promise.

You have to understand why you need professional clothing in your wardrobe.  Understand the style basics and your specific needs

Wardrobe Needs for Men Only

Most men always take a sober time to reflect on life and plans but they fail to turn around and look back at their wardrobe. The wardrobe needs of men are often neglected, especially when they assume 

they are no longer boys.

  

We've rounded up a few of the most important wardrobe needs of men...

A 3 Piece suit that is well tailored and perfect fits: There are no more excuses anymore. You're an adult now. You need at least one tailored suit or two with perfect fit, preferably black and navy or black and gray.

Really, you should have both by now. What have you been doing all this time?

A nice blazer: A nice blazer will make sure that you don't overwhelm the room with a full suit when the occasion doesn't call for it. But it can also separate you from the crowd a bit.

Wristwatch: Even if you're not a watch guy, you should realize the importance of wearing a watch on some occasions. Drop a few thousands to get a timepiece that you can call your own.

A durable leather belt: Instead of going through belts every year like usual, invest in an expensive one that you can wear for years.

The perfect T-shirt: The perfect T-shirt is not a myth. You just have to find it. Probably get a good tailor, a Nigerian tailor or fashion designer if you are Nigerian base to sew to your measurement.

There is no better feeling than to wear a perfect fit shirt or best fit for any type of clothing. 

Nigerian Tailored Suit for Best Fit

As far as I’m concerned, there are far too many guys walking around in suits that don’t fit them and there’s no excuse for it.  I attend wedding occasions and I see men-on-suit, men-in-suit, men-by-suit, men-at-suit and so on. Hahahahaha! It’s funny though, but these names were coined according the fit of the suit on the men.

Ill fit can make a very expensive suit look tardy and trashy. I have also observed that

suit made in Nigeria are relatively less expensive to foreign suit or off-the-rack suit collection, the only different is that you will have to have a little patience to have your suit specifically sewn to your measurement.

Tailoring can make a relatively inexpensive suit look expensive, so for the guys out there who think that looking good in a suit is out of their price range – you’re wrong.

Off the track suit is already made with a client in mind, necessarily not you but when you meet Nigerian tailor or Nigerian fashion designer, they measure and sew to your specific, at the end of it, the jacket will fit you in the shoulder, it will hug your shoulders and encourage you to hold yourself upright. 

Furthermore, the trousers fit you in the thigh rather than at the waist.

To help demonstrate what tailoring can do for a suit, my fashion designer at Dr.Legendclothing on 25, Fadunsi Street, Ogba Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria offered us to come and try on a few suits, and then get one tailored to our needs.

Nigerian Tailored Suit for Every Nigerian Male Resident

Personally, I think a man will look better than he does when he wears a suit. It can be worn at a variety of occasions and locations without ever looking out of place, all the while enabling the individual to look and feel truly stylish.

Hence, off-the-track suit that we call foreign suit or ready-made suit in Nigeria, will never be best fit even when it’s altered by a tailor to your specification. . Be it high street or a fashion designer, suits are all cut from a precise block in order to fit the specific sort of clientèle the brand is after and unless you are that client, which is very slim that you are, then forget about fit or perfect fit.

Of course, you don’t need me to reiterate the perfect fit factor to you. You already know that the most expensive and best quality clothing will mean nothing without a perfect a fit.  A good fit should always be your first priority when purchasing new clothing.

One way you can guarantee that a suit will fit you is if its tailored to your specification. And you can only get that when you have a good Nigerian tailor or Nigerian fashion designer sew to your measurement. That is if you are a resident of Nigeria. To be continued…

Developing Your Personal Style

Start your personal style journey every day by giving a damn about who you are and what you represent. If you don’t care how you look, you’re never going to look good. Attitude is everything, in style and in life.

It all starts here. Dress everyday like you care, of course you care if you are reading this article. Let it show as your dress up every day that you care about how you look. This is how...

Be ready to Explore

Don’t be scared to be the best-dressed guy in the room. As long as you don’t take all the attention from the celebrant of the occasion. 

Though you could feel overdressed initially because it’s a habit you are just forming. It’s not a bad thing.  Learn to embrace it. Trust me, people will start treating you differently and it will all yield to positive reception by people. Our clothing does that. It opens doors for you; people start respecting you and trusting you more. Be ready to explore from the trend you were to an adventurous you.

Understand Clothing Fit

Fit is everything, probably the most important in style. If you don’t have the right fit, everything else is wasted effort.

A good fit should flatter your body. Take the time to get to know your body, get a tailor or a fashion designer help you get accurate measurements.

Buy Clothing That Will Be Style Ageless

Focus on a “timeless style,” while creating your personal style

Always buy pieces that are both classic and associated specifically with men: suits, blazers, sports jackets, and trousers, both dress and casual. Buy the best quality you can afford and practice wearing your best.

Great Design Inspires!

Some days you just don’t feel like spending an hour or more at the mirror or take your time to find the right outfit. I understand. Some days are potentially like that. This is why I advise that you go for the exclusive designs when you are shopping, meeting with your fashion designer or at your tailor’s. When your wardrobe is filled with simple but classy designs, be it casual tops, etibo, nativewear, shirts, agbada or suit. You will always be at your best no matter the time you spend dressing.

Always be prepared for the unexpected when you leave the house. You could run into an old flame, or meet someone new, always look your best. Make sure your outfit is complete and that you have a neat appearance.

A potential employer or talent scout may be out looking for a specific look. You could be approached by a potential employer anywhere,  or be offered an interview. 

Even if you are not in business attire, displaying confidence through a completed outfit and overall look shows others that you can be trusted.

When you have your look for the day together, you will feel better about yourself. A boost of self-confidence on a day when you are feeling less makes a great impression. It shows that you understand the importance of always looking your best and making an impression no matter where you are.

A lifted spirit does wonders for accomplishing goals. You have confidence and a will to succeed no matter what the day has to throw at you.

Why Clothing Fits Celebrities; Tailoring

For the last few decades, we have been trying to make our bodies fit the clothes when, in reality, we should be making the clothes fit our bodies.

The gentleman who is careful about clothing and style should also be in control of what looks good on him and his body’s proportions. 

However, nowadays a well-dressed man with a self-assured confidence is often rare. What is in store today for men’s clothing can only fit a small percentage of average sizes which means not a lot to choose from.

Tailored clothing is the way to go if you wish to obtain a perfectly fitted suit, nativewear or anything clothing. Tailoring is a simple way to make clothes way more flattering. Getting your go-to pieces tailored can make a world of difference. 

A good tailor knows exactly how to fit everything from suit, shirts to nativewears exactly to your frame.

Most men typicality wear over sized clothes, not understanding the essential elements of a good fit or compromising fit for style. 

Learn to shop less, invest in pieces you really love, and cough up the extra cash to get them tailored specifically for you

How Your Fashion Sense Affects Your Success

Whether you like it or not, your clothing communicates — and it can have a serious effect on your ability to achieve success.

Fair or not, people judge us by the way we look and that includes the way we dress.  Especially in the workplace, clothing significantly influences how others perceive you and how they respond toward you.c

Research shows that your appearance strongly influences other people's perception of your financial success, authority, trustworthiness, intelligence, and suitability for hire or promotion.

Here Are Tips To Keep A Sane Fashion Sense.

Don't show too much skin. That means no mini-skirts.

Never wear dirty clothes. This seems obvious  but plenty of people think they can get away with wearing that dirty shirt just one more time before washing it.

Don't wear wrinkled clothing. Heard of an iron? Use it.

Wear clothes that fit you well. Tailoring is a simple way to make clothes way more flattering. Tailor your clothes

Wear appropriate shoes and accessories. Don't wear jewelry that is too loud or obnoxious. Wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for work.

Wear moderate makeup. If you wear makeup, don't overdo it! 

Tricks to Reinventing Your Style

It happens to all of us. We wake up one morning and everything seems odd and boring. We are sick of our hair, our wardrobe, and our all-around appearance. It is time for a change, but we aren't sure where to begin or how to start changing or reinventing ourselves without taking obvious measures.

Try These!

Imitate a Famous Person’s Style

Your first step to changing your looks is to decide on whose style you like and choose to imitate it.

Shake up your wardrobe. You're probably going to need to go shopping in order to give your appearance a makeover. But don't fret. Think about versatility when shopping.

Let your shirts do their magic. Shirts and tops are, of course, essential to any look. Tailor your tops to the kind of style that you're looking for. Even if you've got a really low budget, you can make some great changes with only a few new pieces.

Find a good tailor.

Your clothing should attractively fit your body shape, whatever shape that may be. Your clothing should look like they've been hand-made for you and this can only be achieved with a good tailor and a great fashion designer in your life.

A nip here and a tuck there make a world of difference. Something as simple as tucking your shirt, or wearing your smart native wear in a certain way, can have a huge impact on your style. Not everything is about making giant overhauls to your closet; the cuff of a shirt sleeve or the roll of a pant hem can totally transform you in an instant.

Fashion Forward!!!

Shiny suits or shirts can look loud and somehow cheap for men, quality men’s garments in lush fabrics, cashmere, linen or fine wool make much more ostentatious statement than a lot of glitter.

Ironing your clothes is key.  When you take a few minutes to iron your clothes, you will always be eager to step out and hit the town in style. Looking like you slept in your clothes isn't fashion forward. Your tailor will regret his effort, your fashion designer as well won’t be impressed, and neither will your date fall for it.

Go for quality over quantity. A well-made jacket or suit in a quality fabric may cost you quite a bit more than one that is cheaply made, but it will look better, fit better, and last longer than the inexpensive version.

It may seem superficial, but clothing makes a statement about who you are and where you want to go. Since people tend to judge us (consciously or not) at least in part based on how we look, why not look as if you’re ready for a promotion?

Dressing well, sometimes, doesn't necessarily mean wearing a suit and tie every day. Sometimes subtle details can make a distinct impression, especially on fashion-conscious folks.

When in doubt of what to wear, imitate your boss or leader not a runway model of magazine model.

Must Follow Rules for Men Who Want To Dress Better

Keep Your Measurements

Find a good your tailor, have him take your measurements and keep them for yourself. This will help when buying clothes, and it will save you money, because better fits means fewer alterations.

Find a Good Laundry Person

A cleaner you can trust is crucial. Knowing your clothes will come back is great but knowing that they will come back better than you left them is even better. Once you have one, never, ever let them go.

Ironing is Important

Ironing is the easiest way to freshen up your clothes and make them look sharp. Knowing how to do this will also save you money, requiring you to get your shirts and suits cleaned and pressed just a little bit less.

Learn the Basics Of Sewing

This is the easiest way to prolong the life of your clothes, and just might save your ass when your jacket or shirt buttons pop off on a business trip. You don't need to know how to do it all, but at least know the basics and be able to help yourself sew a button back on. Try to carry a sewing kit while you travel, it’s even available in most hotels today.

Keep a Shoehorn

Young men often overlook this but a shoehorn is one of the best tools for lengthening the life of your shoes. Stomping down the heels of your shoes tweaks the leather and cracks the structure of your shoe. Plus, it's just sloppy. Instead, get a good shoehorn and slip those shoes on like a gentleman.

Be Sincere About Your Body Shape

Look, you've got to work with what you've got. Be honest with yourself. Knowing that you have a bigger belly, a weak chest, or wide hips will only help you buy the right clothes. And remember, black and navy blue always lengthen and slim the body.

Know Colors That Suit Your Skin Tone

This is a bit trickier, and you may need to seek advice from fashion designers or check some fashion blogs. Navy blue, black, and most shades of gray look good on everyone, but brighter colors can present problems. With warm, dark skin, you can pull off bright oranges, reds, and yellows that would wash out or overwhelm a fairer-skinned man. Cool, lighter skin tones work best with emeralds, blues, and purples. Experiment and ask for advice.

Know the Trends

Even in unadventurous menswear, trends are important. They're just subtler and slower-moving than womenswear. Slim suits are on trend now. Act accordingly, but don't follow trends blindly. The goal here is to build a versatile, high-quality wardrobe that will last a long time. Be wise.

Find Someone You Admire and Learn From Their Style

This is simple, see someone you like and take hints for how to dress yourself. Mine is Dr. Legend; he has a clothing line (Dr. Legend Clothing). He is a menswear idol for a reason, as are Victor Okoro, Yomi Casual and Mudi Africa. But be honest with yourself and only take what you can truly use.

See Above, And Don't Go Nuts.  

Before you leave the house, take a look in the mirror. Men deceive themselves by saying mirror is made for women. Better take advantage of the mirror than be sorry. Be subtle, be classic.

Fashion Mistakes You Didn’t Know About

Fashion mistakes are long-held habits you refuse to break, fashion clichés you still believe are true, and small things you’re doing or not doing. These mistakes are things we do or see people do every day, that probably they are not aware that they are making a fashion mistake. Like it sucks to see a beautiful woman in a beautiful outfit, then she passes you and you notice that her panty lines are obvious. Or a gorgeous man in a baggy shirts or in too many colors. This article intends to bring your attention to a few of these obvious fashion mistakes, so that you can change.

Too much Exposure:  Exposing much of your body has never been a good idea. A major reason why we wear clothes is to cover our private parts which makes you look responsible. Showing too much of anything doesn’t make you look sexy! It doesn’t guarantee you attention, or at least, not any positive attention.  Pay attention to what you bare, cover and how things look on your body instead.

Instagram and Facebook Slayers: I regret to assume you’d buy anything simply so people know you own it, but such is the world in which we live. Are you buying those clothes because you really, really love it, or because you want others to know you bought it? If you buy them, will you be able to truly enjoy them without posting them to social media? If the answer is no, you are one of the fashion blunders that fuzz instagram and facebook in the mane of slaying.

Over-sized Shirts: It has never been the in thing, shirts aren't supposed to be baggy. They're supposed to fit! Don’t hide in the folds of your baggy shirts and don’t try squeezing yourself into something that just wasn’t meant for your size.

Non-perfect tailored pants: Pants are very important because they serve as a base or anchor for the rest of your outfit. When they are not tailored correctly, you will end up totally losing your shape and looking sloppy. Your pant need a detailed tailoring because it needs to keep you in shape and structure.

Improper pants length: Have you seen someone wear pant and folds it because they length is either too short or too long. Folding jeans and chinos for men is a already fashion mistake. Don’t be the guy who has his feet swimming in a bunch of extra fabric. All it takes is a simple trip to the tailor to get them hemmed.

Wrong belt color: It is only wise that your belt color matches with the color of your shoes. And If you’re wearing casual shoes or sneakers, you should wear a thicker casual belt to match instead of a thin dress belt.

Rumpled clothing: There is no thump up for non-ironed clothes. Keep all your clothes pressed and wrinkle-free. It’s a good habit to always hang up all your clothes.

STYLE INSPIRATION FROM A MEN-STYLE SLAYER

ONE DAY WITH A FASHIONISTA @Dr.LEGEND

Men-Style is not something to joke with, not when some real men are pulling styles together to slay the world, making it difficult to be unnoticed. Its hard to see a Classic man and not turn head, being able to match colors together and accessories as a man is definitely Dr.LEGEND’s thing.

Every man wants to be classy but not everyone want to put in the work! But Fashion sure requires the hard work because you  get to look like you fell from the sky #Legendary, #Flawless after. It could as well be the easiest thing to wake up and do if you are equal to the task, just a fine task of colors and designs with a touch of complete neatness.

Although you may not need to do the hard work of choosing colors, accessories, design and sewing yourself because you are not a tailor nor a fashion designer. You can contract it to some professional fashion designers depending on your location. In Nigeria, we have some fashion designers who are committed to excellence and creativity,the likes of mudiafrica, dr.legend republic, momo coutre, yomi casual etc. After spending a day with them, you will come out with a different feel of perception.