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

Spotting Fresh Fashion Trends

Keep current with pop. Global trendsetters tend to be musicians, actors, and other celebrities. They often bring existing subcultural trends to the mainstream or kick start crazes based simply on their personal tastes. Regardless, they tend to be a good barometer when you're trying to spot a trend. Pay close attention to what they wear.

Keep current with fashion magazines. They are also a great way to know what is trending and take inspiration from. 

Keep current with social media. Social media has become an extremely important tool for trend 

setters as a way to both track and disseminate information. Follow users who are popular and are in

line with your own sensibilities.

Keep current with hip locations where trends tend to start. Locations known to be fashion craze or fashion freaks.  If you already live in a fashion-forward city, go to restaurants, shops, clubs, and neighborhoods that you know to be trendy.

If you notice multiple people sporting a style you haven't seen before, it's probably the sign of a new trend. 

Keep current with the fashion cycle. Remember that looks come back in style over the years. Don't get rid of any quality clothing or accessories just because a trend has passed. Instead, save these items for when that look is back in vogue. That way, you'll have a partial wardrobe ready to go for next time.

Note: If you see a celebrity sporting a unique look that you love or notice people sport a style you haven’t seen before, borrow it. Don't copy the outfit exactly, but take inspiration from it.

Appearance is Often Louder...

Every day we pass by hundreds of people on the streets, never saying a word.  Yet despite the lack of verbal communication, unconsciously decisions are being made as to the trustworthiness and intentions of those around you. It may not sound fair and yeah right it’s not. But, you know what? Life is not fair.

We want to be given time to state our stand, who we are and show our integrity but we often do not get that, rather its first our physical appearance.

There are many things that we can’t control — the weather, the economy, our birth, our siblings or parents, but we sure can control some. Like our choice of food, the grade we finish with from school, the choice of clothes we wear and how we choose to present ourselves to strangers and new acquaintances. 

Dress like a thug and people treat you like one; dress like a professional and you’ll have doors opened for you.

First impressions are powerful because until we begin to speak, they are the only bits of information we have to make a snap decision as to whether we like or trust someone.

Ignore your wardrobe at your own risk.

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. 

How You Can Be A Fashion Trendsetter As A Fashion Designer

Trends are powerful demonstration of how social influence motivates people. People follow trends out of a desire to fit in. Trends are typically started by celebrities and superstars because on some level people think looking more like them will give them some of that prestige.

If you have a penchant for looking great and want to be ahead of the curve, you may want to become a trendsetter. Just how easy it is to be a fashion trend setter as a fashion designer!

Make a lot of friends. It will be easier to set trends if you have many friends who are popular and well-liked in their own right. This gives you more social capital and influence on the rest of your peer

group.

Don't make friends with popular people just to be a trendsetter. Make sure your friendships are genuine.

Be charismatic. If you are confident and fun to be around, people will want to be more like you.

When people want to be more like you, it becomes easy for people to want to copy your every move, including your clothing.

Avoid being overly serious. This doesn't mean you have to the society clown. 

Be genuinely interested in People. Being kind and compassionate will go a long way. Express genuine interest in others. Doing this will make others feel good about themselves and they will attribute these good feelings to your presence.

Once you're known as a likeable person, others will want to be more like you. Without even noticing it, they may adopt some of your style.  In other words, they will follow the trends that you set.

Get noticed. You won't be able to set a trend if other people don't see and follow it. Start by trying to be more "seen." Make people notice you and cultivate a presence. Learn how to be the center of attention

If you want to start fashion trends, try to dress well in general. While positive attention is great, don't be too loud or obnoxious. Make your outgoing personality seem effortless.

Fashion Journal

Fashion Journal is one a great way of sharing your style and thoughts on fashion.  It is always a great idea to have a journal of your own which can act as a means to show your creativity and your interest in fashion.

In my thought, I would advise every fashion designer to have and keep fashion sketch book where they can make sketches quickly when ideas comes to mind. Fashion journal can be regarded as part of your fashion portfolio.  

Fashion journal is a documentation of thinking process of the fashion designer.  It demonstrates quick drawing skills, color, fabrics sensitivity etc.

If you aspire to become a great fashion designer in future, you will need to start now to keep a fashion sketch book or fashion journal, because any great fashion designer is expected to be a fashion trend setter.

Fashion trendsetters are people who can spot new trends early on and spread these fads to new locations and social groups. Sometimes they even create their own fashion trends for others to adopt. 

Fashion trends are the most common type people follow. And, a simple act of keeping a fashion sketch book or fashion journal can go a long way to setting you up as a fashion trendsetter. If you have a penchant for looking great and want to be ahead of the curve in fashion, you need your own fashion journal because inspiration comes anywhere and at any time.