Guides

The 2021 Style Guide Men Can Actually Live By

 

Every year, the media giants from the likes of GQ and Vogue will release the upcoming hottest trends in menswear to give us the heads up on the latest trends. Over the years, we’ve checked a few of these out and, year after year, came away with one recurring thought; our customers would never wear this stuff.  So, as the saying goes, if you want something done the right way, you have to do it yourself.  

Here it is boys, our take on what we should all have in our closets for hopefully a normal 2021!

The focus of our 2021 guide is straightforward and not influenced by short-lived trends; making it easier to future proof your wardrobe with a few selected pieces that every man should own. This guide is adjusted for the Middle Eastern climates, so as much as we may love them, you will not spot any heavy jackets and sweaters for the purposes of this guide. 
 

Denim

Guys, this is not rocket science, we know. But always good to mention the backbone of a polished wardrobe staple. Great fitting jeans can easily be dressed up or toned down. For a more polished appearance, opt for a quality pair of jeans in straight-leg styles and a dark wash. 

 

Chinos

These really pack a punch. The combination of comfort and style coupled with an endless color wheel, chinos are key to help break you out of any potential style ruts experienced in 2020. Invest in the right cut in classic colours such as khaki, navy and beige which are easy to match and  great for ambiguous dress codes; especially the smart and business casual styles.

Check our ways to dress up or down your chinos with our how-to guide on chinos
 
The Bomber Jacket

When it comes to choosing a bomber jacket, we advise sticking with a color that compliments the rest of your wardrobe; black and olive are classic choices.

Let’s start with the black option. As well as appearing sleek, a black bomber jacket is also versatile and can easily suit a variety of outfits. For a stylish athleisure look, try choosing a black nylon bomber. Alternatively, a black leather bomber can work for edgy outfits while wool and suede styles are ideal for a smarter appearance.

Olive bomber jackets easily work as an accent item that can complement the rest of your look. Try the jacket with a pair of dark slim/skinny jeans or chinos matched with a light V-neck t-shirt. To polish off the look, match the outfit with ankle high sneakers to pull off the smart, but casual look.
 
Loungewear

Now that working from home is more of a commonality these days, it seems like loungewear is as important as having boxers in the closet!  To begin, let’s answer the question…. What is loungewear? Well, loungewear isn’t pajamas and it isn’t jeans either.

 Loungewear for men is usually something that is comfortable to wear but is appropriate to leave the house in. Wearing t-shirts, sweatpants and hoodies all made with premium fabrics are the right choice.
Loungewear is about simplicity and high quality fabrics. We recommend muted colors with only a few key details. And it doesn’t hurt to throw in a high-end pair of sneakers into the mix too.

When it comes to the fit, it is important to go for a tailored look. Buy clothing that shows off your physique and is flattering; you don’t need overly baggy loungewear. You can still chill in a more tailored look because the material is what makes the clothing so comfy!
 
Blazers

The men’s blazer is the Brad Pitt at every red carpet – the main attraction. There are a variety of styles for different situations, making it a key item for every mans’ wardrobe. Blazers are commonly in solid colors or in distinct colored stripes and can vary from the form structured cut to the unstructured casual style.

Here’s a couple things to look out for when picking out your next blazer: 
 
A blazer is not part of a suit

Never try to wear similar colored trousers with your blazer! The two fabrics will not match and will have a difference in texture and shade – we see this all too often! 

Check your wardrobe before buying your next one

Consider the clothes you have in your closet right now when deciding on the color of your next, new blazer. If your closet is made up of navy trousers, black pants, and blue jeans, a gray blazer, for example, would contrast nicely with your bottoms. If on the other hand you have lots of grays and dark wash denim, a subtle navy or deep blue would be just right. 

Structured vs unstructured

The structured blazer gets its name from the cut of the shoulder. The shoulder pad sits just past the head of the sleeve, giving the jacket a silhouette that compliments the body’s natural shape. The blazer sleeve should extend just long enough to touch the bone on your wrist while also allowing a bit of cuff of your shirt to be visible

Unstructured blazers are reserved for more casual occasions and typically have a more relaxed fit. The key difference, when compared with the structured blazer, in the shoulders – unstructured blazers run along the slope, while the structured cut will create a more squared silhouette. Soft blazers are typically unlined, creating a slimmer fit along the body through a lighter jacket. The close fit provides a casual feel, and it also allows for air flow, making the soft blazer an excellent option for summer

Need more help figuring out this wardrobe essential? Check out our Four Must-have Blazers Guide
 
Statement button-ups

With the lock-down in full effect this year, many of us made t-shirts and loungewear part of our go-to outfits. That and the ever-present sportswear craze over the past few years has been a bit overbearing. However, as the saying goes, what goes around, comes around. With the lock-down almost fully at an end on this side of the globe (Thank you Lord!), it’s time to trade in the tees for some collared button ups and veer back to formality. Here’s a few options to add to your top half to give your wardrobe a bit of pizzazz!
 
Shirt jackets (AKA overshirts)

A shirt jacket is a hybrid – half jacket and half shirt. Typically, they have a boxier fit and can be worn over a t-shirt. The fabric can be slightly heavier than casual shirts and is a great alternative to jackets for the cooler months in the UAE. The jackets sometimes have larger buttons, snaps, or zipper closures to resemble a jacket, and even a wider range of pockets to hold your everyday essentials. It’s the perfect transitional piece between seasons. Combine the shirt jacket with a t-shirt (keep the buttons open), a pair of jeans, and chelsea or chukka boots.
 
Mandarin / non-collar shirts

Humble yet elegant, a mandarin collar suit is a perfect choice if you’d like to stand out in a subtle way. This style has been a men’s icon for statement dressing since its 1920’s origin from detachable collars .The lack of collar makes this shirt great for Summer months and sunny vacations. Flexible, these styles of shirts are stand-out pieces that can get you through both the casual and formal dress codes

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Styling for casual occasions

Pair your collarless shirt (one or two buttons left undone) with a cardigan, rolled-up chinos, and plain colored sneakers to show that you know what you’re doing without being over the top.

Styling for formal settings

Gone are the days where suits are the standard for most offices. Pay an ode to the traditionalist by pairing your crisp white collarless shirt with a blazer and suede loafers . Buttoned up all the way, the collarless shirt will really lend itself to this put-together ensemble in a unique and approachable way.
 
Checks and patterns

Checks and patterns are usually the more casual option when it comes to button downs. These patterns usually suit a man with a thin or athletic build. Large men should avoid this style as it usually makes them look wider. When it comes to versatility, we believe windowpane, tattersall and gingham are the shirts that are the easiest to pair. When you are wearing patterns, it's best to keep the rest of your look simple. Dark colored denim, chinos and dress pants are the way to go when you are opting for a casual look. If you choose to go for a more dressed up look, we recommend solid colored suits and solid ties. 

We hope we have given you some easy to use tips, with 2021 around the corner. Instead of overwhelming you with the newest fashion trends, we think it's best to keep it classic, so you can continue to look good around the clock!