Commonly I hear from men who want to look better by stepping outside of their style box, but they're afraid of what people will think or say or fear they'll stick out. I call it the third-grade phenomenon -- it's like we are grown-ass men, but all of a sudden, we revert back to third grade when all we wanted to do is fit in and not get made fun of.
Picture this -- You're heading out to grab a beer with the guys, and you put on a plain sweatshirt rather than a sexy slim fit tee and light-weight cardigan. But why don't you just wear the more stylish option? You don’t want to rock the style boat, but in turn, you feel like your style has been stunted.
At the root of things, we as humans want to be accepted by others.And this primal need dictates where we're willing to go stylistically. Now, you and I know that you'd look great elevating your style, but the sheer thought of the mockery may be simply too much to bear. So what do you do? I have a few tips and tricks to help you seamlessly transition, undetected, into a more
stylish ninja.
To get started, take inventory of your wardrobe in three CATEGORIES: shoes, pants, and shirts. Sure, there are other wardrobe categories, but we need to break your wardrobe down as basically and simplistically as possible. Think about it -- you work with these three categories daily when you make your outfit decisions.
Next, you need to determine which LEVEL: One, Two, or Three your style falls into by taking a look at yourself with a critical eye. I know you want to fit in with your friends, family, and co-workers – so I assume at this point you are fitting in by dressing consistently with how others dress around you. Correct? So, where do you currently fit with your style?
Level One – NOT STYLISH
Level Two – STYLISH
Level Three – FASHION-FORWARD
Now you know the inventory of your three categories -and- you know your style levels for each of those categories. To elevate your style without being detected is as simple as stepping up a level! Step up only one level in only one category at a time. Guys get into trouble when they go from shopping at the unsexy section of Sears to dressing like a GQ magazine model. Yes, people around them
will notice. Be more cunning and methodical than that! Here's how ...
When you're going to meet your buddies, you usually wear a pair of sneakers, a pair of baggy acid-wash jeans, and a screen-printed standard tee shirt. We know that every category is Level One (NOT STYLISH). Everybody you’re meeting is wearing practically the same unstylish look. So what do you do?
Simply pick one category and move it up one level.
Start with shoes, for example, and bring them from Level One to Level Two. You’ll be wearing the same shirt and jeans as everyone else – but your shoes are leveled up one level. Others may not notice or simply comment about your new shoes. Lo and behold, you, my friend, have not been excommunicated for wearing more stylish shoes.
After a period of time, you're going to move another category up a level. The next category may be pants, for example. Instead of your acid-washed jeans, you’re wearing dark-washed jeans. BUT you’re wearing the same shirt.
Over time your entire wardrobe will move up a level. When you complete Level Two, you're now STYLISH and can move to the more risk-taking FASHION-FORWARD. Proceed methodically by starting with one category and moving it up -- and so on and so forth.
Another example is when you're at work, you're sporting unstylish orthopedic shoes for support & comfort. You wear baggy pleated cotton khaki pants and a baggy shirt with button-down collars. The level is equivalent to a negative one -- it's just hideous and heinous. One category at a time, you're leveling up.
Instead of those orthopedic shoes, you're wearing something a little bit more stylish but still comfortable & supportive, perhaps with orthopedic inserts.
Next, level up the pants by shifting to a fitted flat front in a nicer fabric like microfiber.
Your choices are just a more stylish version. If you do the leveling up one by one and category-by-category, nobody is going to notice!
This method works in pretty much any situation or group setting. These LITTLE changes can make a BIG difference. By systematically replacing those unstylish category pieces with elevated stylish options, you're going to see that your entire game is elevated over time.
Your entire style and wardrobe are going to move up levels, and you're going to feel great. It's not going to be easy, and at times a little bit scary, but you can do it! I promise! And you are going to love the results!
Alpha M. POST of the
WEEK
Christmas present from my ( much ) better half. Super happy camper here.
This post came from Alpha M. Consulting Facebook group which features all types of engagement- from fitness and style, to grooming and dating. Want to be part of the action? We'd love to have you. Join in the conversation ALPHA M.
FACEBOOK GROUP
IAmAlphaM Week in Review
We Want to Hear from YOU!
Do you have any input,
suggestions, or ideas for this newsletter? Is there anything else you'd like to see? We'd love to hear. Send an email to info@iamalpham.com
