A signature look is more than a favorite outfit or single accessory. It’s a consistent style identity that you can carry with you through different pieces of clothing in any season. It’s something that’s uniquely yours. It should communicate confidence and attention to detail.
Think of a signature look not just as an aesthetic, but as a personal brand. It can simplify your routine whether you’re heading out with the guys or preparing for a day at work. You don’t need to chase trends. You only need to be honest with a signature look built on timeless pieces and unique, personal accents.
How Can I Develop My Personal Style?
There are three key areas that men’s style tips often overlook. They are silhouette, color, and fit.
Identify Your Silhouette: Do you prefer the aggressively sharp lines of classic tailoring (like blazers and straight trousers), or do you like a more modern shape with soft shoulders, chinos, or jeans? Is your ideal silhouette defined by a simple T-shirt and cap, or is it something more formal? Defining how you want your silhouette to look can help you choose clothing and accessories.
Establish a Core Color Palette: Your color palette is a central component of an overall signature look. It can help you choose clothing and accessories. With a simple tonal palette, you won’t need to wonder about what works together, because everything in your collection will be complementary.
You can start with some classic men’s style color palette suggestions:
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Foundation Colors |
Accent Colors (The Subtle Statements) |
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Urban Minimalism |
Charcoal Grey, Black, Deep Navy |
Cream, Icy Blue, Dusty Rose |
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Earth & Texture |
Olive Green, Khaki/Tan, Chocolate Brown |
Rust Orange, Stone White, Burnt Sienna |
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Coastal Classic |
Light Navy, Stone Grey, Cream/Off-White |
Sky Blue, Pale Yellow, Coral |
Prioritize a Perfect Fit: Fit is arguably the most crucial element of a gentleman’s style. Your signature look must be built on clothing that suits your body. Even the most inexpensive items can look amazing when they fit right. Focus on items that sit without sagging or loose space. When clothing complements your natural lines, especially in the shoulders, chest, and trouser break, it instantly elevates your look to a signature style.
What are Subtle Style Statements and How Do I Apply Them?
With respect for your silhouette, color palette, and fit, you’re well on your way to developing a signature style, but there are still the final style statements that make your look inimitably yours. These are subtle essential to create a personal statement:
1: Suspenders - The Clean Line
Trade a bulky belt for classic suspenders that create a clean silhouette.
Why: A belt compresses the waist, often breaking the clean line of your silhouette. Suspenders hold your trousers perfectly from the shoulder for a smoother, flawless drape and distinguished appearance.
Style Tip: Button suspenders are best for formal wear, while clip-on suspenders are better for smart-business and more casual outfits, especially with jeans.
Try: The Dapper Series Don Wide Suspenders for a minimalist look that will improve your silhouette. The combination of clip and hook fasteners makes these ideal for most of your wardrobe.
2: Wristwear - Add Weight to Your Aesthetic
Every gentleman needs a timepiece. It is the missing link between an OK style and a refined personal signature.
Why: Your wrist is priceless real estate for communication. A watch is a detailed touch sorely missing in much of today’s society. Stepping away from a smartwatch to a physical timepiece with moving parts shows sophistication.
Style Tip: You don’t need an expensive timepiece to have a signature look that impresses. Keep the case size below 44mm for a more streamlined and mature appearance. Steel straps are for casual days and the office, and leather straps are for formal occasions and dressing up. Of course, you can break all the rules if you feel confident in how you look.
Try: This Chrono S Ivory Black chronograph timepiece is a beautiful sports watch that can work with casual, semi-formal, and business attire. It combines black sandalwood with stainless-steel links for a striking appearance that blurs the lines between casual and dress.
3: Statement Socks - The Unexpected Pop
Patterned socks are a sneaky way to add a dash of pop to your outfit while helping to define your style and personality.
Why: They’re inexpensive, easy, and you can wear them with a professional ensemble. They demonstrate a deeper understanding of style.
Style Tip: Patterned geometric socks can pull from your chosen color palette as the missing accent that completes your look.
Try: Popping with personality and a classic Argyle pattern, these Navy Gray Dress Socks are perfect for muted color palettes.
4: A Hat or Cap – Redefining Your Silhouette
A thoughtful hat or cap can complement your silhouette and give you a unique feature that sets you apart from your peers.
Why: Headwear can instantly define your style, add an element of intrigue and character, and create consistency in your ensemble. A hat can also frame your face to improve your look.
Style Tip: If you’re a traditionalist, a flat cap is a great look and works well with a modern style incorporating elements of yesteryear. If you favor something bolder, consider a well-structured fedora for its perfect, sharp edges. If you want something more rugged and rebellious, an Outback Hat will look amazing.
Try: This Chestnut Outback Hat for a mix of confident chic and rugged backcountry aesthetics.
5: Grooming – The Non-Negotiable Finish
Men’s grooming is an essential part of a polished look. It combines elements of skincare, your hair, and potentially your beard.
Why: A signature style is about the man rather than the clothes. No matter how expensive the apparel, a messy beard, poor skin, or unruly hair can detract from it all.
Style Tip: Invest in bead oils, balms, shaving creams, and a good moisturizer. Cleanse your skin daily, use shampoo and conditioner daily (or shampoo every other day to keep moisture in curly hair), and shape your beard if you have one. This final finish to your presentation will not only help create a signature style, but it will also command attention and respect and help you to build confidence.
Try: A Mini Grooming Collection Set to give you the basics with Beard Balm, Moustache Wax, Beard Oil, and a Signature Scent.
Define Your Style with the Perfect Accent Pieces from The Smokin’ Gentleman
If you’re looking for more ideas to define your signature look, you will find definitive accent pieces and statement hats at The Smokin’ Gentleman.
Visit us at our Port Jefferson boutique if you’re nearby or order online. When you take the time to create a signature style, you will exude confidence wherever you go.
Address: 308 Main St, Port Jefferson, NY 11777