You don't have to pander. 🧘🏾‍♂️

Yes, you don’t have to keep flipping a switch on your style. Evolve? Maybe. But constantly change? I think not. See, there used to be a global cadence to style, with each region having underlying factors for how they dressed and why. However, in an era filled with social media glitz and glamor, it seems we live in a world without borders, with everything trending all at the same time. Just when you thought you got the hang of it, someone is there to inform you that your style is outdated. From your pants not being baggy enough, to your jacket being way too long. But the good news is, you don’t have to keep falling for the same cyclical trap. If your goal is to create a versatile timeless wardrobe, without constantly breaking the bank, here are 3 important style notes to keep in mind.

1. Understand who you are. 

In the business and corporate world, there’s something called ‘skill stacking’. If you aren’t already familiar with the term, it’s all about building a competitive advantage in a way that’s solely unique to you as an individual. For instance, you might be great at public speaking, managing people, and creating presentations as well. Having an in depth understanding of your strong suits, could potentially unlock your superpowers in your industry or in the job market; especially when you lean into tasks and roles, where a combination of those skills come in handy. I think the exact same logic applies to your personal style.

So who are you anyway and how would you like to be perceived? Are you one that works in a professional or casual setting? And in what climate? Are you spending most of your day indoors or out? Do you live a highly active lifestyle or are you more of an avid reader who enjoys traveling or frequenting coffee shops? These lifestyle choices are important to help determine, whether you should be placing the majority of your focus on a collection of suiting options, stylish casual sneakers, or quality denim that can take a beating. Think of them as a foundation to your personal style.

2. Dressing your age 

If there’s one big mistake us guys make when it comes to looking our best, it’s failing to look in the mirror and understanding where we are in life. Aging is a funny thing, because it’s something everyone else can see, but we are usually the last to notice. Perhaps because it’s happening gradually over time. So for those of us already in, or approaching ‘Unc’ territory 🥹 (yes that includes me by the way), it may be time embrace this new stage of life, and to start planning out our style strategically. You know, just like we plan out…damn near every other aspect of our lives.

And that may mean putting those heavily athletic sneakers to rest and trading them in for a pair of loafers. Think about the places you visit frequently. The restaurants, the bars and lounges, and most of all your workplace. Now think about how you’d like to be perceived in each of these spaces. Remember, aging is a gift, and it’s something we shouldn’t shy away from. Not to mention, the older we get, the more we realize how simple life is, or at least should be. And our style really shouldn’t be any different. 

3. Take a little risk. 

Yes. Live a little - we must! And that might sound like a contradiction to the previous point, but taking risks with your style doesn’t have to be all that extreme. It could be more measured, like this pair of fisherman sandals, or simply investing in statement piece jewelry like an understated necklace, bracelets or ring assortment. Little additions such as these, tend to go much further than any new set of trendy pieces, that may or may not bring your personal confidence into question. Or better yet, have you looking like you’re trying too hard to fit in. So the lesson here, is to be intentional with your closet additions. We’ve all got limited space, so treat your closet like a sanctuary, and be prudent in determining whether each new item will actually elevate your style.

To summarize, and using myself as an illustration of the points above, I’m a 39 year old husband, and dad of two toddler boys. I live in an extremely humid climate, and I consider myself an artist of sorts, however, a business minded one. And my personal style tends to reflect just that, ranging from bold sophisticated combinations to casual streetstyle, but... ​always polished. Just like this blazer and trouser set which can be worn for formal occasions, as separates, or better yet dressed down stylishly for casual evening wear. 

I keep a dialed focus on tailoring, and experiment with accessories like sunglasses, fedoras, pocket bandanas, and other novelties to keep my style fun and interesting. These are the same principles I follow when styling myself, athletes, celebrities, or even putting looks like these together for our SG models. It helps me keep outfits consistent and in check, without feeling a constant need to jump on a new trend, and worst of all, break the bank. I hope you’ve enjoyed today's read, and that keeping these 3 points in mind, helps you do the same. Looking forward to seeing what style notes you’d love to read about next, so please be sure to drop a few suggestions below. Until next time. 🫡

Sincerely,

F. Lawson

Creative Director

Aaron Shields is a commercial and residential real estate agent by day, and an avid fitness enthusiast by night. He loves dressing to the 9’s in professional suiting for business, and to visit with clients, and this photoshoot was a great opportunity to show him how to sport any of his many SG suits afterwork or for weekend wear.

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