hello sir, here is step one in dressing well

This is part 1 of a 3-part series on men's style.

This post is dedicated to my dear friend Luke, who was my very first SF friend and is all around an exceptional human. He trusted me to help him level up his fits and for that, I am very honored and grateful.

In Hua Hsu's memoir "Stay True" he says this:

"You make a world out of the things you buy. Everything you pick up is a potential gateway, a tiny, cosmetic change that might blossom into an entirely new you. A bold shirt around which you base a new personality, an angular coffee table that might reboot your whole environment, that one enormous novel that all the fashionable English majors carry around. You buy things to communicate affiliation to a small tribe, hopeful you'll encounter the only other person in line buying the same obscure thing as you."

And he's right. What we consume—material or otherwise—provides signals to the world about who we are. But beyond that, it gives us an opportunity to explore how we want to show up in the world and form connections.

I love that.

For so many women, style is as much a personal exercise as it is something we enjoy together. Rifling through closets with girlfriends to find the perfect fit for a first date, clothing swaps where a coat that was never meant for us finds its forever home on the back of a dear friend, laughing as someone emerges from a dressing room in something hilariously wrong... These are simple joys more men should experience. Though the gateway, I realize, is first and foremost, a journey of self.

For many men, dressing well is an afterthought—or they feel it's not something they can indulge in, whether due to societal norms or perceived lack of options. But just as Gusteau from Ratatouille declares "anyone can cook," I say, "anyone can fashion."

That's why I've created this series, to give you (man) or friend/family member/partner of man some thoughts on personal style.

Nailing the basics

When my friend Luke and I first discussed his style transformation, he emphasized his need for versatility—outfits that could take him from VC meetings to co-working spaces to dinner dates. While it's challenging to achieve a true 3-in-1 approach to style (in the same way an all-purpose shampoo/body/face wash isn’t really a solve all), there are ways to build outfits that support this efficiency. It starts with good basics.

1. Let's take a trip down department lane

Determining what works with your body type can be challenging—and limiting. To discover what makes YOU feel good, visit a multi-brand store (Nordstrom, Saks, Bergdorf's, Incu) with good friends with great taste.

Pick out various pants—different styles, colors, brands, cuts—focusing less on what you think will look good on you and more on what you actually like.

While many stylish people may say it's baggy pants or bust, I don't believe this is some universal doctrine. Your pants should work with your body type, lifestyle, and personal comfort level. What looks cool on a dude from Silver Lake might feel completely wrong on you—and that's perfectly fine.

A few great starters:

• Todd Snyder Straight Fit Favorite Chino — Cool, classic, contemporary…great color, need I say more?

• AGolde 90's Jean — Unassuming, vintage-inspired denim that serves as a great example of what to look out for at the thrift store.

• Olive Wide Single Pleat Pants — An elevated option that transitions effortlessly between day to night—also an equally comfy alternative to the ubiquitous athleisure pant (I see you Vuori Sunday Performance jogger!).

2. Go find “the one” in white t-shirt form

Different t-shirts serve different use cases purposes, from thinner pima cotton for layering to heavyweight cotton for standalone wear.

My top 3 white tee picks:

• Uniqlo Airism T-shirt — This tee is so light you may forget you're wearing it—making it the perfect shirt for layering under shirts and sweaters.

• Merz b. Schwanen T-shirt in HPT01 — For a more luxurious option, go with this one—a heritage piece that improves with wear just like a pair of Japanese selvedge denim (more on that in the next installation). This one’s made in Germany on vintage circular knitting machines which means no side seams and better longevity.

• Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee — My personal favorite (I own many of their tees and have forced them on so many including my dad…). The slub texture adds visual interest to an otherwise simple piece, while the curved hem elevates it for standalone wear.

Why choose a white t-shirt? Whether you're wearing a jacket, sweater, or blazer, a white t-shirt provides a clean, crisp base that complements almost every style.

3. If the shoe fits

You might be wondering why I’ve jumped straight to shoes. It’s because they can truly make or break a look. Too many times, I’ve observed a well-fitting chino and tee fall to a brash pair of Hokas or clunky Jordans.

You don’t need many (a sneakerhead might disagree) but a few good options that complimentary different pant silhouettes is all you need.

Some options I like:

• Asics Gel-Kayano 14s — A comfortable, chunky dad shoe that doesn’t scream "I've given up." These look great with a looser pant and come in a bunch of cool colorways (biased, I have these ones).

• Koio Capri sneaker — Clean, elevated sneakers that won't break the bank (there is NO need to splurge on Common Projects or Golden Goose, Rohan, no need!).

• Studio Nicholson Donovan loafers — An effortless but unique pair of loafers that show you know what's up. Pair with suit pants for some modern elegance or a casual fit for a contemporary twist.

  

Before You Go

Like many things in life, cultivating personal style requires you to step out of your comfort zone. Unlike Homer Simpson, who once said, "I don't want to look like a weirdo!!! I'll just go with the MuuMuu" I encourage you to take fashion risks. While I've provided some safe options to get you started, building a wardrobe you truly love requires you to be bold.

Advice on that plus more Simpsons references in a post to come….