Up Your Wardrobe Game

By Amber LaFrance

Everyone has New Year’s resolutions. Most people launch into January with unrealistic expectations and illusions of grandeur. We’re here to tell you quick and easy ways to upgrade your game in 2015. It’s really not as hard as you think!

GO INTO YOUR DAD’S OR GRAMP’S CLOSET
With classic looks from back in the day not going anywhere, do keep in mind that the older men in your life might be sitting on secret treasures of timeless goodness. Chances are there’s a stockpile of cool gear that you can retro fit to your own wardrobe. Old Corduroy jackets? Polo sweaters? Leather jackets? Your grandpa’s tux from the 60s or 70s? They all could be yours for the taking. Make sure to try the pieces before you roll with them and don’t be afraid to take them to the tailor for a quick fitting.

CUFF IT UP
Changing a hem into a cuff changes the leg of a pair of trousers easily. Not only do they help your pants fall better, they add some space between your shoe and ankle giving your look a touch of class. Thick one-cuffed styles are in and you can’t go wrong with a classic wide double rolled cuff. Dark wash jeans are the ultimate wardrobe staple and look pretty sweet with a cuff.

GROOMING IS EVERYTHING
Upgrading your style isn’t all about your wardrobe. Taking care of your body is just as important. I mean honestly, an upgraded wardrobe does you no good if your complexion is rough. The secret is maintaining a simple routine of washing, toning and moisturizing your face daily. Hey, we go through a lot more to look good for you, so it’s the least you can do. Guys always forget to wash their face after working out or before sleeping and it’s so simple. Another important aspect of grooming is taking care of your facial hair. Please shave your neck; your man pubes should not connect to your beard.

SHINY SHOE MAN
Regular shoe maintenance and polishing may take some elbow grease, but it’s totally worth it. A newly-shined shoe is almost as good as a brand new pair. Rocking a pair of newly-shined wingtips makes all the difference. It’s a small reminder to the ladies that you pay attention to detail, if you know what I mean.

WEAR YOUR OLD THINGS NEW
Instead of splurging on a brand new wardrobe, it might help to spend time rethinking your current closet. Rock your vintage tee underneath a suit jacket with beat-up boots and black jeans for a business casual chic look. Match that with unflappable confidence and you are good to go. Go through your wardrobe on your day off (I prefer Sundays), mix and match new creative outfits and take pics on your iPhone so you can easily put them together during the week.

YOU BETTER WORK
Let’s not fool ourselves here, clothes always look better on a man when his body is in top form. Workout regularly and maintain a healthy diet to see the benefits both in and outside of the gym. Be realistic; if you’re not a gym rat, focus on working out a few times a week but stick to a meal plan. Print out your daily meal plan and put it up on the fridge, it will be more effective. If you treat your work week as a time to work on yourself, you can binge on brunch or dessert on the weekends.