New Year’s Resolutions: Men’s Style Edition

I’ve never been too big on making New Year’s resolutions, but the time has come to start thinking about that. Rather than the stereotypical eat right and exercise more variety, I’m going to break my no-New Year’s resolution streak this year by making mine menswear-focused. Here are three style-related New Year’s resolution ideas I’ve got on my mind. Hopefully, they’ll inspire you as well.

Keep it classic. In the nearly three years I’ve been writing HSS, it’s been interesting to monitor shifts in the menswear industry, especially online. It’s crazy to think that the resurgence of classic men’s style was a trend, but I honestly think there might be something to that idea. I plan on getting into that topic in greater depth in my annual trends that need to die post.

I don’t think classic men’s style is ever going to go away, but the public’s awareness and acceptance of it is directly related to those peddling influence. As trends begin to swing back to a more urban and casual approach to style – athleisure, anyone? – and a once sharp dresser seems to give up on classic style, you have to wonder about what motivates them.

I understand that changing one’s personal style is, well, a personal choice. And I’m nobody to tell anyone what’s right or wrong. Maybe it’s because I’m older, know what it is that defines me and have seen more than my fair share of trend cycles. But, I personally think that classic men’s style is always on trend and I resolve to continue carrying that torch and promoting it in 2016.

| WEARING | Daniele Alessandrini Grey coat, Corneliani turtleneck, PT01 pants, Mario Portolano gloves, Cantini MC Firenze bracelet, Tod’s suede oxfords | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

Keep it simple. This is a perennial resolution and something to think about all year long. As anyone with an interest men’s style can attest, a style rut is real and breaking out of it can yield negative results. We all naturally get a little bored with what we wear sometimes. And that can often lead to making an unnecessarily drastic change or addition.

If you’ve got a more classic personal style, instead of throwing in some crazy socks or a mustache tie clip, think about exploring texture and even mixing different visual textures. This is a subtle way to change things up while staying true to the foundation of your personal style. I did it in this look with the jacquard of my pants and the beautiful suede and leather detailing on my gloves.

Invest. 2016 should be the year of investing classic pieces that will stand the test of time both in terms of timeless style and durability. The first step is to go back to the basics and determine what holes you need to fill in your closet. Next, decide on how you want to fill your closet. Made to measure suits? Or OTR items from a quality retailer?

This past year, I’ve done both of those things and have especially enjoyed having the chance to explore the classic side of the menswear offerings from Luisaviaroma. And being an old-soul Italian gentleman at heart, I love that many of brands I’ve discovered as a result are 100% Italian and highly focused on quality as well as style.

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style

In partnership with Luisaviaroma. The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Luisaviaroma.