From free to inexpensive finds, these methods, instruments, and picks will make higher type extra easy.
Particular due to Slick Collar for supporting Primer’s mission and sponsoring this text.
Dressing higher is not nearly shopping for completely different garments or studying esoteric trend guidelines—it is about remodeling the way you method getting dressed.
The aim is to create a system that makes the act of dressing clean, pleasing, and sustainable, even on the hardest days.
type system reduces friction in your day-to-day routine, creating a greater relationship with what you already personal and making it straightforward to place collectively outfits that work. Under are quite a lot of straightforward methods, instruments, and picks which have made my very own system infinitely simpler.
A Nice Option to Consumption and Manage Inspiration
Free – $10
Any good designer, filmmaker, photographer, architect, or inside designer is aware of the significance of cataloging inspiration. No nice artist works from reminiscence or begins from scratch with each undertaking.
Placing outfits collectively and honing your type is simply as a lot of a visible and inventive endeavor as any of these artistic fields. If you happen to’re nonetheless determining your private type, why drive your self to face in entrance of a closet, staring blankly and making an attempt to resolve what to put on?
You want a technique to save clothes, type, and outfit concepts as you come throughout them. Whether or not it’s on Primer, whereas looking a retailer’s web site, strolling by means of the mall, or scrolling on social media, having a system to seize and arrange inspiration is invaluable.
The way you do that comes down to private choice:
- Create a Pinterest board.
- Take screenshots in your cellphone and save them into an album.
- Use instruments like Notion or Evernote for a extra elaborate system.
There’s no flawed technique to do it, but it surely’s important to do one thing. You’ll be shocked how usually you neglect about an outfit thought. Months later, you’ll scroll by means of your saved inspiration and rediscover a glance you’ll be able to recreate.
It saves time, reduces stress, and makes getting dressed for occasions or each day life considerably simpler. I can’t emphasize it sufficient.
A Movable Shoe Rack to Be Close to Your Clothes
$25+
Having my footwear clearly seen whereas I select my garments is extremely necessary. Constructing an outfit is not a linear course of; it is about experimenting, holding objects subsequent to one another, and seeing how they align for the event and look on you.
An outfit is a cohesive look; having all objects seen helps create that cohesion, moderately than simply seeing them as separate items. All of it works collectively to change into one thing extra. For example, suede loafers change the texture of a shirt and denims in another way than white sneakers do.
After I can see my footwear alongside my clothes, I usually choose footwear I would not have chosen if I had already selected the highest and bottoms first. With the ability to audition completely different pairs whereas placing collectively an outfit makes an enormous distinction.
Slick Collar
Package with 3 collar sizes + shirt stays, $23 save additional 15% with SLICKPRIMER
A structured collar could make all of the distinction between trying sharp and searching sloppy. That is true whether or not you are shopping for shirts on the inexpensive finish of the spectrum or investing in costlier items.
With button-up shirts that lack construction, the collar usually flops over, making your look really feel unkempt. That is particularly a difficulty for sensible informal appears the place even informal items ought to be as refined as potential.
Enter the Slick Collar: a easy invention that instantly proves its value. Reasonably priced, efficient, and completely designed for its function, the Slick Collar is basically the collar+placket equal of collar stays. It supplies construction not solely to the collar ideas but additionally to the entrance button placket, holding them in place and stopping them from collapsing or folding below the material’s weight.
This retains the collar upright, guaranteeing it does not slide open because of the material’s weight. Created by a small enterprise out of Canada, the Slick Collar is adjustable for various neck and shirt sizes, with every order together with three collar lengths. This versatility means it really works for all the things—from knit polos and golf shirts to extra formal gown shirts.
Better of all, you’ll be able to simply transfer them between shirts, that means no alterations are wanted.
At round $20 for 3 with the code, the Slick Collar is a small funding that delivers huge returns throughout almost all your collared shirts. It’s a strong, dependable instrument, and after you have it, you are set. Simple purchase.
Primer readers can save 15% with code SLICKPRIMER.
An Apple Watch Strap That Helps Stability the Tech-y and Athletic Nature
$10+
In social media trend bubbles, there is a little bit of a pretentious, virtually Luddite view on smartwatches—that they’ll’t be trendy. Positive, they lack the heritage of a dive watch or the class of a gold gown watch, however that mindset ignores the truth of residing in 2024.
For a lot of, smartwatches are important—whether or not for way of life, work, or tasks. Personally, my Apple Watch helps me keep centered with out the distraction of my cellphone. I nonetheless get texts and calls however keep away from time-killer apps, which makes it vital for me.
I put on it usually at house with the default strap but it surely’s powerful to put on in a extra sensible informal, night look. Fortunately, Apple Watch bands are straightforward to swap due to their sliding mechanism. A leather-based or metallic band, which yow will discover affordably in off manufacturers, and might be swapped in through the instances the common strap does not work, makes all of the distinction.
Designate an Outfit Workstation
One of the crucial stress-reducing adjustments I’ve made is organising a devoted “workstation” close to the place I cling my outfits. Having all instruments in a single place makes it a lot simpler to get all the things prepared effectively, particularly when operating late. It’s a small shelf the place I preserve my steamer (with plug entry), a clothes brush, and every other instruments I would want.
It’s a type of “workbench” to your garments, the place you progress objects from closet storage into the staging space, and have all of the instruments you have to get them trying their greatest.
A Place to Grasp Outfits
This may appear easy, however it is going to change the way you method your clothes and magnificence.
Selecting out your outfit the evening earlier than drastically reduces morning stress—particularly when you’re not a morning particular person and really feel half asleep or foggy. It is a complete recreation changer to only get up and know precisely what you are sporting.
For me, I hung a hook in my closet to stage my outfit for the subsequent day. It retains all the things neat and separate, appearing as a staging space whereas assembling completely different mixtures. As a substitute of making an attempt to image a mixed look in my head, I pull out key items and cling them, making an attempt completely different combos till I discover the right match.
A Clothes Brush As a substitute of a Lint Curler
$15+
Earlier than the sticky paper-based lint rollers you are aware of, individuals used particular clothes brushes to wipe away mud and hair. Originating within the nineteenth century, clothes brushes have been important clothes care instruments for males who wore fits often. Since fits cannot be washed simply, it was necessary to have a brushing routine.
I’ve lived with canine that shed for 15 years and the sticky lint curler has at all times felt annoying and wasteful to make use of simply because of the sheer quantity of peeling and rolling I might should do every time. Not too long ago, I lastly picked up some clothes brushes. They arrive in several coarseness and stiffness ranges, with softer brushes designed for extra delicate clothes fabricated from cashmere, for instance, and stiffer ones to deal with denim extra straight.
Whereas they don’t seem to be excellent, and typically require a number of passes to lastly get that one piece of hair, it’s much less annoying to make use of. Clothes brushes might be discovered beginning round $15 and you’ll improve to the gentleman customary, English-made model Kent which begin round $40. The double-sided Kent CC20 which is commonly mentioned as a go-to because of versatility eeks handed the article finances and is round $60.
A Clothes Steamer
$15+
I do not know the way that is potential, however for me, ironing appears so as to add wrinkles moderately than take away them. Plus, my standard schedule for preparing is at all times tighter than I’d like, so I’m usually dashing when it’s time to dress. The very last thing I need is to plan on sporting one thing, solely to search out it is too wrinkled and really feel like I don’t have the time to take care of it.
That is the place a steamer saves the day.
I have two steamers: a budget-friendly mannequin round $20 I’ve had for years and a bigger Conair mannequin. Each work effectively—simply run the steam over the material, and most wrinkles disappear simply.
Truthfully, I’d be in a tricky spot and not using a clothes steamer. It’s a kind of instruments that makes preparing a lot less complicated, and I can not advocate it sufficient.
The Plain Ball Cap
James Clear, the creator of Atomic Habits, has famously mentioned, “You don’t rise to the extent of your targets. You fail on the degree of your techniques.” If you’re an individual making an attempt to decorate deliberately in your life—particularly if it is a newer endeavor for you or doesn’t come naturally—you’ll be able to’t anticipate your pure habits and routines to brute drive extra conscientious type 100% of the time.
It’s simply not going to occur. There are going to be days the place you don’t wash your hair. There are going to be days the place you’ve obtained to toss stuff on and nonetheless wish to look good however don’t have time to do the entire thing.
For these days, a plain black baseball cap has been superb. There’s nothing flawed with sporting a cool hat with the correct sports activities staff emblem or some kind of classic design. However it does require some visible balancing with the opposite objects. The plain black cap takes it from being a very utilitarian factor (like a free hat from a company giveaway) to an intentional a part of your outfit.
A Hoodie or Quarter-zip Different That You will Wish to Put on
$20+
Hoodies are widespread for 2 causes: they’re comfy and simple to put on. There’s nothing flawed with hoodies; I like them too.
Nevertheless, there is a distinction between sporting hoodies as a part of your type, and counting on them since you panic about what else to put on. For these barely much less informal settings—like a date, household occasion, or after-hours work operate—having one thing that feels as comfy as a hoodie however appears extra applicable will make your life simpler.
There are a lot of choices:
These are straightforward swaps on days the place you do not have the brainpower to assume past a hoodie that elevate your type whereas sustaining consolation.
Picket Hangers
$4.99+
In case your closet feels chaotic, switching to picket hangers can present the wanted construction and group. Rainbow-hued plastic hangers add visible muddle when your thoughts is making an attempt to determine what to put on, they usually don’t give your garments the help they want. In a packed closet, shirts and pants get compressed, inflicting wrinkles, creased shoulders, and crushed collars.
Picket hangers resolve these issues. They supply construction to maintain your garments able to put on and provides your closet a cleaner, extra organized look.
One of the best half? Picket hangers don’t should be costly, and also you don’t want to switch them unexpectedly. I transitioned my closet over a few years, and the distinction is evening and day. IKEA and Amazon have inexpensive choices, and when you make the swap, you’re set for good.
Closet House Savers like Tiered Hangers
$15+
Tiered hangers are nice for grouping related objects collectively, lowering visible muddle. In case you have six similar white T-shirts, cling one visibly and preserve the remainder on a tiered hanger. The identical goes for exercise garments you put on in no explicit order. This setup saves area and minimizes visible muddle, making it simpler to concentrate on key objects when placing outfits collectively.
Levi’s 501
$35+
If you happen to’re a Primer common, you’ve got heard me speak about 501s as types have shifted towards straighter/looser suits over the previous few years. The 501s, with their traditional straight match, have been the primary place I turned. Initially I assumed, “These are manner too broad; I am going to by no means put on them.” However they shortly grew to become my go-to, no-thought-required pair. I put on them dressed up, dressed down, and in all places in between.
Here is the factor about straight match denims: If you have not worn them for the reason that ’90s, it is simple to guage them too shortly. After they’re new, they appear crisp, pressed flat, cuasing the aspect seams to flare out awkwardly. However after washing, drying, and breaking them in, the drape adjustments utterly. Now, they observe my physique’s contours with out feeling too broad, unfastened, or blocky.
They’re straightforward to put on with chunky boots or suede loafers for that pale preppy look you see at locations like J.Crew, Buck Mason, and Taylor Sew. They’re comfy, delicate, have a little bit of stretch, they usually’re inexpensive. You’ll be able to snag a pair for below $50, particularly throughout upcoming gross sales.
A Nice Plain T-Shirt
Having a delicate, handsome t-shirt that you simply love the way in which it suits—I can’t overemphasize how invaluable that’s. You’ll put on it on a regular basis. You’ll layer it beneath leather-based jackets, sweaters, and button-ups. You’ll put on it by itself with denims. You’ll put on it tucked into chinos for a contemporary look.
A t-shirt that drapes effectively with a delicate visible texture can exude sophistication simply in addition to a button-up shirt. Between a man sporting an inexpensive, unkempt button-up and a man sporting a extremely strong, delicate, well-fitting t-shirt with some particulars within the collar, hem, texture, or wash—I select the t-shirt each time.
Staples and fundamentals are referred to as that as a result of they’re common and might look superb on anybody when the small print are dialed in. There’s a bent to dismiss them as much less necessary or boring, however that couldn’t be farther from the reality.
Cease Sporting (and Get Rid of) Issues You Hate Sporting
It is a huge one for me. I mislead myself about issues which are a smidge too small or don’t match fairly proper. I’ll attempt them on, then find yourself selecting one thing else, however I don’t say to myself, “I ought to simply eliminate this.”
Protecting these objects makes getting dressed more durable as a result of they create visible muddle in your closet. It’s additionally wasted time when you attempt them on solely to reject them once more.
One other stunning aspect impact that I found is, I’d by no means take into account shopping for issues “I already had” however by no means wore just because they did not match proper or weren’t comfy, even when the correct model of the merchandise would have gotten worn on a regular basis.
Exterior of utmost utilitarian instances—like a blazer or go well with you don’t get pleasure from sporting however often want—there’s no level in preserving objects you dislike. Use the trick the place you cling these objects with the hook going through outward and after six or so months, if the hanger hasn’t been rotated (indicating you’ve worn the merchandise), donate or promote it. This methodology clears up area and helps you acknowledge what you really want.
Darkish Grey Denims
$25+
If you need a single reply to what’s one factor you should buy to make outfit-building simpler, it’s a pair of darkish grey slim or straight denims with 1 / 4 or half break.
You’ll be capable to gown them up, put on them tremendous casually, type them rugged, or pair them with preppy or streetwear appears. They’ll work with brown boots, black sneakers, and virtually the rest. The flexibility is infinite.
If a pal who was simply beginning out requested me for one advice, it could be this. You could find loads of choices below $50 from locations like Levi’s or Amazon Necessities, particularly throughout gross sales which are developing.