Csquared Menswear

Lanvin for H&M

Dressing is looked upon as a habitual task that requires little concentration. Maintaining consistency within style is not easy. From something as meagre as slipping off your brogues after a long day without undoing the laces first, to the occasional lapse in grooming in the morning, laziness eventually takes it’s toll.

We are all guilty of having a hoody, a pair of comfort jeans, or other unimaginable horrors stashed away – but we should never submit when consistency begins to waver.

Recognizing when you’re heading into a bit of style rut is the most important step to keeping up appearances. CSquared has put together the top ways in which you can ensure that your style stays sharp and free from faux pas – day in, day out.

Lanvin for H&M

The Wardrobe Clear Out

The first battle in the war against inconsistency in style is having a good old-fashioned wardrobe clear out and at what better time of year than with the turn of a new season?

Make a commitment to get rid of any ill-fitting clothing, that t-shirt with the holes you have been holding onto for one too many years and any oversized hoodies should also be making a move for the bag.

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To make your wardrobe clear out successful, you’ve really got to be honest with yourself and cast away all the items that fail to fit into your current style. Even if you don’t have the heart to put them out with the rubbish or give them away to the less fortunate, you can always pack them away in storage; far enough out of reach that it takes more effort to dig them out than to put some thought into a new outfit.

A wardrobe clear out is also a great time to justify making some new purchases.

The Capsule Wardrobe

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A capsule wardrobe is a collection of items, which can be interchanged to create a number of different outfits. In theory, they are the only clothes you will ever need to be sartorially fluent day to day. In short, you could get dressed in the dark and still look better than the guy sat next to you.

For more info on what should be in your capsule wardrobe checkout our post on The Essentials.

Outfitting

Outfitting is the putting together of outfits ahead of the situations you may find yourself in while on holiday or away from your wardrobe.

Applying outfitting to your everyday wardrobe is a great way of ridding yourself of the occasional lazy-day. By putting together a collection of simple, staple looks from your wardrobe you no longer need to worry about a lack of creativity or motivation in the morning.

For example chinos have replaced jeans in the menswear cliché of blazer and t-shirt. The look is easy, crisp and perfect smart-casual. The look is as suitable for a day and evening, you really can’t go wrong here.

CSquared Menswear Summer Collection avail September 2012

Laying out your outfit the night before is a great way to beat the morning style-slump. Just ensure you’ve checked the weather beforehand to avoid your strategy becoming more of a hindrance than help.

Statement Pieces

Statement pieces, by definition, are the focal point of any outfit. Having one or two big statement pieces to add to your already outfitted look is the final piece of the puzzle in keeping your style consistent.

CSquared Menswear Summer Collection avail September 2012

A handful of versatile statement pieces will slot easily into most outfits and compliment a growing capsule wardrobe. Knowing when to use these pieces to devastating effect will make the world of difference when you find your style game slipping.

CSquared Menswear Summer Collection avail September 2012

Finding versatile statement pieces may seem like a tall order, as by their very nature they are striking, individual items, however, smart purchases that are based around some of your current looks and existing capsule wardrobe will help integrate them seamlessly. Look for colour, pattern and personality to contrast against a muted canvas.

The mark of a real style icon and truly stylish gent is the ability to keep consistent with your dress and not let your high standards drop – not in public at least.

Stay on trend with more CSquared Style Tips.

Stay Stylin’

CSquared

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CSquared Menswear is stocked at selected boutiques and premier Stuttafords and Markham stores nationwide.

CSquared Mediterranean Resort Summer Collection 2012 will be available at HOM Menswear, Stuttafords & Markham stores and South Africa’s ultimate online shopping and style destination for men, ThirtySixMan

CSquared Menswear/SDR Photo