• Home
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Level Up Your Style
    • A Crash Course To Better Style
    • Expand Your Style Comfort Zone Series
    • How To Dress Well: 21 Important Style Tips
  • Lookbook
  • Manifesto
  • Live Deals
  • Contact + Work With Me
    • Contact Me
    • Work With Me

Gentleman Within

Dress Better & Feel Your Best

  • Buying Guides
  • Spring Style
  • Reviews
  • Life
  • Style
  • Dating
  • Fitness
  • Drinks
  • Grooming
  • Watches
  • Travel
  • Stylin Out
Home › How To › How to Expand Your Style Comfort Zone | Part 3: Style Swaps | Take Your Style to the Next Level

How to Expand Your Style Comfort Zone | Part 3: Style Swaps | Take Your Style to the Next Level6 min read

By Khoi Nguyen — May contain affiliate links (Details)Leave a Comment


This is the final part of the How to Expand Your Style Comfort Zone series, where I’ll cover the “style swap.”

It’s a simple strategy that can help you break free from your comfort zone & spread your sartorial wings.

If you’d like to start at the beginning, feel free to refer back to part one here or part two here.

cover photosAnd if you’re interested, I’ve compiled the entire 3-part series into a handy PDF that you can download for free, print and read at your leisure. Simply enter your name and email and I’ll send it right away.

Take Your Style To The Next Level | The Style Swap | GENTLEMAN WITHIN

When I first started paying more attention to how I dressed, I thought square-toed shoes were the holy grail of men’s formalwear. In fact, I bought from Kenneth Cole and Aldo religiously. It was convenient and I thought pretty damned stylish.

But little did I know that wars have been waged against those style abominations.

This isn’t an article to bash square-toed shoes, but a friendly nudge to help you expand your style comfort zone. For every square-toed shoe, exists a more stylish and classic option.

Same goes for the safe colors in menswear; black and white. Some guys only wear these two colors and that’s their style. No problem with that.

While black and white are great, there’s a world of color in menswear for you to discover.

And in order to truly take your style to the next level, you have to be willing to try new things. [Tweet this]

So let me show you how with these 6 Style Swaps:



Style Swap #1: The Black Suit >> The Navy Suit

suit swap
Saint Laurent Navy Suit: Mr Porter, $2,990

Navy is a color I’d recommend over black most of the time. If you’re getting your first legit suit, you’ll want it to be navy.

At a glance it doesn’t seem like much of a difference, but there are quite a few.

The navy difference:

  • Less stuffy and corporate feeling than black
  • More appropriate for most offices
  • Versatility–you can wear them for more than just funerals and formal gatherings
  • More bang for your buck–a navy suit blends harmoniously with almost every color which means you’ll be wearing it more frequently
  • Pretty much any situation you would pull out a black suit, a navy suit can work better
  • As an aside–after navy, a charcoal gray is a good second suit option

Mid-range:

Premium Navy Suit: Indochino, $419

Napoli Navy Suit: SuitSupply, $499

Navy Wool Suit: Nordstrom, $596.25

Thompson Voyager Dark Navy: J.Crew Factory, $299

Thompson Navy Suit in Worsted Wool: J.Crew Factory, $299

On a budget?

Blue Twill Slim-Fit Suit: Perry Ellis, $90.99

Navy Modern Fit Suit: Combatant Gentleman, $160

Style Swap # 2: Black Silk Tie >> Navy Silk Knit Tie

tie swap
Navy Knit Tie: The Tie Bar, $25.00

Anyone can wear a black tie. It’s a safe pick. A knit tie on the other hand can be a game changer.

Growing up and even as a young adult, I defaulted to standard silk ties. You know, the extra-wide variety that made me look horribly disproportional.

It wasn’t until I purchased my first knit tie on eBay for a few bucks that I really began expand comfort zone.

As they say, the rest is history. These days, when I rock a knit tie, I feel my most stylish.

In favor of the knit tie say aye:

  • Has the luxurious feeling of a silk tie, but it’s inherently more casual, yet can still be worn with a suit
  • Visually arresting–people may ask you about it
  • Versatility
    • Dress it up with a suit
    • Dress it down with jeans
    • Wear it with a button-down
    • Wear it year-round
  • Pairs exceptionally well with a tie clip
  • Super easy to achieve the ever-elusive tie “dimple”

Feeling bolder?

burgundy knit tie

Burgundy, Dotted Knit Tie: Etsy, $15.60

Burgundy is a highly underrated color in menswear. It’s the perfect summer-to-fall transitional color.

The white polka dots add an element of playfulness and pairs easily with many other types of patterns.

The knitted texture is another element that sets this tie apart from the rest. Wear it confidently and feel like the sartorial bad ass that you are.

On a budget?

Solid Knit Ties: eBay, $2.51



Style Swap # 3: Black Shoes >> Brown Lace-ups

dress shoes swap
Park Avenue Cap-Toe Oxfords: Allen Edmonds, $335.75

If there’s one aspect of your style that you want to be on-point, it’s your shoes. One of the first things women notice is a guy’s footwear.

You always want to make a great first impression.

So instead of standard black shoes (if you’re still wearing square-toed shoes, burn them. I kid, but seriously there are much better options) maybe it’s a good time to try on a pair of brown lace-ups for a classy, more versatile, and polished look.

Brown in town? Why yes:

  • Versatility–it’s easier to mix and match outfits with brown
  • Shades on shades–there are a myriad of shades in your arsenal with brown that helps keeps things interesting
    • Chocolate browns
    • Cordovan
    • Chestnut
    • Cognac
  • Visually interesting–you’ll be able to wear it during the day and at night for many more occasions than you would a more formal black pair of shoes
  • You’ll look and feel like a million bucks–your shoes really can make a huge difference

On a budget?

Dark Brown Oxford: Cole Haan, $139.00

British Tan Oxford: Cole Haan, $94.99

Feeling bolder?

brogue oxford

Strand Cap-Toe Oxfords in Walnut: Allen Edmonds, $335.75

The decorative punching on the toes and along the seams are called brogues.

A pair like the Allen Edmonds Strand is more casual than a plain or cap-toe oxford, so you can dress it down with a crisp pair of jeans or chinos and still dress it up with a suit.

It really is the ultimate smart casual shoe that should be the foundation of any stylish man’s shoe collection.

Style Swap # 4: Stone Wash Jeans >> Dark Wash Denim

denim swap
511 Slim Fit Stretch Jeans: Levis, $38.49

You may have a pair or two of faded, stone wash jeans from years ago when they were the latest hot trend.

If you own only one pair of jeans, you want it to be a darker wash. And of course make sure that it fits well.

Dark wash denim—a style staple:

  • Wear it at a more casual office and still look like you mean business
  • Wear it day or night and at the office or at the bar
  • Dark wash denim is versatile:
    • Pair it with a textured henley and light vest on a cool fall day
    • Pair it with a shawl collar sweater for those cold winter months
    • Pair it with a field jacket for a chic yet rugged look
    • Wear it casually with an untucked oxford cloth button-down shirt
    • Wear it with with oxford lace ups, dress boots, desert boots, or loafers
    • Dress it up with a tucked in button-up with a silk knit tie and blazer

Style Swap # 5: Athletic Sneaker >> Gray Canvas Sneaker or Chukka

running shoes swap
Vans Canvas Sneakers: J.Crew, $60.00 | Clarks Chukka Boot: Nordstrom Rack, $69.97

Do you wear athletic, running sneakers all the time because they’re comfortable?

If so, this style sin is killing your game and probably your chance with the ladies too. You might want to try a new casual go-to shoe.

It’s best to leave your running sneakers for the gym. There’s really no reason to wear them with jeans or khakis.

The running sneaker alternatives:

  • The Canvas Sneaker:
    • Casual, comfortable and stylish
    • Gray, beige or navy are neutral colors and will pair with most anything
    • You can play with laces and swap them for leather ones for visual interest
  • The Desert Boot (also called chukkas):
    • Inherently casual, but you can still dress them up
    • You’ll look like you actually give a damn
    • Durable and as comfortable as well

On a budget?

Levis Canvas Sneaker: Amazon, $29.99

Style Swap # 6: Baggy Hoodie >> Thick Shawl Collar Cardigan

sweater swap
Mariner Shawl Collar Cardigan: J.Crew, $89.60

Nothing screams teenager more than a baggy, ill-fitted hoodie, especially if there’s a huge logo printed on the front.

The shawl collar cardigan is a great alternative. It’s comfortable and stylish, will keep you just as warm, but the clear difference is that you will look like a well put-together adult.

Graduate your style with the shawl collar cardigan:

  • It’s a great layering piece:
    • Layer it overtop of a crisp flannel shirt
    • Layer it overtop of a fitted thermal henley
    • Layer it overtop of a button-up and tie combo
    • Wear it under a top coat
  • It’s the most versatile knitwear–feel free to wear it as a jacket
  • It’s the perfect winter sweater because of the thickness

On a budget?

Textured Shawl Collar Cardigan: Kohls, $49.99

Heathered Shawl Collar Cardigan: J.Crew Factory, $44.50



Final thoughts:

By thinking of what you can “swap” when curating your wardrobe and putting your outfits together, you’ll be in a great position to take your style to a level you never thought possible.

This concludes our 3-part series on How to Expand your Style Comfort Zone. I hope this has been as informative for you as it was a joy for me to write.

Which style swap is the most appealing to you? Let me know in the comments below!

LIKE WHAT YOU READ?

Get more posts like this plus style tips & advice delivered straight to your inbox.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

100% privacy. No spam. Unsubscribe at anytime. Powered by ConvertKit

Related


70
Shares

Filed Under: How To, Style Tagged With: Fashion, Fashion Basics, How To, Jeans, Shoes, Style, Style Journey, Style Series, Style Swap, Suits, Ties

About the Author

Khoi left the advertising industry, transitioning into a full-time style blogger. He created Gentleman Within as a way to document his own style journey while helping others along the way. He believes that style is worth caring about, and that through style, men can become their best selves. Connect with him on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Drop a Line! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Some of Our Favorites

Twillory (Shirts & Pants)
Huckberry (Best Brands)
Everlane (Minimal Basics)
Uniqlo (Affordable T-Shirts)
Allbirds (Sustainable Shoes)
Public Rec (Athleisure Wear)
Mott & Bow (Premium Denim)
Todd Snyder (Style Essentials)
Tiege Hanley (Simple Skincare)
Black Lapel (Made-To-Measure)
Greats & Koio (Italian Sneakers)
Style GF (Online Personal Styling)
Amazon Aware (Conscious Clothing)
Prime Wardrobe (Try Before You Buy)
Beckett Simonon (MTO Shoes & Boots)
Ministry of Supply (Workleisure Wear)

POPULAR RIGHT NOW

  • 6 Types of Shoes Every Man Needs (And a Few Nice to Haves)
  • How to Wear White Sneakers 5 Stylish Ways (Fashion Lookbook)
  • 10 Best Colors to Wear for Southeast Asian Skin Tone (Men’s Style Guide)
  • Men’s Summer Fashion: 20 Menswear Essentials (The Style Guide)
  • The Navy Blazer: Men’s Style Essential (How to Wear & Where to Buy)
  • 10 Men’s Dress Shoe Types: Oxfords, Not Brogues (Everything You Need to Know)
  • 10 Proven Techniques for Approaching and Meeting Women in 2022
  • How to Wear A Short Sleeve Button Down Shirt (Styled 5 Ways)
  • 5 Best Jackets To Keep You Looking Stylish (How to Wear & Where to Buy)
  • 5 Men’s Style Trends You Need to Know (& How to Wear ‘Em)

INSTYLEGRAM

Summer jawn. 🌺 Summer jawn. 🌺
4 great blazer fabrics for spring/summer. 4 great blazer fabrics for spring/summer.
Focused. Focused.
Light, tactical layering is key as a slim guy. #g Light, tactical layering is key as a slim guy.

#gentwithin #mnswear #styleoverfashion #mensstyleblogger #spring #styling #casualstyle #asianmenstyle
Load More... Follow Gentleman Within on Instagram

VIỆT. DESIGNER. STYLE BLOGGER.

I left the advertising industry as a creative, transitioning into a full-time style blogger. Now I help regular guys dress better and live with more confidence. Read More…

RECENT

  • 53 Italian Phrases About Love (Romantic Sayings to Melt Her Heart)53 Italian Phrases About Love (Romantic Sayings to Melt Her Heart)
  • 20 Best Jeans Brands for Men in 2020 (Finding the Perfect Fit) | GENTLEMAN WITHIN24 Best Men’s Jeans Brands 2022 (Finding the Perfect Fit)
  • How to Mix & Match Clothing Colors for Men (A Master Class in Styling)The Art of Mix and Matching Clothing Colors for Men (A Stylist Recommends)
  • How to Dress for a Job Interview (What to Wear in 4 Scenarios)What to Wear for a Job Interview (How to Dress in 4 Different Scenarios)
  • Taft Rome Boot Review | GENTLEMAN WITHINTaft Rome Boot Review: Are They Worth All The Hype?
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
☕ You can support the blog by buying me a coffee.

© 2016-2022 Gentleman Within · Home · Start Here · Blog · A Crash Course To Better Style · Lookbook · Manifesto · Live Deals · Support · Contact · Work With Me · Disclosure Policy

 

Loading Comments...