At the same time, those with a great sense of style usually say that you should dress for yourself and to please no one but you.
And the truth of the matter is that you should be able to strike a balance between the two.
Researchers have concluded time and time again that dressing up in a way that makes other people like and trust you will get you a great social standing. Regardless of whether we like it or not, the way we look impacts the way people see us. Therefore, if we want to be seen well, we should look well. A man whose clothes, accessories and grooming are always on point is a man who's in it for the win.
On the other hand, if you feel the need to dress up nicely for personal purposes, this can work sometimes, but in general it's a waste of time. The classic example is of a man who dresses up nicely and puts only his best foot forward to woo a woman only to let himself go once they're in a committed relationship. Tricking someone you are another person on a personal level will not only hurt them in the long run, but it will also hurt you, as you won't gain any type of realness and authenticity in your relation.
Now, dressing up because you want to put your best foot forward and make great impression is another thing. If it comes from within and if you gradually and then eventually let the other person get to know you as the real you (who sometimes likes to dress up to make a good impression), regardless of whether that person is a friend or romantic interest, works. Why not?
Thus, one should always dress for himself first. If you have a dress code at work, you can make it work for you, if there is a dress code at a party, adapt it to your style. Find clothes that fit and work well for you and that express who you truly are.
This will make you more confident and you will feel more in sync with yourself than you would if you were to wear only highly impersonal clothes.
Getting dressed and the simple state of being in clothes should be a cool, relaxing and authentic experience. If it is not, one can look for ways to change it or adapt it so that it suits their style and personality. Sometimes, even the smallest change such as an accessory, more buttons, a different style shoe or anything similar will make you feel better about the way you look and feel.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
Why fashion is important Hopes for fashion 6 men's office fashion tipsP.S. We want to hear from you! How do you strike a balance between getting dressed for yourself and for others? How do you adapt dress codes? What type of clothes do you like to wear? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!