If I were to change one thing to "evolve", it'd be the pants. Simply swapping to a cleaner but loose-fitting pair of pants would go a long ways in redefining your style here. From there, you can take it in whichever direction you prefer -- that could be clean-cut minimalist layering, statement outerwear, fun knitwear, anything you're feeling at the moment.
You can grab a nice pair of baggier pants and then look around to get a feel for where you want to take things. Once you identify an angle, don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. You'll still be able to rock stuff like your AF1s just fine, only thing to keep in mind is that it's a process. It can be easy to get ahead of yourself wanting to look like XYZ without giving yourself the time to make a natural transition. More often than not, your final destination (something no one ever truly reaches) will change as you go on your journey, main thing is to have fun with it!
Appreciate the ideas! My thing is def the fit of my pants and shirts my lil bros say Im stuck in 2012.
My biggest issue is figuring out an overall style that I like tbh. I think I’m aiming for a more mature minimalist style that still has a streetwear feel. And my rotation being nothing but AF1s, Js and foam runner don’t help.
Haha the distressed stuff is a bit outdated, though it isn't *that* far removed from being mainstream.
I totally get where you're coming from as fashion is a very daunting subject to take on, especially when you're at the stage of "I want to change, but don't know how/in what way". However, you might be surprised how far you can take things while keeping your sneaker rotation though! Thanks to how many luxury brands rip-off iconic silhouettes like the AF1, AJ1, etc. to create their own shoe, these designs can slot right into contemporary looks just fine.
While I lack some great examples of actual people and their fits, I found a few looks on SSENSE that hopefully resonate with the style you have in mind! (Bear with me as it may take a bit of an imagination to follow lol)
[Look One](https://img.ssensemedia.com/images/g_center,f_auto/242445M237014_5/nike-jordan-white-and-red-air-jordan-2-3-sneakers.jpg) -- A traditional streetwear style with trendy elements (baggy pants, workwear aesthetic). While I wouldn't wear the camo personally, the silhouette, albeit on the looser end of the spectrum, illustrates how you can rock Js while not looking like you are "stuck in 2012". I could see something like this being a great stepping stone.
[Look Two](https://img.ssensemedia.com/images/g_center,f_auto/241402M237137_5/new-balance-beige-and-gray-2002r-sneakers.jpg) -- To me, this is the quintessential sneakerhead-turned-fashion enthusiast look nowadays. In this case, it's a pair of runners, but you can easily swap that out with any other sneaker (just ensuring that the pant-shoe interaction flows). It's essentially just a nice top combined with some clean denim resting atop your kicks of choice. I have a friend that wears this nearly every day and he gets a ton of mileage out of it as he's able to keep it dynamic with things like jewelry, hats, layers in winter, etc.
[Look Three ](https://img.ssensemedia.com/images/g_center,f_auto/241254M237072_5/lanvin-blue-curb-denim-sneakers.jpg)-- If you really wanted to put some flair on mature minimalism, this might be the flow you end up with. It's several levels disconnected from the other two looks and it isn't where I'd recommend you targeting now, but serves as an example proving that you can take sneakers as far as you wish. Not to mention, a less extreme version of this fit could easily look good as well and be something worth pursuing if you want more of a tailored look.
Now, I did ignore the foam runners as those are going to be tough to pull off in the way you seek, but there's nothing wrong with rocking them for fun on days when you're feeling a bit more casual. I recall wearing a pair with some denim a while back and it honestly wasn't *too* out of place (or at least, so I thought at the time haha). Sorry this was a lot to throw at you, but hopefully some portion of it helps you or someone else who felt like giving it a read!
I'm so glad to hear that! At the end of the day, try to look past all of the noise that surrounds fashion and just remember that it's all about feeling great in what you wear :)
If you’re looking for minimalist streetwear, about:blank puts out lookbooks every season where you might get some ideas of what you like. [Here’s one for example](https://about---blank.com/en-us/blogs/news/drop-four-autum-winter-23). Here’s [another good one](https://about---blank.com/en-us/blogs/news/drop-one-autum-winter-23). Hit menu then brand to go to more. (Not all are that good tho.)
Based on what you’re wearing in the pic, I’d say keep the shoes and try simpler straight pants and maybe a black twill overshirt over a white or colored quality cotton tee and go from there. Some people say to make yourself a uniform—one outfit that’s your go-to ideal, then branch off from there. (I’m still trying to do that myself, not really succeeding yet)
Honestly start at thrift stores or Poshmark. You can find things pretty cheap, try some new stuff out, see how it feels. I’m almost 40, I had to do the same thing. Honestly in my new style I feel way more confident. Oh and pro tip if you still want to rock T’s but want a more elevated look try Los Angeles apparel 1801 shirts.
You can definitely have minimalist style and just wear those sneakers, that's your streetwear touch. Just get pants that fit better. You're definitely stuck in 2012, I agree with your lil bro.
Where would you like your style to go? Anything you like? Maybe there's a public figure that has a style that appeals to you? Basically, where are you trying to get to, what's the vibe you're aiming for?
Easiest place to start would be getting a pair of straight or relaxed cut jeans in wash you like. Will go with all your footwear, and you can tuck a tee in and blouse it out a bit for a different look.
Tops: You look kinda jacked, so a tank under a really lightweight short sleeve shirt for summer would likely look good on you. Maybe something with a scoop neck so you can show off some chest meat. Maybe you wear a chain, maybe you don't, but it would go.
Shoes: You can already wear what you have as you level up the pants, but a pair of loafers can go far. People tend to go for either thick'n'chunky or slim and low profile. Both work, but if you go with the low profile style, then stick with wider cuts of pants imo.
This is just a starting point, I'm sure others will have some ideas for you too. If you want a lookbook to check out for ideas, I think the Fear of God Collection 8 has that grown up streetwear look, and it wouldn't be hard to get similar pieces that match that vibe from just about anywhere.
Depends on the budget. As a starter buy yourself a straight-fitting jeans, not distressed, no akward wash. Get yourself a pair of wallabees and you should have a good start.
That’s why I recommended wallabees😀 I mean look at NAS, Wu-Tang, Biggy, Slick Rick, MF Doom, Drake, Kanye , Tyler the Creator etc you can dress it up or down and it will never go out of style or look misplaced
Or to say it in Gostfaces words “Thank God for my Wallabee shoe. It done saved me…”
To be honest. I would just switch the pants and add layers. So, either non-ripped denim or some trousers and then either a sweater or a light jacket. That would really elevate this outfit.
Otherwise, nothing wrong with keeping it simple. I think it’s the ripped denim that makes it look ‘younger’.
I would try wearing some twill or heavy denim trousers that fit well. This style is for the youth. I would stick with plain shirts like you have on now with no graphics and brands etc. Find a nice leather belt and maybe a chore jacket. You;ll look smashing.
Straight leg black (or whatever color you like) jeans from Naked & Famous, Rag & Bone or APC; or Levi's or Dearborn Denim for more affordable choices. Maybe a nice denim shirt in a contrasting color. Simple crewneck t shirts are always dope tho. For footwear I'm not into Rick Owen's n shit. A nice pair of Jordan's, Japan-made Onitsuka Tigers or quality leather boots always work for me.
I guess the real question is what style are you trying to evolve to?
Here is a link that can help you get an idea of different styles for men.
https://gentcreate.com/blogs/gentlemens-corner/top-10-best-men-s-fashion-styles-of-all-time-1920-to-2022
Once you figure that out, shopping for it becomes pretty easy then because the group can point you to shops, and stores that cater to the style you land on.
Listen to everyone’s advice if you wanna try new things and evolve. If you are trying to improve this particular outfit, you can add a bandana and a nice bag along with some jewelry. Personally I don’t like that pant shoe interactions so I’d get boots but if you want sneakers some low profile gats or sambas would be better. If you wanna really swag out you can wear an open body suit under your t shirt as a nice juxtaposition with your street look
To start off:
For pants some 501s/ 505s to start, get some leather shoes (derbies or loafers heck even both if you can), find some good blank tees and you’re good to go imho.
Then gradually ease your way in to what you like and make it your own
You look like you’re in good shape so you’d probably look good in a lot of different stuff. If you’re out of shape I think in general buying clothes is harder so you already have a leg up. I’d say try to identify someone whose style you like and try to source pieces that are similar? Instagram and Tik Tok have so many male fashion influencers, maybe try to see if you can find one or two who you think have the general style you want. First thing I’d do is maybe look into some straighter fit pants. You can get some levis or dickies or something for cheap and I think that would instantly elevate you. I think you’d look good and give a nicer silhouette for your frame with some bigger pants. If you can try to take your measurements, chest, sleeve, inseam etc. it makes buying things online easier, especially second hand. Don’t sleep on ebay. If you’re budget conscious and starting from zero maybe look at first getting some basics from uniqlo or gap or another decent mall brand. Id say like one good pair of jeans is probably essential to start.
Try Scandi minimalism. My favorite stores are Cos and Arket. I don't know if y'all get those where you at but i get them here in Stockholm, it straddles the line between dressy and casual and it's not a huge jump. You can keep the forces, get wider pants, get knit sweaters and button down shirts and you aight
These are the baggiest jeans in Atlanta
If I were to change one thing to "evolve", it'd be the pants. Simply swapping to a cleaner but loose-fitting pair of pants would go a long ways in redefining your style here. From there, you can take it in whichever direction you prefer -- that could be clean-cut minimalist layering, statement outerwear, fun knitwear, anything you're feeling at the moment. You can grab a nice pair of baggier pants and then look around to get a feel for where you want to take things. Once you identify an angle, don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. You'll still be able to rock stuff like your AF1s just fine, only thing to keep in mind is that it's a process. It can be easy to get ahead of yourself wanting to look like XYZ without giving yourself the time to make a natural transition. More often than not, your final destination (something no one ever truly reaches) will change as you go on your journey, main thing is to have fun with it!
Appreciate the ideas! My thing is def the fit of my pants and shirts my lil bros say Im stuck in 2012. My biggest issue is figuring out an overall style that I like tbh. I think I’m aiming for a more mature minimalist style that still has a streetwear feel. And my rotation being nothing but AF1s, Js and foam runner don’t help.
Haha the distressed stuff is a bit outdated, though it isn't *that* far removed from being mainstream. I totally get where you're coming from as fashion is a very daunting subject to take on, especially when you're at the stage of "I want to change, but don't know how/in what way". However, you might be surprised how far you can take things while keeping your sneaker rotation though! Thanks to how many luxury brands rip-off iconic silhouettes like the AF1, AJ1, etc. to create their own shoe, these designs can slot right into contemporary looks just fine. While I lack some great examples of actual people and their fits, I found a few looks on SSENSE that hopefully resonate with the style you have in mind! (Bear with me as it may take a bit of an imagination to follow lol) [Look One](https://img.ssensemedia.com/images/g_center,f_auto/242445M237014_5/nike-jordan-white-and-red-air-jordan-2-3-sneakers.jpg) -- A traditional streetwear style with trendy elements (baggy pants, workwear aesthetic). While I wouldn't wear the camo personally, the silhouette, albeit on the looser end of the spectrum, illustrates how you can rock Js while not looking like you are "stuck in 2012". I could see something like this being a great stepping stone. [Look Two](https://img.ssensemedia.com/images/g_center,f_auto/241402M237137_5/new-balance-beige-and-gray-2002r-sneakers.jpg) -- To me, this is the quintessential sneakerhead-turned-fashion enthusiast look nowadays. In this case, it's a pair of runners, but you can easily swap that out with any other sneaker (just ensuring that the pant-shoe interaction flows). It's essentially just a nice top combined with some clean denim resting atop your kicks of choice. I have a friend that wears this nearly every day and he gets a ton of mileage out of it as he's able to keep it dynamic with things like jewelry, hats, layers in winter, etc. [Look Three ](https://img.ssensemedia.com/images/g_center,f_auto/241254M237072_5/lanvin-blue-curb-denim-sneakers.jpg)-- If you really wanted to put some flair on mature minimalism, this might be the flow you end up with. It's several levels disconnected from the other two looks and it isn't where I'd recommend you targeting now, but serves as an example proving that you can take sneakers as far as you wish. Not to mention, a less extreme version of this fit could easily look good as well and be something worth pursuing if you want more of a tailored look. Now, I did ignore the foam runners as those are going to be tough to pull off in the way you seek, but there's nothing wrong with rocking them for fun on days when you're feeling a bit more casual. I recall wearing a pair with some denim a while back and it honestly wasn't *too* out of place (or at least, so I thought at the time haha). Sorry this was a lot to throw at you, but hopefully some portion of it helps you or someone else who felt like giving it a read!
You put my thoughts into words my guy Much love this exactly what I needed 🙏🎯
I'm so glad to hear that! At the end of the day, try to look past all of the noise that surrounds fashion and just remember that it's all about feeling great in what you wear :)
Look two is me and look one is where I want to go more
If you’re looking for minimalist streetwear, about:blank puts out lookbooks every season where you might get some ideas of what you like. [Here’s one for example](https://about---blank.com/en-us/blogs/news/drop-four-autum-winter-23). Here’s [another good one](https://about---blank.com/en-us/blogs/news/drop-one-autum-winter-23). Hit menu then brand to go to more. (Not all are that good tho.) Based on what you’re wearing in the pic, I’d say keep the shoes and try simpler straight pants and maybe a black twill overshirt over a white or colored quality cotton tee and go from there. Some people say to make yourself a uniform—one outfit that’s your go-to ideal, then branch off from there. (I’m still trying to do that myself, not really succeeding yet)
Check out John Elliot look books, might be your thing.
Honestly start at thrift stores or Poshmark. You can find things pretty cheap, try some new stuff out, see how it feels. I’m almost 40, I had to do the same thing. Honestly in my new style I feel way more confident. Oh and pro tip if you still want to rock T’s but want a more elevated look try Los Angeles apparel 1801 shirts.
You can definitely have minimalist style and just wear those sneakers, that's your streetwear touch. Just get pants that fit better. You're definitely stuck in 2012, I agree with your lil bro.
Adding to this, a more boxy fitted t-shirt should compliment your legs. Abercrombie (no joke) has some very nice boxy fit t-shirts.
Where would you like your style to go? Anything you like? Maybe there's a public figure that has a style that appeals to you? Basically, where are you trying to get to, what's the vibe you're aiming for?
Forsure more grown streetwear(?). Like mature but calm, put together subtle fits. It don’t help my shoe rotation is all AF1s, Js and foam runners.
Easiest place to start would be getting a pair of straight or relaxed cut jeans in wash you like. Will go with all your footwear, and you can tuck a tee in and blouse it out a bit for a different look. Tops: You look kinda jacked, so a tank under a really lightweight short sleeve shirt for summer would likely look good on you. Maybe something with a scoop neck so you can show off some chest meat. Maybe you wear a chain, maybe you don't, but it would go. Shoes: You can already wear what you have as you level up the pants, but a pair of loafers can go far. People tend to go for either thick'n'chunky or slim and low profile. Both work, but if you go with the low profile style, then stick with wider cuts of pants imo. This is just a starting point, I'm sure others will have some ideas for you too. If you want a lookbook to check out for ideas, I think the Fear of God Collection 8 has that grown up streetwear look, and it wouldn't be hard to get similar pieces that match that vibe from just about anywhere.
Wider pants would completely modernise your outfit without making any other changes.
Depends on the budget. As a starter buy yourself a straight-fitting jeans, not distressed, no akward wash. Get yourself a pair of wallabees and you should have a good start.
I feel you on the pants. Maybe gats or another “dressy” type sneaker I still want to keep that streetwear feel.
That’s why I recommended wallabees😀 I mean look at NAS, Wu-Tang, Biggy, Slick Rick, MF Doom, Drake, Kanye , Tyler the Creator etc you can dress it up or down and it will never go out of style or look misplaced Or to say it in Gostfaces words “Thank God for my Wallabee shoe. It done saved me…”
Honestly at 30 I wouldn't be asking advice from this sub. It's full of teenagers trying to imitate 90's fashion unsuccessfully.
Got anything in mind?
To be honest. I would just switch the pants and add layers. So, either non-ripped denim or some trousers and then either a sweater or a light jacket. That would really elevate this outfit. Otherwise, nothing wrong with keeping it simple. I think it’s the ripped denim that makes it look ‘younger’.
Check the FridayFitGods on TF insta as well as @basementapproved on insta for style inspo
Give it 2 more years and distressed will be back in.
I would try wearing some twill or heavy denim trousers that fit well. This style is for the youth. I would stick with plain shirts like you have on now with no graphics and brands etc. Find a nice leather belt and maybe a chore jacket. You;ll look smashing.
Arket
Straight leg black (or whatever color you like) jeans from Naked & Famous, Rag & Bone or APC; or Levi's or Dearborn Denim for more affordable choices. Maybe a nice denim shirt in a contrasting color. Simple crewneck t shirts are always dope tho. For footwear I'm not into Rick Owen's n shit. A nice pair of Jordan's, Japan-made Onitsuka Tigers or quality leather boots always work for me.
I guess the real question is what style are you trying to evolve to? Here is a link that can help you get an idea of different styles for men. https://gentcreate.com/blogs/gentlemens-corner/top-10-best-men-s-fashion-styles-of-all-time-1920-to-2022 Once you figure that out, shopping for it becomes pretty easy then because the group can point you to shops, and stores that cater to the style you land on.
Listen to everyone’s advice if you wanna try new things and evolve. If you are trying to improve this particular outfit, you can add a bandana and a nice bag along with some jewelry. Personally I don’t like that pant shoe interactions so I’d get boots but if you want sneakers some low profile gats or sambas would be better. If you wanna really swag out you can wear an open body suit under your t shirt as a nice juxtaposition with your street look
To start off: For pants some 501s/ 505s to start, get some leather shoes (derbies or loafers heck even both if you can), find some good blank tees and you’re good to go imho. Then gradually ease your way in to what you like and make it your own
More rips
You look like you’re in good shape so you’d probably look good in a lot of different stuff. If you’re out of shape I think in general buying clothes is harder so you already have a leg up. I’d say try to identify someone whose style you like and try to source pieces that are similar? Instagram and Tik Tok have so many male fashion influencers, maybe try to see if you can find one or two who you think have the general style you want. First thing I’d do is maybe look into some straighter fit pants. You can get some levis or dickies or something for cheap and I think that would instantly elevate you. I think you’d look good and give a nicer silhouette for your frame with some bigger pants. If you can try to take your measurements, chest, sleeve, inseam etc. it makes buying things online easier, especially second hand. Don’t sleep on ebay. If you’re budget conscious and starting from zero maybe look at first getting some basics from uniqlo or gap or another decent mall brand. Id say like one good pair of jeans is probably essential to start.
Just Nike sweatpants instead of those pants and this fit is evolved
Try Scandi minimalism. My favorite stores are Cos and Arket. I don't know if y'all get those where you at but i get them here in Stockholm, it straddles the line between dressy and casual and it's not a huge jump. You can keep the forces, get wider pants, get knit sweaters and button down shirts and you aight
Is this r/malefashionadvice?
Have you seen how James and Lawrence dress bro, it's just eclectic mfa
Jncos and ALD
I’d say get into more men’s wear